Sports editor of The Independent Florida Alligator
Florida isn’t quite back, but Ole Miss may already be “there.”
“There” meaning a team capable of competing for a national championship and arguably the most talented team in the Southeastern Conference.
Ole Miss’ defense features a vaunted pass rush and a tough secondary that could expose UF redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier. Florida’s offensive line made huge strides in the team’s 28-27 comeback victory against Tennessee, but the Gators face their biggest test yet with Robert Nkemdiche coming to Gainesville. If UF can run the ball effectively to open up the pass game, the Gators could score points to keep up with the Rebels’ high-powered offense. Florida needs Kelvin Taylor to keep hitting the holes he’s seen all season, but the Gators must integrate freshmen tandem Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite into the rotation.
Wide receiver Brandon Powell has been the unsung hero of the Gator offense, making plays away from the ball that lead to big plays. The sophomore, who converted from running back before the season, threw a crucial block on three Tennessee defenders that allowed freshman Antonio Callaway to sprint into the end zone for the game winning touchdown. If Florida doesn’t shut down the Rebel offense, the Gators will be blown out of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Much has been made of Florida’s loss to the Rebels in 2008: it sparked an unprecedented UF run to a national championship. As it stands, the Rebels are the highest ranked team the Gators will face all season, and UF is expecting as much. If Ole Miss comes out lackadaisical, the Gators could capitalize.
I expect the Rebels to continue their scoring barrage, even on Florida’s talented defensive backfield, and win the game by more than a touchdown.
Prediction: Ole Miss 28, Florida 17
Dylan Rubino
Sports editor of The Daily Mississippian
The Ole Miss fan base remembers the last time the Rebels went to Gainesville.
It was 2008, and the Rebels pulled off the shocking upset over the eventual national champion Florida Gators 31-30.
That game is now in the distant past and the roles have reversed. The Rebels are on top of the world at third in the country playing against a hungry Gator team looking to make a statement at home.
The Gators being ranked 25th in the country is no fluke. Florida made a strong statement at home last Saturday when they came back and defeated Tennessee 28-27 in the final minute.
They’ll have to improve on offense if they want to upset Ole Miss at home this Saturday. The offensive line for the Gators is inexperienced and could make some mistakes against the deep and talented Rebel defensive line. Robert Nkemdiche could make another big statement on the road in the national spotlight. Behind the young offensive line is a young quarterback in freshman Will Grier. Grier struggled at times against Tennessee but led the team to victory, going 23-42, passing for 283 yards with two touchdowns and one pick. Grier has been known to turn the ball over, so the secondary could create some turnovers early.
The matchup that concerns Ole Miss is Florida’s defense against the Rebel offense. The Gator defense is led by junior All-American corner Vernon Hargreaves III. The Ole Miss offense could attack him by matching him with a bigger receiver like Laquon Treadwell or Damore’ea Stringfellow to take advantage of the 5-foot-11-inch Hargreaves. The front seven for Florida is nothing to play with either.
The atmosphere of the Swamp will be nothing new for the Rebels and won’t intimidate them. The Florida fans will be fired up, but so will the Rebels after their lackluster performance last week against Vanderbilt.
Prediction: Ole Miss 35, Florida 21
