About UF: The Gators are third in the nation in scoring defense (13 points per game), but 89th of 128 teams in scoring offense (25.2 ppg). Freshman linebacker David Reese has 23 tackles in two career starts. With 124 receiving yards at LSU, Tyrie Cleveland became just the third true freshman to clear the century mark during a game (Reidel Anthony, 1994; Antonio Callaway, 2015). Callaway is coming off season lows in receptions (two) and receiving yards (12).
About FSU: QB Deondre Francois has more touchdown passes (17) and as few interceptions (five) any UF quarterback during a season since since Tim Tebow in 2009. DE Demarcus Walker leads FSU with 59 tackles, including 13 sacks. CB Tavarus McFadden leads the nation with eight interceptions.
What to watch:
- UF run defense vs. FSU RB Dalvin Cook. After managing just 33 yards through three quarters against the 2015 Gators, Cook exploded for 150 yards and two fourth-quarter scores during a 27-2 win.
- Kicking game. UF’s Eddy Pineiro has hit 16 of 20 field-goal attempts, with three kicks of 53 yards or longer. FSU’s Ricky Aguayo is 16 of 21. But he is just 6 of 10 from beyond 40 yards, with a long of 47 yards.
- Penalties. The Gators led the SEC in penalties entering the LSU game (66.2 yards per game), but committed one for five yards. The Seminoles lead the ACC in penalties (77.1 ypg).
Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Read the Swamp Things blog at www.orlandosentinel.com/swampthings. Follow our UF coverage on Twitter @osgators.