Florida Gators Football Preview: Keys To Defeating LSU Tigers

Florida Gators Football Preview: Five Keys To Defeating LSU

Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) carries the ball in front of LSU Tigers safety Rickey Jefferson (29) on his way to scoring a touchdown in the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Florida 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) throws the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Austin Appleby

Statistically speaking, Austin Appleby has played rather well for the Florida Gators in 2016. He has five passing touchdowns to two interceptions, as well as an efficient completion percentage of 65.6 percent.

Beyond the numbers, however, is the uncertainty that Florida has entered almost every game with in 2016.

Appleby completed 23 of his 39 pass attempts for 296 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception against the Tennessee Volunteers. He also ran for 24 yards on seven carries, but the truth about that start is that it was unpredictable and inconsistent.

Appleby threw two of his three touchdowns in the first half and got the third with Florida down 17 points with roughly four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

In his other two featured appearances against Vanderbilt and South Carolina, Florida scored a combined 33 points. He was efficient with his throws, but again started hot and essentially stopped producing in the second half.

If Florida is going to defeat an LSU team that can put up points in a hurry with a superstar running back, then Appleby must play well for a full four quarters.

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