Each week The Daily Reveille presents a firsthand view of LSU’s latest opponent as we team up with beat writers from student newspapers around the country. This week we talk to The Independent Florida Alligator sports editor Phillip Heilman for Saturday’s game against the Gators.
Tyler Murphy is in charge of the Florida offense now that Jeff Driskel is injured. What does Murphy bring to the table Driskel didn’t?
Heilman: It seems crazy to say, but Tyler Murphy brings poise and precision to the quarterback position that Jeff Driskel often failed to offer. Murphy — a guy who was passed over numerous times by multiple quarterbacks during the past few years — has shown an ability to avoid turnovers and negative plays. He knows where to go with the ball and has an ability to move around in the pocket to buy himself added time.
The LSU defense has been shaky at times this season. How does Florida plan to attack the Tigers?
Heilman: Even with Murphy playing well, the key to Florida’s offense is still the ground game. That’s how UF beat LSU last season — by grinding out the clock with running plays. Although the Gators have more explosive receivers than they have had in years past, Matt Jones and Mack Brown will still be leaned on heavily in the game.
Florida lays claim to the SEC’s top defensive unit, but the LSU offense has been explosive through the first half of the season. How do the Gators plan to stop quarterback Zach Mettenberger and the Tiger offense?
Heilman: Florida leads the SEC in nearly every defensive category. The key to that is pressure. Dante Fowler Jr. and Jonathan Bullard can really get after the quarterback. In the secondary, Florida has a plethora of NFL talent in Marcus Roberson (if he plays), Loucheiz Purifoy and Vernon Hargreaves III.
Saturday features one of the best position matchups in the nation when Florida cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Loucheiz Purifoy go against LSU wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. What can we expect from the Gators’ side of this battle and any idea which Gator lines up against which receiver?
Heilman: The battle between Florida’s secondary and LSU’s receiving corps is going to be tremendous. It’s hard to say which cornerback will be covering which receiver because Florida likes to mix coverage and blitz its corners from time to time. What I can tell you is Florida employs a very physical secondary that will look to knock LSU’s receivers off their line. I would be surprised to see much, if any, zone coverage, and Florida won’t give any cushion.
Who are the Florida players to watch on Saturday that some Tiger fans may not be familiar with heading into the game?
Heilman: Solomon Patton has been extremely productive at the receiver position this season after not doing much the rest of his career. On the defensive side of the ball, Michael Taylor always seems to be around the play.
Prediction?
Heilman: LSU 20, Florida 13.

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John Raoux

Florida defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy, right, celebrates his 42-yard touchdown interception against Arkansas with defensive back Cody Riggs (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)