The Gators host LSU on Saturday afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Game Day: No. 21 LSU at Florida (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — He is one of the more recognizable Gators today, his 6-foot-6 frame topped by a nest of curly dark hair.
UF offensive lineman Austin Barber is the type of player coaches, fans and media members enjoy having around. He's friendly, accessible and cares about his craft. He is usually one of the first Gators lined up to sing the alma mater after games, win or lose.
A redshirt junior who played at Trinity Catholic High in Jacksonville, Barber has fond memories of the Florida-LSU rivalry growing up.
"The game I remember most is, the interception by Joe Burrow,'' Barber said this week. "Yeah, that's the game I remember the most, sitting there with my dad and just going crazy after it happened."
Barber was a high school sophomore in 2018 when Burrow, his LSU team trailing 20-19 with less than two minutes remaining, threw a sideline pass that was intercepted by Gators defensive back Brad Stewart and returned for a touchdown. The Swamp erupted with one of its signature roars.
Barber and his UF teammates would like to experience a similar scene this afternoon when the Gators (4-5, 2-4) host LSU (6-3, 3-2) in a Southeastern Conference showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. In his fourth season in the program, Barber has yet to beat the Tigers.
"It would be fun to beat LSU and just get another win under our belt,'' Barber said.
The Gators have lost five in a row to LSU, their longest losing streak in a rivalry that dates to 1937. The teams have played every season since 1971 and are scheduled to play in Baton Rouge in 2025. After that, with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC this season, nothing is guaranteed.
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The Gators have more to play for than their first win over LSU since Stewart's game-clinching interception. They need to win two of their final three games to become bowl-eligible.
They also seek to flush last week's 49-17 loss at Texas, and with the Tigers in town, last season's 52-35 loss at LSU. Heisman winner Jayden Daniels accounted for 606 yards of total offense to become only the second player in SEC history to pass and rush for 200 or more yards in the same game. LSU amassed 701 yards, the most ever against a Florida defense.
"I ain't never got did like that by a quarterback before, so that of course is in my mind when I see a quarterback try to escape,'' Gators edge rusher T.J. Searcy said.
Daniels has moved on and is now one of the most dynamic young players in the NFL. LSU's offense is led this season by fourth-year junior Garrett Nussmeier, who has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 21 scores. However, the turnover-prone Nussmeier has committed six miscues (five interceptions, one fumble) in the last six quarters in losses to Texas A&M and Alabama.
Meanwhile, the Gators have dropped two in a row as well, losing to Georgia in Jacksonville two weeks ago, and at Texas last week. The Longhorns tore apart Florida's defense for 562 yards as quarterback Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns.
Florida's defense can expect to be tested through the air once again with starting cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr. and Devin Moore sidelined due to injuries.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier during last week's loss to Alabama. (Photo: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports viaImagn Images)
The Tigers are ranked second in the SEC in passing offense (322.3 yards per game) and fifth in total offense (436.3). LSU's offensive line protects Nussmeier well, giving up only six sacks all season. On the flip side, the Gators are ranked 15th in the SEC in total defense (401.4) and rushing defense (167.3), and 13th in passing defense (234.1).
The best news for Florida heading into the game is that freshman quarterback DJ Lagway is set to return from a strained left hamstring he suffered in the loss to Georgia. Lagway did not play in last week's loss at Texas and was excellent in his last outing at The Swamp, throwing for 259 yards and rushing for 46 in a 48-20 victory over Kentucky on Oct. 19.
Coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, with the crew of Dave Pasch on play-by-play, Dusty Dvoracek providing analysis and Taylor McGregor on the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. and eventually give way to Sean Kelley and Shane Matthews in the booth, with Tate Casey reporting from the field. For GSN stations, click here.
The game will be re-aired Tuesday at 2 p.m., and again Tuesday night at 10:30 on the SEC Network.
Finally, follow FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete post-game coverage from the game late Saturday night and follow-up content Sunday, also.
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