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Florida Gators: Offensive Players Who Need To Step Up In Outback Bowl

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) hands off to running back Jordan Scarlett (25) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) hands off to running back Jordan Scarlett (25) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) scrambles on fourth down against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) scrambles on fourth down against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Austin Appleby

Position: Quarterback
Class: Senior
2016 Season Statistics: 1,225 YDS, 61.4% CMP, 6.66 YPA, 8 TD, 5 INT

The Florida Gators could receive elite contributions from every other player on this list. The harsh reality is: if starting quarterback Austin Appleby fails to step up with a quality performance, the Gators will not win this game.

The Outback Bowl will be the final game of Appleby’s college playing career, which is reason enough to step up and lead Florida to victory.

It’s worth noting that, during his tenure with the Purdue Boilermakers, Appleby has played three games against the Iowa Hawkeyes. He went 5-of-6 for 83 yards and a touchdown in 2013, and 2-of-6 for 11 yards, an interception, and 11 rushing yards in 2014.

In his only full game against Iowa, he completed 23 of 40 throws for 259 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.

Purdue lost that game 40-20, but Florida has the defensive personnel and running game to better complement Appleby’s efforts. The Boilermakers ran for an average of 3.6 yards per carry and allowed 40 points, which is a combination of truths Florida will look to avoid.

Appleby has a track record of playing well against Iowa, but the Hawkeyes also have game film to study of him.

Must Read: Austin Appleby is drowning out the noise and focusing on what matters: winning

If the Gators are going to finish the 2016 college football season at 9-4, then Appleby will need to stand tall in the pocket and help lead Florida to victory.

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