South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Gators brace for Cavs’ dual-threat QB
Perkins’ extraordinary playmaking ability key to success for Virginia
FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Gators have taken on the nation’s top quarterback, going toe-to-toe in October with LSU’s Heisman winner Joe Burrow.
Even so, Virginia star receiver Hasise Dubois said the Gators have faced no one like Cavaliers dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins.
“I don’t think they’ve seen anybody who has the capability of Bryce,” Dubois said. “He’s just electric at all phases of football. I always tell people, the play’s never over for Bryce.”
Perkins will be the focal point for one of the nation’s top defenses when the No. 9 Gators (10-2) and No. 24 Cavs (9-4) square off at 8 Monday night in the Orange Bowl.
“He’s going to call his number. He’s their guy,” UF All-SEC defensive end Jon Greenard said. “He’s a dynamic athlete who works. He’s going to try to make some plays — something out of the ordinary.”
Perkins’ extraordinary playmaking ability has been the key to Virginia’s rise the past two seasons from the middle of the pack to the upper tier of the ACC.
Perkins combines a quarterback’s mind and arm with a tailback’s vision and speed to form a rare and record-setting talent.
In two seasons since transferring from Arizona Western Junior College, the 6-foot-3,
215-pound senior from outside Phoenix broke Virginia’s record for most rushing yards by a quarterback (1,668). Perkins has gained at least 100 rushing yards and 200 passing yards in the same game four times, a feat accomplished once at Virginia prior to his arrival.
In 2019, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts is only other Power 5 quarterback with at least 3,000 passing yards, 700 rushing yards,
10 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns.
“I do believe his top skillset is reading defenses and throwing the football. Without that skillset, someone else is sitting here visiting with you all,” Virginia offensive coordinator Robert Anae said Saturday. “Second skillset that he has, when it’s not there, pump that thing and take off running.”
The Gators’ defense knows it will have to be on the lookout at all times for Virginia’s No. 3.
“It’s always important to watch out for the quarterback when you play a dude like that because out of nowhere he just tucks the ball and runs,” UF cornerback Marco Wilson said. “It’s a challenge, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Florida’s scout team has tried its best during practices to mimic Perkins.
Last week the role went to first-year freshman Anthony Richardson, a 6-foot-4, 224-pound early enrollee rated the nation’s No. 5 dual-threat quarterback. This week in South Florida, UF often has put a tailback at quarterback to keep the defense on its toes.
“This guy is really special,” Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said of Perkins. “I think he’s gotten better every game this year. He’s obviously athletic and can make things happen. I mean, he’s carried the ball 100 more times than their tailback. You’ve got to understand that.
“But I think the biggest thing that Perkins has done is been able to complete some vertical throws down the field.”
Perkins’ performance during Virginia’s 39-30 victory in its regular-season finale against rival Virginia Tech highlighted his ability to take over a game. Among his 167 rushing yards were first-quarter touchdown runs of 39 and 67 yards. Perkins also completed a 67-yard pass to Dubois and a touchdown to Billy Kemp IV on his way to a 311-yard day through the air.
“I feel as if Florida is in for a lot,” Dubois warned.
Meanwhile, a Gators defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense, scoring defense and sacks could create its share of problems for Perkins.
“Their front is really good. They’re big, fast, physical guys,” Perkins said. “It’s going to be challenging for me, the offensive line and running backs picking up different blitzes and stunts. But I’m excited.
“I’m up for the test.”
The Gators expect to be better prepared Monday night than they were during their 42-28 loss Oct. 12 at LSU, where Greenard and end Jabari Zuniga barely played due to ankle injuries. Greenard said Saturday he still thinks of “what could have been” against Burrow and the Tigers.
“I would love to see it again,” Greenard said.
Instead, Greenard and the Gators’ defense will look to end their season on a high note by containing a quarterback who could be just as talented.
“Any time we go out there, we’re trying to show we’re the best defense,” Greenard said. “We know what we are when we’re all healthy and on the same page. Any time you play a guy who has some explosiveness, we pretty much look to shut him down.”