Gators aim to end win drought
GAINESVILLE — Florida’s visit from Samford has become a must-win game, rather than a guarantee to give veterans a light day and distribute snaps among backups against an FCS foe. Losers of three straight, the Gators have been in a freefall since their last home game — a 42-0 rout of Vanderbilt on Oct. 9.
Coach Dan Mullen hopes a return to Swamp ignites a turnaround, ending with a bowl bid and some momentum. A comfortable win will do nothing to quell critics of the program’s direction, but a poor performance and stumble to the finish line could end Mullen’s tenure. Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
When: Noon
TV: SEC Network+ stream only
Radio: ESPN FM 98.1/AM 850 WRUF, Sirius/XM Ch. 113⁄203
Weather: 70 degrees, 20% rain chance
Favorite: No betting line (Samford an FCS school) Online: orlandosentinel. com/gators; @osgators on Twitter.
Quick slant: Florida and Samford meet for the first time since 1921-22, a pair of Gators’ victories by a combined 91-0. The Gators have dropped straight games for the second time in a 12-game span. Florida is 4-0 under Mullen against FCS foes, winning an average of 45.8 points. Coaches: Mullen, fourth season, 33-14 (102-60 overall); Chris Hatcher, sixth season, 40-34 (161-91 overall)
About Samford (4-5): The Bulldogs average nearly 37 points and 451 yards. Hatcher’s attack will look to challenge a Gators’ defense with Christian Robinson, 31, assuming play-calling duties after Todd Grantham’s ouster. Liam Welch is completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Montrell Washington and Michael
Vice have combined for 1,027 receiving yards and 10 scores. Defensively, Samford allows an average of 35.8 points and 480.3 yards. Linebacker Nathan East has a team-high 80 tackles, but the talent gap with Florida is likely glaring.
About Florida (4-5): The Gators expect back QB Anthony Richardson (concussion). If healthy, the redshirt freshman needs the lion’s share of reps even if Emory Jones makes his ninth start. To establish a cushion, the Gators should be able to run against an undersized defense allowing 230.2 yards per game on the ground. Senior Dameon Pierce averages 6.1 yards a pop and has a team-leading 10 touchdowns (8 rushing). The Gators’ D has yielded 789 rushing yards during the three-game skid. Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate has led Florida in tackles three of the last five games and has a team-high 74 stops.
3 things to watch
1. Ball security. The Gators’ minus-9 turnover margin is 122nd of 130 FBS teams, with quarterbacks accounting for 17 turnovers. Mistakes could keep this game too close for comfort.
2. Energy level. A noon game against an overmatched opponent often leads to lethargy. Players sound renewed by Robinson’s promotion and badly need a win. Will it inspire a sense of urgency?
3. Supporting cast. Games against FCS competition can be a chance showcase backups. If the Gators build a lead, keep an eye on tailback Demarkcus Bowman, a Clemson transfer, Jacksonville first-year wideout Marcus Burke and pass rusher Khris Bogle, who is sure to factor into future plans.