Florida vs. Missouri Prediction, Game Preview
Florida vs. Missouri prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Gators and Tigers.
Florida vs. Missouri prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Gators and Tigers.
Florida vs. Missouri Game Preview
When: Saturday, October 15 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
TV Broadcast: SEC Network
Both Florida and Missouri are coming off a bye week, as the Gators’ game against LSU was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew while this past Saturday was a scheduled off week for Missouri. The Gators will get back the services of starting quarterback Luke Del Rio who has been out with a knee injury since September 17. Meanwhile, the Tigers will look to respond after a 42-7 blowout loss to LSU two weeks ago in Baton Rouge.
What To Know About Florida
With the return of Del Rio under center, can the offense get going again? Since the first half against Tennessee, it offense has struggled mightily. Del Rio’s return should put some fire into the offense, while running backs Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine must do more for the Gators to start moving the chains.
The defense is loaded in the secondary, with the duo of Jalen Tabor and Marcus Maye, not to mention Quincy Wilson, making it difficult for opposing quarterback to find any open spots downfield.
What to Know About Missouri
Quarterback Drew Lock has been better than most people thought this season, but the offense was shut down by LSU in the 42-7 loss two Saturdays ago. The running game didn’t help Lock at all, gaining only 77 yards on the ground. The Tigers must keep the offense balanced to be successful against a Florida defense that can pressure the quarterback the entire game.
The defense is coming off an embarrassing effort, allowing 634 yards to an LSU offense that had been lifeless all season long. Slowing down the Gators will require creating chaos in the backfield and not allowing Del Rio time to find his talented group of young receivers.
Advantages
Offense: Tie. If Del Rio returns to form, the Gators could be a threat on offense again.
Defense: Florida. The defense will be well rested with the bye week and ready to avenge themselves after giving up 38 points to Tennessee.
Special Teams: Tie. Both teams are less than mediocre on kickoff returns.
Coaching: Florida. Thanks to the uncertainty surrounding the LSU game, Jim McElwain could be in the driver’s seat for a second straight SEC East title after this weekend.
Intangibles: Florida. With the unexpected off week, the Gators will come out ready to fire on all cylinders in front of their home crowd.
Matchup To Watch
Drew Lock vs. Florida secondary
The Gators have possibly three first-round picks playing in their secondary right now. Can Lock find the open spots?
Florida vs. Missouri Betting Odds
Spread: Florida -14
Over/Under: No over/under as of post
Florida vs. Missouri Prediction
Del Rio’s return will give the Gators a boost, and the two teams will be well rested after bye weeks. The difference in this game will be Florida’s defense, which should be ready to put on a show against Missouri’s pass-happy offense. The Swamp will be loud, Lock will turn the ball over a couple of times, and Florida responds with a win.
Florida vs. Missouri Score Prediction: Florida 31, Missouri 14
