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Florida vs. Missouri: GatorMaven Staff Picks and Predictions!
Trap game?
That's typically what Florida vs. Missouri gets labeled as for the Florida Gators. Amidst a two-game slide to the Tigers and a 3-4 record against Missouri since they joined the SEC, it's normal to be wary of this SEC East foe when the two teams showdown annually.
But not this year, at least according to the GatorMaven staff. Check out our picks and predictions for the game below.
Zach Goodall: Florida 31, Missouri 10
While this annual matchup is often considered a trap game, I don't think this Missouri team is nearly as threatening without Drew Lock at the helm. While Kelly Bryant has certainly been an efficient passer, his dual-threat ability hasn't been fully unleashed this year and the Tigers' offense as a whole has taken a step back from year's prior.
The talent on Florida's roster simply outweighs Missouri's from head to toe this year, as Florida is closing their talent gap within the SEC while Missouri expands theirs. Given that, I think Florida simply outworks this Missouri team in Columbia today, and carries a dominant two-game win streak into their final bye week ahead of the FSU game.
Graham Marsh: Florida 34. Missouri 14
The Gators finally break the Missouri curse that has plagued them the past two season. There is no chance of a horrid Feleipe Franks debacle this season, Kyle Trask should produce a very Trask-like day: Consistent, kind of boring and effective. I think Kelly Bryant finds success on a drive or two and gets the Tigers into the end zone at home but outside of that it should be a rough day for Missouri offensively. Hopefully we see a heavier plate of Emory Jones than in the past few weeks, but as we know Dan Mullen will not put him in if he doesn’t like the matchup. We’ll have to wait and see about that, but I think as far as outcome we can go ahead and predict a Florida victory with plenty of conviction.
Ainslie Lee: Florida 34, Missouri 10
The mystical game against Missouri is here. And if one thing is for certain, some aspect of this football game will be a head-scratcher — it always is.
However, I think Florida will come out on top and snap a two-year skid to the Tigers. While Kelly Bryant is set to start against the Gators, I think Dan Mullen and Todd Grantham will come out with the perfect game plan to combat the double-threat QB. After all, Mullen has produced some pretty productive dual-threat QBs in his time — he knows what makes them tick and what makes them blunder.
Offensively, the Gators have an interesting test with Missouri being very efficient in defending the pass — something that has become Kyle Trask and the Florida offense’s bread and butter. While I think quarterback Kyle Trask has the precision to pick apart the Missouri secondary, my guess is that he won’t need to. Florida’s ground game will see their best game of the season on Saturday.
Donavon Keiser: Florida 28 Missouri 17
The Gators will be tested yet again against SEC East foe Missouri, who has had the upper hand on the Gators since they joined the conference a few years back. They have always been an awful matchup for the Gators, but this year seems different thanks to the culture Dan Mullen has established.
Florida has the clear advantage on paper, but the Tigers do have Kelly Bryant returning to the starting lineup. Missouri has a solid defense, but I think Florida has too many weapons and will overcome a slow start as they normally do. The game is a local 11 AM kick, and is one of the furthest trips of any SEC matchup.
I still think Florida wins, even without linebacker Amari Burney and defensive end Jabari Zuniga if they don’t end up going. The Gators should be able to limit running back Larry Rountree III, and make Bryant throw the ball which isn’t his strong suit. I have it being a close game, with UF pulling ahead late in the third quarter and holding the lead.
Jeremy Klump: Florida 42, Missouri 13
After a dominant victory over Vanderbilt, No. 11 Florida should have another easy day in the office against Missouri. The Gators got great production from quarterback Emory Jones last week (three touchdowns), so look for him to have another big game if Florida takes a lead and he can get in the game.
Victor Prieto: Florida 31, Missouri 17
Florida’s match in which it travels to Columbia, Missouri, may scream trap game to many. And that’s because it is.
The noon kickoff against the Tigers is sure to be a close one. With the Gators healthy against a talented Missouri offense led by Kelly Bryant, Florida’s defense will be a catalyst in this one. If it can control the tempo of the match while Kyle Trask gets it done on the offensive side, which he’s managed to do in most outings, Florida should walk away with the victory.
The question is: Can Florida’s offense be efficient on the road? I think it can and the Gators get it done.
