By The Numbers: Florida Gator vs. LSU Tigers

It’s numbers time. Yay! Numbers are comforting in that they can give validity to an argument. For example, FSU fans will harp on last year’s victory over Florida. Gators’ fans will be quick to tell Noles’ fans of the six-straight Florida wins prior to that. At the same time, numbers can mean absolutely nothing. The Gators went into last week’s game with one of the nation’s most dangerous rushing attacks. It disappeared against Alabama. This week, we look at numbers again. As Florida prepares to take on LSU, numbers will dictate the outcome and some will not matter for a moment, but here they are:

Florida’s offensive yardage average is down after the loss last week, but the Gators still come in at 413.8. Included in that are rankings of no. 86 in the nation in terms of passing yards and no. 21 in rushing. LSU actually averages less yards, but to this point has relied heavily on its defense. The Tigers average 349.6 yards per game, are no. 100 in passing, and no. 48 in rushing. LSU does hold the advantage in points scored though: Tigers – 38.0, no. 18; Gators – 34.2, no. 37.

The Gators have the advantage in yards per play – 6.406 – but a lot of that has to do with what Florida did in those first four games. The Tigers are actually much farther down the list at 5.187.

Florida does hold the advantage is pass defense – the Gators are no. 27 having allowed 841 yards for an average of 168.2 – but LSU’s number is skewed. The Tigers rank in at no. 52 with 1,009 yards allowed and an average of 201.8. Why is it skewed? West Virginia’s Geno Smith put up 463 yards in a loss to LSU.

Both teams are among the nation’s best in points allowed: Florida – no. 13, 14.8; LSU – no. 9, 12.8.

John Brantley’s numbers don’t matter because he won’t play. Jeff Driskel’s line is limited: 7-for-16 (64.7%), 2 interceptions, rating of 57.1. If it’s Jacoby Brissett, he’s been watching games to this point. LSU’s Jarrett Lee is far from anyone thinking of him as an All-American, but he has thrown 7 touchdowns to only 1 interception. Jordan Jefferson could have an impact for the Tigers, but due to suspension, hasn’t attempted a pass this season.

The Gators’ running backs took a step back in terms of numbers after the loss to Bama, but still have phenomenal averages. Chris Rainey gets the bulk of the carries and averages 5.6; Jeff Demps was limited last week, but still averages 8.8; and Mike Gillislee is the third back and averages 7.4. The Tigers’ two-headed monster is made up of Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Ford leads the way with 5.3 per carry, but Ware averages 4 more carries per game. Both are bruisers, but neither has had a gain of more than 26 yards this season.

Florida utilized the wide receivers more against Alabama than they had all season, but the numbers for the season still aren’t pretty. Only one WR has scored this season – Andre Debose; the leader in terms of receptions only has 9 – Deonte Thompson; and Debose leads the way with a mere 154 receiving yards. LSU has less total team receptions and yards than Florida, but the Tigers use their WRs more. Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham have combined for 39 receptions, 587 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

Caleb Sturgis missed his first kick of the season against the Tide, but is 31-for-32 on all kicks. Drew Alleman is 28-for-31.

Neither team could be described as ball hawks. LSU is tied at no. 22 with 6 interceptions, while Florida is tied at no. 57 with 4.

Only two numbers win or lose a game – the points the teams put on the scoreboard – but others impact it. Something from above might be the difference or something else not mentioned here. As always, it could just come down to who wants it more.