Florida football: 5 Gator to watch Saturday against Towson

Everyone expects a cakewalk for No. 9 Florida football this Saturday against FCS-ranked Towson. But, in order for that to happen, these five Gators may have to step up more.

When No. 9 Florida football hosts FCS-ranked Towson Saturday, there is the expectation that the Gators will have little trouble with the Tigers.

While that may be the case, it doesn’t happen just because we say it will.

It will take players taking the initiative early to keep any momentum from the Tigers.

Here’s a look at five Florida football players to watch Saturday:

Kyle Trask, quarterback

I have a sneaking suspicion this name is going to be on the list for a few more games, simply because of the circumstances Florida football’s new quarterback is under.

Taking over for Feleipe Franks after Franks suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Kentucky, Kyle Trask has taken the offense under his wing and done admirably.

Last week, against Tennessee, Trask had 293 yards passing — more than Franks has had under center — on 20-for-28 passing with two touchdowns. He came close to being the first Gator quarterback to throw for 300 yards since … who knows when.

This week, Trask has a challenge in the fact that Towson’s defense isn’t a slouch.

I would expect many different coverages and, in fact, I would expect the Tigers to blitz on the ends to test the Gator offensive line, which hasn’t been that great — but not that bad either.

Trask will need a quick eye and a quick release to make Towson’s defense pay for underestimating him.

Freddie Swain, receiver

Freddie Swain hasn’t really taken off this year as some might have expected.

In the first four games of the season, Swain has eight catches for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Swain can be dangerous, more so because Kadarius Toney is still out, nursing an injury. Swain is a blisteringly fast receiver who can create space and has great hands.

It’s time to utilize those hands more because I can see him with more open space Saturday as the Tigers will key on trying to stop tight end Kyle Pitts and fellow wide receiver Van Jefferson.

Swain could be very dangerous on Saturday, and it would be great to see it.

David Reese, linebacker

Senior linebacker David Reese has been on a tear this season, leading the team with 29 tackles, including an assist with a sack.

But, Reese and the Florida football secondary will have a bit of a test with Towson quarterback Tom Flacco, who is the Tigers’ leading rusher as he can exploit tight, upfront coverage at the line of scrimmage.

Reese will need to have a sharp eye on the Tigers’ receivers too.

Flacco has targeted eight different receivers in route to collecting 1,092 yards and six touchdowns.

But, the passing game isn’t the only concern.

If Towson gets inside the red zone, running back Yeesee Thaenrat has eight touchdowns this season, all from close yardage.

Like I said, Reese has been on a tear and that is going to have to continue, at least early on, if Florida hopes to put the dagger in Towson early in the game.

The Florida defensive line

Let’s be honest, the Florida defensive line has been outstanding this season.

They’ve notched a nation-leading 20 sacks this season as well as pressuring opposing quarterbacks into an SEC-leading seven interceptions.

Saturday, they will be tasked with applying pressure on Flacco, to force mistakes by the redshirt senior quarterback.

They will need to apply that pressure in the pocket because Flacco is dangerous when he’s allowed to run on the edges.

So, Jon Greenard, Jeremiah Moon and the rest of the defensive line will have to apply smart pressure on Towson’s offensive line.

But, their assignments will have to be sharp because Flacco has the potential to take advantage of any slight breakdown from opposing defenses.

Lamical Perine, running back

Running back Lamical Perine has been on this list before, and for good reason.

This season, he has just 182 net yards on 48 carries. His 3.8 yards-per-carry average is well below the 4.9 yards-per-carry average he’s had in his Florida football career.

Now, the offensive line has its part to play in that, but Perine has to get better at finding holes, as mall as they may be.

Towson’s defense can be exploited with a strong running game as they have given up 806 yards on the ground this season in four games, an average of 201 yards per game — which is more yards on the ground then their offense gets (147.8 yards per game).

So, this would be a great opportunity for Perine and the Florida running game to have an early establishment, which would bolster the offensive line’s confidence and give the passing game some breathing room.

No. 9 Florida will host Towson at 4 p.m. Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.