The Opening Kickoff (Part III): Gators-USF Storylines, Players to Watch, Notable Numbers

Florida Notes | USF Notes | Raymond James Stadium A-Z Guide

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida's second game of the season has a lot of similarities to its first.

The No. 13 Gators are facing an in-state school not named Miami or Florida State. This week, they travel to Tampa to face USF on the road for the first time in program history. In the only other meeting between the schools, the Bulls visited Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 11 years ago and got thumped 38-14 on a sweat-soaked afternoon.

It's Game Week vs. USF! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/NN6NlI8f7h
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 7, 2021

A week ago, Florida opened against another in-state non-Power 5 school and defeated FAU, 35-14, in front of a lively crowd of more than 86,000 in the return of full capacity at 'The Swamp.'

During an era when scheduling is scrutinized more than ever before, Gators head coach Dan Mullen is a fan of games against in-state opponents.

"I think for one, it's a pretty neat game for people in the state of Florida,'' Mullen said this week. "Again, this might not have national implications right now. I don't know that, besides the Gator Club of Seattle, everybody in Seattle can't wait to see. I'm sure there's, like, high school players that are excited to watch the Gators play all over the country. I think here in the state of Florida, this game's a big game.

"You're going down to the Tampa area, for their fans to be able to come see that, for players – both teams, the highest percentage of players are going to be from the state of Florida, their families can come see this game. Guys know each other from growing up and seeing the two teams play, so I think that's what always makes it fun on these kind of – when you can create little in-state rivalry games like this, I think it's good for the state."

The matchup against USF is the first of three this decade, with the next two scheduled in 2022 and 2025 in Gainesville. Florida recently announced a similar three-game series against UCF.

Meanwhile, the Gators improved to 8-0 all-time against in-state FBS programs not named Miami or Florida State with last week's victory over FAU.

They will try to make it 9-0 on Saturday.

THREE STORYLINES

Florida quarterback Emory Jones is set to make his first career start on the road after starting the first game of his career in the season opener. Jones finished 17 of 27 for 113 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He added 74 yards on the ground in a performance that left something to be desired in his eyes and those of fans who got excited at what backup Anthony Richardson (7 rushes, 160 yards, 1 TD) did when he took over late in the second half. Look for Jones and Richardson to both play at USF and for Jones to come out with added urgency.
USF is coming off a 45-point loss at N.C. State in its season opener in which starting quarterback Cade Fortin struggled and was replaced by true freshman Timmy McClain. Bulls head coach Jeff Scott said Fortin is expected to start Saturday but that both will play. Meanwhile, Miami transfer Jarren Williams is also on the roster. He threw for 214 yards against the Gators in the 2019 season opener in Orlando.
The UF defense registered six sacks against FAU, including three by SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of Week Zachary Carter. Carter and Co. will look to tee off against a USF offense that did not allow a sack against the Wolfpack but surrendered seven tackles for loss totaling minus-28 yards. The game at USF is also a homecoming for Carter, who played at Hillsborough High.

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fifth-year senior running back Malik Davis surpassed the 100-yard mark in the win over FAU for the first time since his freshman season in 2017. Davis carried 14 times for 104 yards to help the Gators rush for 400 yards overall. Like Carter, Davis is returning home to Tampa to face the Bulls. He played at Tampa's Jesuit High, a 1.1 mile drive north from Raymond James Stadium
The general thought is that with Alabama coming to town a week from Saturday, the Gators would like to crank up the passing game against USF after doing most of their damage on the ground against FAU. If that's the case, keep an eye on 6-foot-3, 215-pound redshirt sophomore receiver Ja'Markis Weston, who hauled in three passes for 44 yards last week. Weston is young but has the tools to develop into a more prominent player as the season progresses.
Brenton Cox Jr. started against FAU but had a quiet night, finishing with just one tackle and not involved in any of Florida's six sacks. Cox is undeniably talented and figures prominently into the big picture for the Gators to have a strong season defensively. With the Bulls expected to drop back and pass plenty, Cox should have ample opportunity to become more of a factor.

FIVE DIGITS

100 – Career wins for Gators head coach Dan Mullen if Florida beats USF on Saturday. In his 13th season as a head coach, Mullen has a 99-55 career record.
26 – Games Florida has accumulated 400 yards or more of total offense in 39 games since Mullen took over program in 2018.
1,087 – Career rushing yards for Davis after his 104-yard outing in opener against FSU.
25 – Seasons USF has fielded a football team. The Bulls defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 80-3 in their debut game in 1997.
69,383 – Largest home crowd in USF history, set in 2012 against Florida State. More than 60,000 fans are expected for Florida's first road game at USF.

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