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Florida vs Vanderbilt: Five Gators To Watch For Against Vandy

By Jeremy Rogers

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) prepares to throw the ball against the North Texas Mean Green during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) prepares to throw the ball against the North Texas Mean Green during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Austin Appleby 

Appleby is obviously the most important player to watch for on the Gators, but if he’s going to lead his team to victory, he will have to show up like he did in the first half against Tennessee and play like that for four quarters. He can’t run around in circles and then chuck it to the other team like he did late in the second half of the Tennessee game.

For as bad as Vanderbilt is, they actually lead the conference in turnover margin (+5) with three interceptions and five fumbles. So, it will be crucial for Appleby to take care of the ball.

I would really like to see some quick easy throws from Appleby this Saturday. He threw two great deep balls last week, but sometimes it’s not a bad thing to get into an early rhythm with some 5-10 yard passes.

In my opinion, Appleby doesn’t even need to throw for 300 yards in order for the Gators to win, but he still has to convert enough completions to keep the Commodores defense off-balance. IF Florida gets an early lead, I’m sure you’ll see them run the ball more to maybe ease off Appleby’s workload, but as you saw last week that didn’t work out well.

Like the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, the same goes for Appleby on Saturday, if he gets hot in the passing game, don’t run away from it – literally.

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