No. 11 Florida is back in action on Saturday and the Gators Territory crew gives their predictions for the game against Missouri:
COREY BENDER: After giving up over 400 yards and 36 points,Todd Grantham's defense certainly had their hiccups against Georgia a week ago, but I expect them to get after Drew Lock in hopes of forcing a couple of turnovers as well.
Lock, a potential first-round pick, will likely get his fair share by throwing for plenty of yards, but the Gators are still top 20 in both passing defense and scoring defense. QB Feleipe Franks is also coming off a poor performance, recording two of the team's three turnovers in Jacksonville, but continues to grow and is having a decent season under Dan Mullen.I think the difference here is UF's defense. The players from last year's loss still have a bad taste in their mouth as well, so there are a few motivating factors in favor of the Gators. FINAL SCORE: Florida 31 Missouri 21
JACQUIE FRANCIULLI: Florida's offense had a setback last weekend in its loss to Georgia, however, I think Feleipe Franks and company can take advantage of Missouri's secondary. Meanwhile, I think the Gators' defense have enough playmakers to force a few turnovers.
Yes, Drew Lock may put up some high numbers but I expect one of those high numbers will be turnovers. FINAL SCORE: Florida 31 Missouri 19
MICHAEL PHILLIPS: I think this game can be scary for the Gators. The matchup that everybody is concerned about s Florida’s secondary against Drew Lock and Missouri’s receivers.
But outside of a depleted secondary, the Gators hold the edge. I see this game being high scoring by both sides, but in the end, Florida has too much for Missouri’s offense to overcome. FINAL SCORE: Florida 38 Missouri 28.
MICHAEL KNAUFF: Florida has a lot going for them this week against Missouri but just enough going against them to make this week interesting.
Last week against Georgia the nation's number two passing defense was ripped to pieces after corner C.J. Henderson went out of the ball game. His services will be greatly needed going against Missouri quarterback Drew Lock this week, who's arguably the best quarterback in the SEC East.
The key for the Gators will be getting a pass rush. It was virtually non-existent against UGA and has to show up this week. Lock has been known to get rattled under pressure and if the Florida front-four can get in his face, he'll force some throws. On offense, it's the same mantra as every other week, run the ball. Establish the ground game, eat clock and keep Lock off the field and this should be a win for the Gators on homecoming. FINAL SCORE: Florida 30 Missouri 21
