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Florida football: All you need for today’s game with the Auburn Tigers

By Matthew Clark

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyle Trask #11 of the Florida Gators and teammates enter the field before the start of a game against the Towson Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyle Trask #11 of the Florida Gators and teammates enter the field before the start of a game against the Towson Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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It’s the start of a very tough October as No. 10 Florida football will host No. 7 Auburn in the first of three games against top-10 opponents for the Gators.

The analyzing is done and now it’s time for Florida football to show us whether this is going to be a solid season, or not so much.

No. 10 Florida hosts No. 7 Auburn at 3:30 p.m. today in the first of three games against top-10 competition in the month of October.

The Gators will follow up with a trip to Baton Rouge to face No. 5 LSU then South Carolina followed by the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party against No. 3 Georgia.

Here’s all you need to know to get ready for today’s game:

Storylines

Florida: The Gators are riding an 8-game winning streak, dating back to last season and have the chance to cast dispersions among doubters with a win today. A bulk of the defense is healthy and all but wide receiver Kadarius Toney is back for the offense (obviously with the exception of Feleipe Franks).

But the big question will be how the Florida football defense will square up against Auburn’s more balanced offense. Remember, the Gators did struggle a bit early against Tom Flacco and Towson last week in the tune-up for this game. The defense did, however, bounce back and keep the Tigers off the board for their second shutout of the season.

Auburn: The Tigers are also undefeated and looking to continue their momentum leading up to the Iron Bowl against Alabama. Auburn, unlike Florida football, has already played a pair of ranked opponents in No. 11 Oregon and No. 25 Texas A&M, but it’s safe to say the jury is still out on just how good either of those teams really are this season.

Offensively, Auburn is balanced but has seen more success with JaTarvious Whitlow running the football. Defensively, they are good against the run and just so-so against the pass, which is great because we are good in the passing game and not so much with the run.

Headlines

Connections

Florida football defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has worked with both Auburn associate head coach Rodney Garner (2010-2012 at Georgia) and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes (1993-1995 at Virginia Tech).

Defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga played with Auburn offensive lineman Bailey Sharp at Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia. Fellow Florida football defensive lineman Jeremiah Moon and Auburn wide receiver Shedrick Jackson played together at Hoover High School in Alabama.

Offensive coach Greg Knox spent 10 years at Auburn under Tommy Tuberville. He was on staff when current Auburn coaches Kodi Burns, Travis Williams and Carnell Williams were all players with the Tigers.

How to watch

  • Time and date: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
  • Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, Florida.
  • TV: SEC on CBS with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl.
  • Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network with Mick Hubert, Lee McGriff and Tate Casey.
  • Satellite: Sirius 78/XM 191.

The line

Oddsmakers have Auburn favored by just three points on the road. Our resident gambling man, Derek Taylor, has some interesting insight and advice if you are looking to throw your money down. Check it out here.

The weather

Last week against Towson, the weather was steamy. According to The Weather Channel, today’s game is going to be no different. Expect a partly cloudy sky with temperatures reaching 90 degrees in the afternoon and dropping down to the lower 70s at night.

The Last Line

This is a tough game to be sure for Florida football. It will be their first test against a ranked opponent with a solid defense and not-too-shabby offense. And, interesting enough, it’s not the offense that’s fielding a lot of questions this week. It’s the defense. If they can stop Auburn’s run and get pressure to freshman quarterback Bo Nix, it could be a very good day for Florida football.

If not, and it could be a different story.

Next. How do the Gators look after a rough October?. dark

No. 10 Florida football will host No. 7 Auburn at 3:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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