To get a better perspective on the Florida Gators ahead of Saturday's matchup between No. 3 LSU and Florida, we went behind enemy lines to hear from Benjamin Henderson, site expert for the Florida site Hail Florida Hail. Benjamin shares his thoughts on Florida's mentality, the Gator running game, DJ Lagway, and gives a score prediction.
Death Valley Voice: Following the loss to USF, Brian Kelly said that he expects the Gators to bring their absolute best football. Do you agree, or do you think all the chaos surrounding Billy Napier will lead to distractions?
Henderson: The Billy Napier Era has been defined by inconsistency. He will have these monster wins and follow them up with soul crushing losses. Likewise, he has had this way of taking brutal losses and coming back the next week and winning. Remember last year before Florida beat LSU, they played as non-competitive game of a game as a team could have played against Texas. So I think Florida will come out competitive, but whether that's good enough is a whole different story.
Death Valley Voice: Who is an under-the-radar player that LSU fans need to be on the lookout for?
Henderson: I don't know if he counts as under-the-radar after his week one catch against LIU, but considering all the preseason hype was around wide receiver Dallas Wilson, it's been fellow freshman Vernell Brown III who has by far been Florida's most explosive receiver. But Brown III was rated higher than Wilson coming out of high school and he has also looked electric back on punt return.
Death Valley Voice: What can LSU fans expect from Florida's running game?
Henderson: What's funny is the discussion coming into the year was how deep the running back room for the Gators. But in reality through two games, Jaden Baugh needs to be the bellcow that gets the bulk of the carries. Part of the problem that USF exposed is when Florida's passing game doesn't beat you deep, teams can just load up in the box and make life hell trying to run the ball.
Death Valley Voice: DJ Lagway appears to have all the talent in the world, but has struggled with consistency. What does he need to correct in order to put together a strong effort against LSU?
Henderson: Well it turns out that missing the entire offseason with a shoulder and calf issue has consequences. Lagway didn't participate in the spring game and didn't participate in either scrimmage the Gators had and it shows. The part that is most notable is his footwork is a shell of what we saw last year. Last season he would be set and drive through throws, whereas this year his feet aren't getting set and he is fading away from throws.
Death Valley Voice: The Tigers and Gators have played some wild games in recent years. What is your score prediction?
Henderson: Given that LSU's offense has had some of its own issues, and Florida's defense has actually played well in the first two games, there is a pathway for this game to be a rock fight. This game might literally be a first to 17 points type of game, which would keep Florida hanging around for a while. And there is a pathway for Lagway to fix a couple of things and for Vernell Brown III to hit a big punt return to make things interesting. But the offensive line for the Gators has also been a problem and Florida is near the bottom of the country in taking tackles for a loss, and that's after opening against LIU. Given the history, Florida is going to have a shot. But unless Napier becomes a wizard this week, I'm going with LSU 17 Florida 10.
The Tigers and Gators are set for battle this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC. For more on the Florida Gators, be sure to check out Hail Florida Hail.