Gators Online Gameday predictions: Florida vs. USF

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 18 Florida Gators are coming off an upset loss to the Kentucky Wildcats last weekend. This week should be a “get right” game for Florida against a lesser opponent, just don’t tell that to Billy Napier.

When posed a question about “these types of games” providing an opportunity for younger players to get involved, Napier scoffed.

“Yeah, you don’t know me very well,” Napier said. “‘These types of games’, yeah. I don’t know that we even want to answer that question, to be honest with you.” 

Whether Napier will say it publically or not, this should be a game the Gators win and an opportunity for them to build confidence back before hitting the road next week.

Gators Online predicts the game

Zach Abolverdi: Anthony Richardson doesn’t have any touchdown passes through the first two games, but that changes Saturday. Richardson will find the end zone through the air and have a better passing performance against the Bulls.

Nonetheless, the Gators will still lean on their three-headed monster of Trevor Etienne, Montrell Johnson and Nay’Quan Wright. Richardson and Lorenzo Lingard will also be more involved in the run game as UF finishes with 200-plus yards.

Defensively, Florida will miss having Ventrell Miller. The Bulls should be able to find some success with freshmen linebackers Shemar James and Scooby Williams in the starting lineup, but those two will eventually settle into the game.

With Florida’s run game and defense leading the way, the Gators get back in the win column with a confidence-boosting blowout before their first SEC road trip at Tennessee.

Florida, 42-17.

Corey Bender: Although the Bulls have racked up 300-plus rushing yards through two games, they are facing a Gators front seven that has been reliable and filled with energy.

Inside linebacker Ventrell Miller will be sidelined, but the defense as a whole should certainly hold its own. It’s also worth noting that Gerry Bohanon has yet to throw a touchdown this year.

On offense, the Gators have a deep rushing attack with two ball carriers averaging at least seven-yard per carry. UF’s offensive line should also give Anthony Richardson plenty of time in order to have a bounceback performance.

The Gators have a much better squad and will show that Saturday evening.

Florida, 38-13.

Nick de la Torre: This is a get right game for the Gators. I respect Billy Napier’s public stance of not wanting to get into that before kickoff, but USF shouldn’t give Florida much of a fight. This is a Bulls team that was trounced by BYU. In its own “get right game” the Bulls went into the locker room at halftime in a dog fight with Howard.

USF has given up 482 rushing yards through two games. Their 241 yards allowed on the ground is 127th in the country. Only four teams are worse.

Don’t get cute. Don’t try to throw the ball to prove a point. You’re bigger, stronger, and faster than USF. Put the ball down and call running plays until they stop it. They haven’t this season.

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona isn’t until July but the running all over the Bulls should take place this Saturday in Gainesville.

Florida, 42-20.

Pat O’Donnell: After last week’s result, the Gators have to be eager to prove their worth on Saturday night. Florida defensive coordinator Patrick Toney will dial it up against the Bulls and quarterback Gerry Bohanon. Meanwhile, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson and his offense realize it has to improve with SEC play starting again in just a week. Jeff Scott is a great coach regardless of his record at USF, but the Gators will cruise in this one.

Florida, 35-10.

Donavon Keiser: In a bounce-back game, Florida takes care of business against Gerry Bohanon and the South Florida Bulls. The Gators will use Saturday’s game to tune-up the offense, getting the Gators back in rhythm after a lackluster performance against Kentucky. Patrick Toney’s defense should hold the Bulls to only a touchdown and a field goal. Florida wins big in what should be a snooze fest.

Florida, 45-10.

Tracking our picks

We’ll track our records on Florida games throughout the season.

Writer	Overall Record	Week 1: Utah	Week 2: UK
Abolverdi	0-2	Utah – ❌	Florida – ❌
Bender	1-1	Florida – ✅	Florida – ❌
de la Torre	0-2	Utah – ❌	Florida – ❌
O’Donnell	1-1	Florida – ✅	Florida – ❌
Keiser	0-2	Utah – ❌	Florida – ❌