Predictions: Gators prepare for final push

by Gary Shelton on October 19, 2019 · 2 comments

in general

Strong hopes his defense can hold up./STEVEN MUNCIE

Saturday, 4 a.m.

They have been in the top 10 all season.

They have a top 20 defense.

Their backup quarterback has become an impact player.

But how good are the Florida Gators?

After coming offa 42-28 loss to LSU, it's an easy question to ask. Ahead on the schedule are South Carolina, which is coming off a huge upset of Georgia, and Missouri and Georgia and FSU and possibly the SEC title game.


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In other words, how this Florida season will be remembered is still to be determined. And today's road game against the Gamecocks will go a long way toward determining that.

South Carolina, coached by former Gators' coach Will Muschamp, shocked the Bulldogs last week. But they're still basically the same team that started the season 1-3. If Florida can protect the ball, it should have enough speed to hold off the Gameocks.

The Gators' defense, however, has to atone for the yardage it gave up to LSU last week.

Prediction: Florida 23, South Carolina 16.

USF at Navy: The USF defense has had its troubles this season, especially against ranked opponents such as Wisconsin and SMU. With Navy's option game, the Bulls will face a different sort of attack.

USF, in its upset win over BYU, showed that it still has outstanding athletes, including Jordan Cronkrite, who has had back-to-back special games. If the Bulls can get him rolling again, it should be able to win. But only if the defense can stand up.

Prediction: Navy 21, USF 17.

FSU at Wake Forest: Remember when the Seminoles used to be special. Now, they're just another team playing chase.

The Seminoles' defense has to hold up, which it didn't against Clemson. And Cam Akers has to have a big day.

Other games:

Clemson 35, Louisville 3.

Oregon 23, Washington 20.

Utah 27, Arizona State 14.

The NFL.

Los Angeles 28, Atlanta 17.

New Orleans 24, Chicago 14.

Philadelphia 28, Dallas 24

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