GAINESVILLE, FLA- After defeating the 2021 Pac Twelve Champion Utah Utes 29-26 in a highly anticipated week one matchup, the Florida Gators (1-1, 0-1 SEC) seemed ready to return to relevance in the Southeastern Conference. As it turns out, however, the Gators struggled mightily in their first SEC conference game of the season, losing to No. 20 (now No. 9) Kentucky, 16-26. Due to Quarterback Anthony Richardson’s inconsistent play and too many mistakes, Florida was unable to top Will Levis and the Wildcats, who have now won three of the last five meetings against the Gators. With this said, Florida has a prime opportunity to bounce back in week three, as they are set to welcome Baylor Transfer Gerry Bohanon and South Florida (1-1, 0-0 AAC) to the Swamp.
Review of No. 12 Florida’s Week Two Loss Against No. 20 Kentucky
Just one week after propelling Florida to an impressive season-opening win against No. 7 Utah, Richardson struggled mightily versus No. 20 Kentucky. In fact, Richardson completed just 14-35 pass attempts for 143 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Richardson wasn’t much better with running, as the Sophomore Quarterback managed four yards on six carries. In reference to Richardson’s struggles, Gators’ Head Coach Billy Napier relied heavily on his running backs to propel the offense. As a team, the Gators ran for 136 yards on 30 carries, highlighted by Montrell Johnson’s seven carries for 62 yards and Trevor Etienne’s nine carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. Despite Richardson’s poor passing performance, it’s worth noting that Richardson leaned heavily on Sophomore Reciever Xzaiver Henderson, who caught six passes for 50 yards, both team highs.
Even though the Gators were only able to score just 16 points versus Kentucky, Florida’s defense was able to contain Levis and keep them within striking distance. Led by Sophmore Defensive Linemen Gervon Dexter (Seven Tackles, 0.5 Sacks) and Senior Linebacker Ventrell Miller (Six Tackles, 1.0 TFL), Florida stifled Kentucky’s rushing attack, as the Wildcats managed to accumulate 70 rushing yards on 38 carries. Unfortunately, Levis and the Wildcats improvised, as the Senior Quarterback completed 13-24 pass attempts for 202 yards and one touchdown to eight different receivers. Levis showcased great chemistry with Reciever Dane Key, who recorded three receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown, including a 55-yard TD pass from Levis at 11:36 in the second quarter. To put it simply, Florida’s first SEC conference game didn’t go as planned.
Review of South Florida’s Week Two Win Against Howard
Following a brutal 50-25 loss to No. 25 BYU in week one, South Florida quickly rebounded for their first win of the season, defeating Howard, 42-20. As expected, the Bulls’ running game was the catalyst behind South Florida’s 22-point game. As a team, South Florida ran for 205 yards and six touchdowns on 27 rushing attempts. Sophomore Running Back Brian Battie was the Bulls’ leading rusher, notching 105 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, while backups Michel Dukes and Jaren Mangham each had two rushing touchdowns. It’s worth noting that Bohanon didn’t play well in his second game as a Bull, only throwing for 219 yards and one interception on17-28 passing. Through his first two games as South Florida’s Starting Quarterback, Bohanon has thrown for 391 yards and has a 0:2 TD to INT ratio, raising some concerns about Bohanon’s job security.
Similar to their offense, South Florida’s defense left a lot to be desired against Howard. Even though the Bulls recorded eleven TFLs and three sacks, Howard moved the ball well against South Florida, recording 418 total yards of offense (250 passing, 168 rushing). It wouldn’t even be outlandish to think that Howard’s Quarterback Quinton Williams outplayed Bohanon, as he threw for 250 yards and one interception on 28-37 passing. Furthermore, Howard’s running backs Jarett Hunter and Ian Wheeler had no issues against South Florida’s rushing defense, combining for 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Even though South Florida emerged victorious versus Howard, it wasn’t too encouraging to watch, especially with the Bulls traveling to the Swamp and then being conference play shortly thereafter.
Game and Betting Information for South Florida vs. No. 18 Florida
Game Information
- Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
Date: Saturday, September 17th, 2022 - Kick-Off Time: 6:30 P.M. ET
- TV: SEC Network
- Game Spread: -24 Florida
- Point Total Over/Under: 59
- Moneyline: South Florida +1,500, Florida -4,500
- Football Power Index (FPI): Favors Florida at 93.9%
Betting Information
- During last season’s matchup between South Florida and Florida, the Bulls covered at +28.5, while the over/under total of 56 went over at 62.
- Both Florida (-6) and South Florida (-35) was unable to cover in their week two games.
- The Bulls are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, while Florida is 1-5 in their last six home games.
- The over is 13-6-1 in South Florida’s last 20 games overall, while The under is 4-1 in Florida’s last five games.
Ten Facts to Know for South Florida vs. No. 18 Florida
- South Florida hasn’t beaten a Power Five Team since Sept. 15, 2018, when the Bulls defeated the Fighting Illini, 25-19.
- Florida has beat South Florida in the two previous meetings between the Gators and the Bulls (2010, 38-14 UF, 2021, 42-20 UF).
- Just two weeks into the College Football Season, South Florida ranks 126th out of 131 schools) in rushing defense and 125th in total defense, while allowing ~35.0 PPG.
- During the 2022 College Football Offseason, South Florida was one of the nation’s most active teams, adding 15 players through the Transfer Portal.
- Both Florida and South Florida have yet to throw for a passing touchdown this season.
- Arizona State Transfer Ricky Pearsall leads the Gators’ Wide Receiver room with six catches for 106 yards, while Xzavier Henderson has caught 12 passes for 91 yards.
- Both South Florida and Florida have showcased their potent rushing attacks, as the Bulls are averaging 163 rushing yards per game while the Gators are averaging 210 rushing yards per game.
- Both South Florida’s and Florida’s offensive lines have performed well, giving up a total of seven sacks (Four for USF, Three for UF) through the first two games.
- South Florida’s win over Howard snapped a six-game losing streak for the Bulls dating back to October 28th, 2021.
- Florida has ruled out Star Linebacker Ventrell Miller and right tackle Michael Tarquin for Saturday’s game against South Florida.