Week 11 of the 2016 college football season brings upon a matchup between LSU and Florida. The Tigers and Gators are playing this as a make-up game due to Hurricane Matthew in October that caused the postponement. Both teams had to buy out their original scheduled opponents to fit this one in. LSU was scheduled to play South Alabama, while Florida was scheduled to play FCS team Presbyterian. This season, the game is in Baton Rouge and the next two seasons the teams will play in Gainesville. For both of these teams, there are a few keys to getting a win on Saturday in a pivotal match-up.
Keys to Victory for LSU:
1. Offense has to be electric. Quarterback Danny Etling and the LSU offense have to be on the same page for the entire game. As long as Etling is completing his throws and running backs Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice are racking up yards on the ground, the Tigers’ offense should have no problem reaching the end zone.
2. Defense has to play “on its toes”. The LSU defense has been magnificent for most of the season. They have played well in every game this season, especially in conference match-ups. The Tigers defense held Alabama to just 10 points, which was a big plus on their side. If Tre’Davious White, Kendall Beckwith and the Tigers have a solid game then LSU should be in great position to roll over the Gators.
3. Kicking has to be improved. LSU has seen their kicking woes come and go through the years. If this game comes down to potentially a field goal, Colby Delahoussaye has to be ready for one of the biggest kicks of his career as a Tiger.
Keys to Victory for Florida:
1. Austin Appleby has to step up. Florida backup quarterback Austin Appleby for the Gators. He now has to step up and show his ability to be in the starting role heading into the final two weeks of the season. After Luke Del Rio went down due to injury, Appleby stepped in and showcased his skills last week. For his team to get a win, he will have to get over the hump and play his best game yet.
2. Running game has to be effective. Florida’s running game has been somewhat effective throughout the season. Their tailbacks will have to up their game a notch and pound through the ferocious LSU defense. In order to have an effect on the outcome, the Gators tailbacks need to combine for at least 200 rushing yards, otherwise the Gators may have no chance to win.
3. Antonio Callaway has to be Florida’s highlight. UF has relied on receiver Antonio Callaway when it has counted and he always come through in the clutch. Callaway is one of the top reeivers in the SEC in my opinion, and he has been Florida’s go-to-guy for his entire career. He will create space between himself and the LSU defensive back covering him, which could be a problem.
For both teams, this is a must-win game. Especially for Florida, since they have a trip to the SEC Championship on the line. For LSU, this game could be a trap that could keep them out of a New Year’s Six bowl should they lose.
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