UF at the FSU roundtable discussion

Andrew Spivey, Nick Marcinko and Gentry Hawk preview Florida’s game against FSU in Week 14 with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss the keys to the game and provide our outcome predictions.

What are the keys to defeating FSU’s offense led by true freshman Luke Kromenhoek?

AS: Keep the pressure on from the front seven and especially the top four. If the Gators defensive line can generate pressure, then I really like Florida to cause turnovers in this game.

NM: FSU has one of the worst offenses in college football, regardless of which quarterback they play. Luke Kromenhoek probably has the most potential at the position due to his athleticism, but is only completing 51.8% of his passes and has not thrown a touchdown pass against a P4 opponent. Kromenhoek stands 6-foot-1, weighs 220 pounds and is a willing runner, as evidenced by his 71 rushing yards against Miami. Kromenhoek threw for just 68 yards on 15 pass attempts under pressure. The key will be to keep it in your pocket.

GH: Florida’s defensive line and Caleb Banks must continue to apply consistent pressure for 60 minutes while keeping Florida State out of the red zone. Florida currently has the 12th red zone defense in the country, while Florida State has the 47th red zone offense. Stop them from executing in the red zone and you win. If the Gators can get to Luke Kromemhoek early and often, the Seminoles have nothing.

What are the keys to winning against FSU’s defense?

AS: Run the ball early and often because the Noles weren’t good at stopping the run. This also gives Lagway the opportunity to throw the ball down the field.

NM: Let the ball run! FSU’s cornerbacks are extremely talented in coverage and don’t allow much, allowing just 207 passing yards per game this season. FSU ranks 101st in rushing defense.

GH: If there’s anything that Florida State doesn’t do particularly poorly at from a statistical standpoint, it’s their defense and their secondary. The Seminoles rank 49th nationally in pass defense and 88th nationally in team defense. DJ Lagway can’t turn the ball over and needs to continue to play smart football as he tries to extend plays. I think if Lagway can do that and stay composed, Florida’s offense could have a field day.

One player you wish got more playing time in Week 14?

AS: Bryce Lovett, with Dameon George still questionable for Saturday’s game, I want to see what Lovett can do in this game against an FSU defensive line that isn’t very good.

NM: Myles Graham appeared in few snaps against Ole Miss last week. I would like to see Napier coaching the young linebackers in the game.

GH: I said it last week and I’ll say it again this week. I’d like to see Myles Graham continue to take more snaps this weekend after he looked good against Ole Miss last weekend, recording four total tackles.

Other keys to victory?

AS: Start fast and put full pressure on FSU. I also want DJ Lagway to put on a show in this game, so full throttle and no brakes.

NM: Start quickly and take over Doak Campbell Stadium.

GH: I believe pressure in the trenches will lead to turnovers in Florida State’s offense, and if the Gators can cause turnovers, things will get ugly for the Seminoles. Stay in the right direction defensively, as that has been Florida’s strength the last few weeks.

Florida is the away favorite over FSU with 14.5 points. Give us a score prediction.

AS: Florida 41, FSU 10

NM: Florida 31 FSU 13

GH: Florida 38 Florida State 13