Florida vs. North Texas Prediction, Game Preview
Florida vs. North Texas prediction and game preview. The Gators welcome the Mean Green into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday night.
Florida vs. North Texas prediction and game preview. The Gators welcome the Mean Green into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday night.
Florida vs. North Texas Game Preview
When: Saturday, September 17 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Florida’s offense finally showed its potential in a 45-7 rout of Kentucky this past Saturday, with quarterback Luke Del Rio throwing for 320 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. The defense held the Wildcats to 55 yards passing and seemed to have the Kentucky playbook as the Gators swarmed mercilessly.
North Texas got its first victory off the season in Week 2, as the running back duo of Willy Ivery and Jeffrey Wilson combined for 186 yards and three touchdowns in the 41-20 victory over Bethune-Cookman.
What To Know About Florida
Now that was more like it, Gators. Following the dismal display on offense during the second half of last season, the Florida faithful have been waiting for a breakout performance, and it finally showed up. Wide receiver Antonio Callaway is a major threat down the field, while running back Lamical Perine added an offensive balance that bulldozed Kentucky for 564 yards.
The Florida defense has never been a question, and once again showed why it’s one of the best against Kentucky. The Gators held the Wildcats to just 149 total yards. The cornerback duo of Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson might be the best in the nation, and will dare the Mean Green to throw their way.
What to Know About North Texas
For the Mean Green to be successful against the Florida defense, they will have to run the ball effectively. Quarterback Mason Fine is, well, fine, but the real strength of North Texas is running the ball with Ivery and Wilson. If North Texas gets into third-and-long situations too often, it could be a long day for the offense.
Linebackers Cortney Finney and Fred Scott lead the team with 11 total tackles apiece through the first two games. Fellow linebacker Joshua Wheeler and defensive back Keshawn McClain have recorded 10 tackles each. They’ll all need to contribute at an extremely high level to bottle of a Florida offense that’s developing into a proficient attack both on the ground and through the air, and has shown an ability to hit the home run.
Advantages
Offense: Florida. If the offense that showed up against Kentucky is here to stay, the Gators will be difficult to beat.
Defense: Florida. Teams are going to have an extremely tough time throwing the ball against the Gators.
Special Teams: Florida. He proved he was human with a miss, but Eddy Piniero still has Gator fans giddy.
Coaching: Florida. McElwain is on his way to building Florida into a power again.
Intangibles: Florida. Don’t expect a let-down after the Gators saw what almost happened to rival Georgia last week.
Matchup To Watch
Antonio Callaway vs. North Texas secondary
Now that he seems to have his head directly focused on the field, Callaway is a threat that Del Rio will benefit from on a regular basis.
Florida vs. North Texas Betting Odds
Spread: Florida -36.5
Over/Under: N/A
Florida vs. North Texas Prediction
With the offense having seemingly found its rhythm, this game could get out of control really early. North Texas will have to find a way to keep the Gators offense off the field and win the time of possession battle. It won’t happen, as the Gators defense is too strong and determined to let a team like the Mean Green come into The Swamp and push them around. Florida wins big.
Florida vs. North Texas Score Prediction: Florida 56, North Texas 13
