UMass Minutemen vs. Florida Gators Preview and Prediction

The best news of the night for Gator fans was that Florida was solid on third down, an area where they had struggled in 2015.Florida was 9/17 on third down on Saturday night, while holding MA to 1/11 in the same category.As it also pertains to pressure, it should be noted as well that the Gators converted a two point try in the fourth quarter.The University of Florida also racked up 107 yards on the ground, running to set up the pass. “So you have to have a good full week of practice to beat a team like Boston College”. Lowery looks like he can be a difference-maker.

Jon Hillman’s 73-yard touchdown run on the Eagles’ first play of the second half tied the game at 7-7.

Other notes: Veteran linebacker Da’Sean Downey had a number standout stops. He was healthy and productive in the pass rush and stopping the run Saturday.

Florida plays against Kentucky next week. “I was nervous going into the first one to see how he would do”.

That never happened Saturday. But the drives couldn’t get into the end zone and Florida held a too-thin 13-7 lead. Lindsay was the bigger surprise. “They stayed with their game plan, took the air out of the ball, did a heck of a job and caused us some issues”. Lindsay was expected to share the load coming into the year. Rod Jones Jr. was a JUCO All-American, who became eligible late. If he can catch up, he could be another asset to an improved defense.

If you’re a fan of Florida, you’re going to want to shell out your wallet for one of these. The small-statured, speedy slot receiver comparisons will be impossible to ignore. The Minuteman will hope their first season as an independent will bring better success in the FBS as the program has failed to finish with more than three wins since moving up from the FCS ranks.

The Minutemen have their independence, but will it do them any good in the Swamp?

Rapid reaction: Not many outside of MA expected the Minutemen to threaten the 25th-ranked team in the nation in one of the nation’s more hostile places to play. But no, I think that’s something special, and obviously for (Spurrier), I think what a fitting tribute. UMass looks to Andy Isabella, Jalen Williams and Darrian Josey in the passing attack while Sekai Lindsay and Marquis Young will carry the load in the rushing game. On Saturday, especially on defense, they adjusted and improved, and played Florida even as neither team scored in the third. Florida is not an ideal game to learn those nuances on the fly. MA comes in last at No. 128. If Saturday is an accurate reflection, they’re better than that. Four plays later, Florida settled for a field goal. There’s no reason UMass can’t win some games going forward.