College GameDay makes its way back to the Swamp as the Florida Gators will be hosting the Auburn Tigers. This is the first time since 2012 that College GameDay has made it back to the University of Florida. Both of these come into the weekend with 5-0 records and a top ten ranking. Both teams are coming off big wins, as Auburn defeated Mississippi State 56-23 and Florida shutout Towson 38-0. This will be Florida’s first game in their toughest part of their schedule as they’ll also play LSU, South Carolina and Georgia in their next four games. Here is the Florida Gators versus Auburn Tigers game preview.
Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers come into Gainesville led by their head coach, Gus Malzahan, who’s in his seven season as Auburn’s head coach. The Auburn offense will also be led by their freshman quarterback Bo Nix. The Alabama native quarterback has had a nice start to his freshman season as he’s completed 57.8% of his passes for 980 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Nix has also had success running the ball with 173 rushing yards and two scores. Sophomore running back JaTarvious Whitlow is lead back for the Tigers with 463 rushing yards in 92 carries for seven touchdown. Wide receiver Seth Williams leads the Tigers in receiving with 17 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Two other Auburn wide receivers to watch for Anthony Schwartz and Eli Stove.
On defense, the Auburn Tigers have one of the most physical front sevens in the country. Their start defensive player is defensive tackle Derrick Brown. The senior is considered to be one of the top draft prospects in the upcoming draft. Brown has 13 tackles with four tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Miami native Jeremiah Dinson leads Auburn in tackles with 34 tackles on the year. He also has three tackles for loss, two sacks and the only interception on the team. Defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell leads the Tigers in sacks with three sacks on the season. Other defensive players to watch for are K.J. Britt, Daniel Thomas and Marlon Davidson.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators will look to stay hot as they’ll be led by their head coach, Dan Mullen, who’s in his second season as Florida’s head coach. The Florida offense will be led by their redshirt-junior quarterback Kyle Trask. The former backup quarterback has looked sharp so far this season as he’s completed 77.3% of his passes for 647 yards and five touchdowns and two interceptions. Trask also has two rushing touchdowns on the year against Kentucky and Towson. Florida will need to get something going on the ground as they’ll look to Lamical Perine and Dameon Pierce to get it started. Redshirt-senior Van Jefferson is lead receiver for the Gators with 18 receptions for 248 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Kyle Pitts has been huge for Florida with 17 catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Other offensive players to watch are Trevon Grimes and Josh Hammond.
The Gators defense has arguably been the best defense in the country and will try to keep it up against Auburn. Florida’s defense gives up 8.8 points per game which is fifth in the country. They are tied for second in the nation in sacks with 24 on the season. They are also tied for first with Arizona for most interceptions so far this season (9). Florida will also get back two major defensive players in C.J. Henderson and Jabari Zuniga. Both have missed a lot of time and should be 100% for the Auburn game. Louisville graduate transfer Jon Greenard has been a beast with 21 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four QB hurries, a forced fumble and an interception. Other defensive players to watch for are Jeremiah Moon, Shawn Davis, David Reese and Kyree Campbell.
Five Players to Watch: Auburn Tigers
- DT Derrick Brown
- WR Anthony Schwartz
- DB Jeremiah Dinson
- QB Bo Nix
- DT Marlon Davidson
Five Players to Watch: Florida Gators
- DE Jon Greenard
- WR Josh Hammond
- LB David Reese
- TE Kyle Pitts
- CB Kaiir Elam
Five Predictions:
- Kyle Trask throws for over 250 yards and two total touchdowns.
- Seth Williams leads the Auburn Tigers in receiving yards.
- Florida’s defense forces two turnovers
- Auburn’s defense holds Florida to under 100 rushing yards.
- Florida Gators beats Auburn Tigers 23-17.
