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Florida Football: Anthony Richardson will have the eyes of the nation on him

By Benjamin Henderson

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 24-21 in a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 24-21 in a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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If one can believe it, we have made it to the end of the regular season for the Florida Gators. Playing FSU always brings a heightened sense of purpose for Florida football, but now that they have moved the game to prime time on Black Friday it only adds fuel. Tonight at 7, the Gators will be the only show in town.

For Anthony Richardson, this gives him a chance to shine tonight with everyone in the country watching him.

It also gives him a chance for an implosion.

Florida Football: Will the real Anthony Richardson please stand up?

There have been times this season when Richardson has looked like Superman.  There have also been times when he has looked like Superman 64 (if you know you know).

If you are into narratives, and let’s be honest we are, there is a case to be made that when there is little mental pressure on Richardson he plays lights out. When the pressure ramps up, he folds.

Pressure for him though isn’t necessarily playing in prime time or having a featured game. Utah and Tennessee showcased that.

Pressure for Richardson is having NFL scouts watch him. It’s turned him an “NFL” QB rather than the dual threat he truly is.

Against Kentucky, after he shot up to be a dark horse Heisman candidate and scouts flocked to Gainesville, he choked.

Against Missouri, Florida football sleepwalked through the first half.

Even last week against Vanderbilt, while he threw for 400 yards, he insisted on throwing even though he had opportunities to run to extend drives.

Richardson tore up FSU last year, but that was coming off the bench during a noon kickoff with zero expectations.

So tonight as Florida football takes on FSU, the question is if Richardson will play free and loose or if he will try to do things to impress everyone.

Free and loose Richardson can lead Florida to victory on a memorable night. Looking to impress Richardson will lead to frustration and questions on if he is NFL ready.

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