The Daily Reveille sports editor Kennedi Landry sat down with The Alligator’s sports editor Morgan McMullen ahead of LSU’s matchup with Florida at 2:30 p.m. CST Saturday.
Landry: Feleipe Franks has come a long way in the last year. What can we expect from him and how does the Florida offense plan to attack LSU’s defense?
McMullen: Feleipe’s growing every game. Last season, he would force balls into tight windows and take unnecessary sacks instead of taking off for a few yards or throwing the ball away. He’s gaining maturity and had arguably his best game against Mississippi State last week. With that being said, Franks still makes mistakes. He could’ve easily had three picks, one of which would’ve gone for an easy touchdown. Coach Mullen’s game plan will revolve around quick wide receiver screens and swing passes throughout, especially given LSU’s speed and physical play at linebacker. Also look for a deep shot or two toward Van Jefferson or Trevon Grimes to keep safeties honest.
Landry: Who is the real DBU?
McMullen: That’s certainly the question, right? The Gators got significantly more thin at corner with Marco Wilson’s season-ending foot injury. They’ve been rotating in Trey Dean and C.J. McWilliams at the corner spot, but both have limited sample sizes as far as game experience. I think LSU definitely has the edge as far as defensive backfields are concerned. I’d expect Greedy Williams to come away with at least one pick off of Franks. But UF’s secondary takes exception to anybody else claiming the moniker. Safety Brad Stewart specifically harbors some ill feelings toward LSU’s boast. “This is DBU, we claim this,” he said Monday. “We’re going to show everybody.”
Landry: Any matchups you’re looking forward to on either side of the ball?
Greedy Williams on Van Jefferson should be a good one. The former Ole Miss star has dropped off the past couple of weeks, but he’s still one of Franks’ favorite targets. If Franks locks onto him, look for Greedy to jump a route or two. I’m also interested to see how Florida’s tackles match up against LSU’s defensive ends. Left tackle Martez Ivey was hoping to be a high draft pick when he declares, but his performance has been subpar so far. However, Mississippi State has a phenomenal D-line and only recorded one sack against UF. The battle in the trenches should be a good indicator of who wins this game.
Landry: The last two years have come down to one score and little mistakes on either team. What does each team need to do to pull out a win?
McMullen: For LSU, just protect the ball and play mistake-free. Joe Burrow has been superb with this. As long as they move the ball efficiently and don’t take too many chances, LSU probably wins this. For Florida, Feleipe has to pull another great performance. I don’t have a whole lot of confidence he can, but I said the same thing heading into Starkville.
Landry: ESPN’s matchup predictor has Florida at a 58.4% percent chance to win. Do you think that’s accurate?
McMullen: Lol no. There’s a reason UF is a home underdog among the Vegas betting lines.
Landry: Prediction?
McMullen: 23-13 LSU. Nick Brossette gets back on track and runs for a pair of scores. Burrow has a respectable game but throws his first pick of the year. Coach O gets another glorious opportunity to curse in a visiting locker room, and the national media will blow it out of proportion. Steve Spurrier drinks a grass smoothie à la that Les Miles ESPN commercial to fulfill their wager.