Florida-LSU: Can The Gators Get It Done At Home As Tom Petty Looks On?

The annual contest between Florida and LSU has become a yearly thesis in physicality and performance. One of the nations most underappreciated rivalries the game has had national championship implications as well as its share of interesting circumstances.

By LOREN MEADOWS

GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst

The annual contest between Florida and LSU has become a yearly thesis in physicality and performance. One of the nation's most under-appreciated rivalries has had national championship implications as well as its share of interesting circumstances. From jump passes, missed extra points, pass interference no calls, and thrown shoes, Florida and LSU fans can look at the last 12 years of this rivalry and pinpoint what happened and who it happened to.

This year both teams enter still unsure of who they are as a football team. Florida muscled its way to must-win at home against Missouri while LSU was embarrassed as it failed to keep the boulder from tumbling on them from Old Rocky Top.

While this game does not quite have the national importance as games in the past, it represents sort of a crossroads as both programs would love to possess the 364 days of bragging rights that comes with a victory which often leads to recruiting wins as well. The Florida players may also find slight motivation in the fact that the coach who will lead them into battle was passed over by LSU, even though he was perhaps the best and most logical choice. While none of that will matter Saturday night, this is a game that both programs want, but more importantly, need to deem the season a success.

LSU Offense: Saturday night LSU will start a different combination on the offensive line for the seventh week. LSU did receive good news as freshman Will Campbell (#66, 6-6, 325) will return from a dehydration-related episode to his left tackle spot on Saturday. Campbell has been a bright spot for an LSU offensive line that has struggled with injuries inconsistent play. Campbell will be tasked with keeping quarterback Jayden Daniels (#5, 6-3, 200) away from an improving Gators pass rush. Daniels who transferred from Arizona State this offseason has been more effective as a runner than a passer during his short time at LSU. Daniels leads the team in rushing with 359 yards on 76 carries. In the passing game he has a pedestrian seven touchdown passes but did not throw an interception until last week’s game against Tennessee. Accuracy has been an issue at time as well. LSU averages 172.5 yards rushing per game and similar to the Gators have leaned on a 3-man rotation in the backfield. Josh Williams (#27, 5-9, 200), Noah Cain (#21, 5-11, 226) and John Emery Jr. (#4, 5-11, 220) make up the bulk of the rushing attack behind Daniels. Emery Jr., who missed all of 2021 with academic issues, was the team’s second leading rusher in 2020. Noah Cain is a tough runner who specializes in yards after contact. Williams is a former walk-on scout player who has worked his way into the running back rotation.

Wide receiver may be the deepest position for LSU offensively. However, the group has struggled with drops in key situations. LSU has six receivers with at least 10 receptions highlighted by two receivers that have had success in the past against Florida. Kayshon Boutte (#7, 6-0, 205), who has started slow this season was very effective versus a good Florida secondary in 2020. Jaray Jenkins (#10, 6-2, 200) led all LSU receivers in last year’s game with four catches for 50 yards and three touchdowns. To begin this year Malik Nabers (#8, 6-0, 195) who was All-SEC Freshman team in 2021 has been the preferred target for Daniels with 28 catches.

LSU averages 428 yards per game offensively but only averaged 348 yards against Power 5 opponents Florida’s State, Mississippi State, Auburn, and Tennessee. The challenges have been effectively running the ball and driving the ball down the field. Brian Kelly is not necessarily pleased with the fact Daniels has only thrown one interception as it points to his inability or desire to take risks that result in big plays. Florida has played soft in coverage at times to cover for an inconsistent pass rush. This trend will probably continue to as Florida will want to keep an eye on Daniels who is a threat to leave the pocket as opposed to hanging in an going through his progressions. While LSU has been inconsistent on the ground, the 321 yards levied on the Gators last season is still fresh on many of the defenders who were part of the contest a year ago. The Gators however have the luxury of a more disciplined system as well as the presence of potential All-American Ventrell Miller (who missed last season’s game) and an improving Amari Burney to defend the counter schemes LSU will be certain to employ.

Ventrell Miller (51) will look to keep Jayden Daniels and the LSU offense boxed in Saturday Night (Chris Spears photo)

LSU Defense: While not dominant, the LSU defense still features players that represent some of the best talent in the SEC. LSU defensive coordinator Matt House utilizes a pro style defense from the Kansas City Chiefs that is built on a stout defensive front and varied concepts in the secondary. Ironically, LSU who likes to also describe itself as “DBU” has utilized an entirely retooled secondary with four starters coming via the transfer portal. The best of the LSU defenders is outside linebacker/end BJ Ojulari (#18, 6-3, 250). Twice the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Ojulari leads the team with 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Linebackers Greg Penn III (#30, 6-2, 238) and Micah Baskerville (#23, 6-1, 228) have also had success at times in House’s defense. Baskerville leads the team in tackles (30) while Penn is an every down linebacker with good lateral speed. The retooled secondary is led by safety Jay Ward (#5, 6-2, 188), along with transfers Greg Brooks Jr. (#3, 5-10, 187) and Jarrick Bernard-Converse (#24, 6-1, 205). Ward can play corner, safety, and nickel back and had the wacky interception of Kyle Trask in the 2020 game at the Swamp. Brooks Jr. (Arkansas) and Bernard-Converse (Oklahoma State) bring big game experience to the group with Bernard-Converse starting 47 consecutive games for the Pokes in the Big 12. The wild card could be true freshman Harold Perkins (#40, 6-2, 220) who is fifth on the team in tackles as a key reserve.

The LSU defense will be tasked with stopping the running game and containing a quarterback as equally gifted outside the pocket. LSU has struggled at times but still rank in top half against both the pass and the run. This could possibly the most physical defense the Gators have faced this season at all three levels. However, struggles to get key stops against Florida State and a total breakdown at home against Tennessee will have the LSU defense looking to regroup against an up and down Florida offense. Florida will look to run the ball effectively and hit the “gifts” in the passing game. Look for LSU to use a “spy” to discourage Richardson to leave the pocket and become a traditional passer.

Anthony Richardson will be the primary focus for the LSU defense (Loren Meadows photo)

The Skinny: Florida-LSU probably the most hotly contested of the yearly crossover contest in the SEC. The fan bases have no love for one another, and the players surely feel the same why. Billy Napier and Brian Kelly have done their best to keep things in perspective as new players in the saga. The fan bases know what is at stake. The winner moves one step closer to bowl eligibility, gains a leg up in recruiting, and let’s face it, plain old bragging rights.

Many Tiger fans will make the trip from Baton Rough to The Swamp for Tom Petty Night. While others will stay away as they know the The Swamp will be unkind. To the purple and gold this weekend. The Jump Pass, The Hurricane Goal Line Stand, The Shoe and The Counter, are just some of the storylines that make this year and every matchup before and after exciting. Throw in the fact that two key Florida staffers cut their teeth at LSU at one time. This will not be the sharpest game by either team, but it will be physical. Who flinches first will be the deciding factor. The Florida Game Changers decide this one and the Gators end a 3-game losing streak.

Prediction: Florida 23 LSU 17