[UF: W3]FIU and Max

[Weeze]

Gators Opening Play in the Swamp

Gators to Host the FIU Panthers

Florida expects a sold out crowd as they host FIU.

 

          Florida is returning home for the first time this season. After a huge week 1 win on the road in Death Valley, the Gators had week 2 off. Flying high on emotion, the team could not wait to get back out on the field and keep the momentum going. The question now going into week 3, after having a week off, can the coaches keep that energy up and keep the team focused on a much lesser opponent albeit just as an important one? Last season Florida was 1-3 vs out of conference opponents. That 1-3 really haunted them down the stretch as Florida missed out on a bowl game. The team has a much easier schedule in out of conference play this season. Clemson was one of the hardest opponents, with FSU probably the hardest opponent out of conference if not on the schedule. A couple good wins out of conference, and a few surprise wins in SEC play this season could have a very different ending. But how likely is a win over Florida International? 

FIU Sr QB Mike Lucroy 41 of 59 for 451 yards, 4 TD, 0 Int

          The Panthers currently are 1-1 on the season. They are being led by senior QB Mike Lucroy who has completed 41 of 59 passes for 451 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. While by no means is he having an award winning season up to this point, he has shown he can be dangerous and that he can be efficient. He has the potential to carve up the Florida Secondary, who struggled with Clemson's Palardy. They allowed 311 yards and 2 touchdowns. They did step up big toward the end of the game and came away with 2 interceptions. However if the coaches could have it their way, they wouldn't need those turnovers to put FIU away. They've had a week to work on their defense, and coach weeze is hoping for a much more efficient effort from the defense. FIU however could be a tough opponent as they run a very balanced attack and have given their last two opponents fits. They will be a far more challenging opponent for the Dline who essentially blanked Clemson run game. FIU is far more committed and seem to have better options in the back field as well as receivers. 

 

          But all is not dark. Florida came out with a strong rushing game against Clemson. FIU looks to have a worse run defense. That alone could be a huge difference maker. If Florida won't let FIU have their QB on the field, and burn up some clock, it could come away with another strong victory. On the whole, FIU Run defense does not look very tough, and their pass defense has some holes as well. While the passing game is far from a strength for Florida, this defense is far weaker than what they saw against Clemson. This should give Kelly a chance to make some plays down the field and gain some experience and confidence before opening SEC play against Tennessee. 

 

          Looking at a side by side comparison(we divided FIU total stats by 2 to get a more comparable number) FIU offense has for sure been more productive. 26 points a game is going to be a tough challenge when They've been running a really balanced attack. If florida can't shut down their rushing attack, their entire game plan could backfire. Taking a look at defense however, it entirely favors Florida. While FIU is scoring 26 points a game, they are also allowing just shy of 26 points a game. They've also allowed almost 335 yards a game and 96 yards of rushing. We expect that number to increase significantly after Saturday. Florida will be the first team they played that really pushes the rushing attack. 

5* QB Maximillian Howard Commits to Florida!

          The players might have had a week off, but the coaching staff remained busier than ever. Florida Headcoach, Coach Weeze, spent his time on the road this past week trying to round of some signatures and boy did he manage to land a whale. Max Howard, Brother of NFL  and infamous FSU QB Matt Howard, took his name out of the recruiting circus with a commit to Florida. His brother went to Twitter minutes after the announcement  saying "My Boy! you are gonna look ugly as hell in that Orange and Blue, but you've always been the ugly one! Congrats little bro, can't wait to watch you spank the SEC and come join me in the NFL." Aside from him, a number of Florida players posted responses to the news offering welcomes and congrats. Kelvin Williams, a freshman OG, stated "Oh we are gonna be dangerous". Freshman QB Kevin Jones sent out "Congrats big guy, but don't expect to be starting next season, that job is mine!" Jones was a 4* QB who signed at the end of last season. Florida recruiting opened up with a bang. "We aren't done yet, we expect a few more big names to come our way." Coach Weeze told media after the announcement of Howard.