Sep 16, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Jack Pyburn (44) gestures to the crowd during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Football’s Defense Stepping Up, Pyburn says

The Florida Gators football team performed on cloud nine last Saturday while upsetting the then-No. 22 Louisiana State Tigers, 27-16.

Florida (5-5, 3-4 SEC) had freshman quarterback DJ Lagway back on the field after he missed the Texas game due to a hamstring injury that occurred during the Georgia game.

The Gators’ offensive line worked hard to protect their quarterback against LSU. Lagway spent most of his time in the pocket, a rare entity for him as a mobile quarterback.

Florida has the opportunity to prove itself again Saturday in its last SEC matchup of the regular season against the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (8-2, 4-2).

This week the Gators’ preparation will stem around Rebels veteran quarterback Jaxson Dart and his mobility on the field.

Defensive Standards

Florida had one of its worst defensive performances all season against Texas. The Longhorns outgained the Gators 562-329 yards and forced four turnovers to secure the victory.

The Gators flushed out their mistakes during last week’s practice. They came out to win big in The Swamp against LSU. Junior edge Jack Pyburn said the Gators were ready for the Tigers:

Florida has faced a great deal of adversity. Quarterback Graham Mertz is out with a season-ending ACL injury and Lagway missed time with a hamstring injury. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. has missed game and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III is out after hip surgery.

The UF freshmen have had to uphold their end of the skills. True freshman like running back Jadan Baugh have been the backbone for the Gators. Baugh scored five touchdowns against Kentucky and one against LSU:

Stopping Run

A crucial piece to Florida’s defense this week is being able to match Dart’s mobility. Ole Miss has several key players on offense, but also a quarterback who likes to step outside the pocket. A significant key is stopping the run and providing pressure to force offensive mistakes, Pyburn said Monday:

Game Time

Florida competes in its last regular season home game starting at noon Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ABC and on ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.

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