Florida football: How the Gators 2019 opponents look after Week 3

Florida football found another way to torture Kentucky fans this past weekend. QB Kyle Trask stepped up in a big way as the Gators pulled off a 29-21 victory in Lexington.

Take a minute to understand what a Kentucky fan must feel like after that loss to Florida football.

The Cats controlled for three and a half quarters but managed to blow a winnable game against Florida’s backup quarterback. Rough…

For the second time this season, the Gators benefited from a critical fourth-quarter miss on a short field goal.

Tennessee, Mizzou, and LSU locked up a win against FCS foes. Auburn took care of business at home.

South Carolina took a beating from Bama.

FSU did outplay expectations at Virginia, but a questionable play-call at the end of the game will keep the fans’ frustration focused on Taggart.

Past opponents – helping or hurting Strength of Schedule (SOS)?

Miami (1-2), W 63-0 vs Bethune-Cookman

The Hurricanes have outscored the Wildcats 232-37 in five meetings since 2011. Manny Diaz welcomes former Florida head coach Jim McElwain and the Chippewas to town this week. Look for the Canes to get back to .500 before two critical ACC home games against Virginia Tech and Virginia.
Next game: vs Central Michigan
Helping or hurting  UF SOS perception: Helping – the Canes should continue to take steps forward and make this win look a little more impressive.

UT-Martin (1-2), L 28-14 at Southern Illinois

UTM gave up four consecutive touchdowns after jumping out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead. QB John Bachus III threw for 212 yards and 1 interception and the running game was limited to 64 yards on the night. Up next, the Gators’ week 2 opponent hosts Georgia’s week 2 opponent, Murray State.
Next game: vs Murray State (Sept. 28)
Helping or hurting  UF SOS perception: Hurting – FCS opponent brings SOS down.

Kentucky (2-1), L 29-21 vs Florida

The Wildcats invented yet another way to lose a close game to the Gators.

Kentucky outplayed Florida football for most of the night and should be a tough out most weeks in the SEC.

Next game: at Mississippi State
Helping or hurting  UF SOS perception: Helping – maybe the demise of the Cats was a bit overplayed. A win in Starkville would enhance the perception of this win.

Next up for the Gators

Tennessee (1-2), W 45-0 vs Chattanooga

The Vols finally notching their first win of the season.

Thanks to Tennessee’s opening weekend disaster and the late-game debacle against BYU, Florida football fans will be treated to a friggin’ noon kickoff in September at The Swamp. Thanks a lot, Jeremy Pruitt.

Let’s check in on Georgia State. Since taking out the Vols, the mighty Panthers escaped FCS Furman 48-42 and were pummeled by Western Michigan 57-10 this past weekend.
Next game: at Florida

Towson (3-0), W 45-23 at Maine

Led by four interceptions from the defense, the #8 Tigers (FCS rankings) knocked off the #7 Maine Black Bears. RB Yeedee Thaenrat ran for 24 yards and four touchdowns on the day.
Next game: vs Villanova

#8 Auburn (3-0), W 55-16 vs Kent State

Three Auburn players rushed for over 100 yards as the Tigers finished with 467 total yards on the ground. QB Bo Nix had an efficient game passing going 12-16 on the night for 161 yards and adding one touchdown through the air.

Backup QB Joey Gatewood, a Florida native and former Bartram Trail High School standout, rushed for 102 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns on the ground.

Florida football fans should expect to see a few Gatewood appearances during Auburn’s visit to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 5. Here are a few Gatewood highlights from Saturday:

Next game: at #17 Texas A&M

#4 LSU (3-0), W 65-14 vs Northwestern State

Despite only leading 24-14 at the half, LSU took off in the second half and cruised to a big night on offense against Ed Orgeron’s alma mater.

QB Joe Burrow, the early season front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, put up another impressive night completing 21 of 24 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The senior quarterback also added seven carries for 30 yards and one rushing touchdown.

LSU goes to Vandy and hosts Utah State next week meaning the Tigers and Gators are on-track for an unbeaten showdown in Death Valley on Saturday, October 12.
Next game: at Vanderbilt

South Carolina (1-2), L 47-23 vs #2 Alabama

Muschamp and the Gamecocks surrendered 444 yards passing and 5 touchdowns to QB Tua Tagovailoa as the Tide rolled to an easy victory.

With games against Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M and Clemson looming, South Carolina is facing a must-win against Mizzou if it has plans to go bowling.
Next game: at Missouri

#3 Georgia (3-0), W 55-0 vs Arkansas State

Georgia fans wore pink to honor Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson’s wife, Wendy, who died last month from breast cancer.

https://twitter.com/CHbanderson/status/1172960168595861504

The Bulldogs put up 656 total yards of offense as Georgia completed the opening tune-up portion of their schedule and will welcome the Fighting Irish into Athens with College GameDay on hand.
Next game: vs #7 Notre Dame

Vanderbilt (0-2), Bye

Head coach Derek Mason coached at Ohio University with LSU QB Joe Burrow’s father, Jimmy Burrow. That’s just an interesting fact, but it shouldn’t have much of an impact on Saturday. Tigers big in this one.

https://twitter.com/VandyFootball/status/1173974895904116737

Next game: vs #4 LSU

Missouri (2-1), W 50-0 vs Southeast Missouri

QB Kelly Bryant threw for 225 yards with 1 touchdown and RB Larry Roundtree III added another 142 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as the Tigers cruised over the Redhawks.
Next game: vs South Carolina

Florida State (1-2), L 31-24 at #25 Virginia

Children are selling lemonade to buy out Willie Taggart.

Next game: vs Louisville

Florida will host Tennessee in The Swamp at 12 PM ET on Saturday.