Florida opened the Jon Sumrall era by beating the hell out of Florida Atlantic, 66–21. Now the Gators get Campbell, an FCS opponent that most people will look at and automatically chalk up as another easy victory.
Florida should win this game comfortably. But Campbell is not coming to Gainesville just to collect a check and take an ass-kicking.
The Camels are 2–0 after winning 49–37 at ETSU and beating No. 24 Western Carolina 28–19. They are averaging 38.5 points and 521 yards of offense per game. That gets my attention regardless of the level of competition.
Campbell Can Move the Football
Quarterback Kamden Sixkiller is the guy Florida has to contain. He threw for 343 yards and accounted for four touchdowns against ETSU. He followed that with 330 passing yards and three total touchdowns against Western Carolina.
Sixkiller is experienced, confident and capable of extending plays with his legs. Campbell spreads the ball around, plays aggressively and has enough weapons to create problems if Florida comes out flat.
The Camels rushed for 198 yards against Western Carolina and held the ball for more than 36 minutes. They aren’t afraid to put together long drives, but they can also create explosive plays through the passing game.
Florida’s Defensive Challenge
Florida cannot let Sixkiller get comfortable.
The Gators need to pressure him, keep him inside the pocket and make him throw under duress. He threw three interceptions against Western Carolina, so he will give defenders opportunities when pressured into forcing the football.
I also want to see Florida clean up the defensive issues from the FAU game. Giving up 21 points in a 45-point victory isn’t cause for panic, but the Gators allowed a couple of long drives and gave up too many third- and fourth-down conversions.
Campbell is good enough offensively to expose those same mistakes.
Florida Should Pound the Football
The biggest mismatch is Florida’s offensive line and running game against Campbell’s defensive front.
Jadan Baugh rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns on only 14 carries against FAU. Campbell has been good against the run statistically, allowing just 78 yards per game, but it hasn’t faced anything resembling Florida’s size, strength or depth.
The Gators need to line up, establish control at the line of scrimmage and let Baugh go to work. This is also an opportunity to build depth at running back and across the offensive line before the schedule gets much more difficult.
Another Test for Aaron Philo
Aaron Philo was impressive in his Florida debut, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.
Now I want to see him stack another clean performance.
Campbell has allowed almost 350 passing yards per game, so the opportunities will be there. Philo should be able to push the ball downfield, spread it among his receivers and continue developing chemistry with Vernell Brown III.
The most important thing is protecting the football and operating the offense efficiently. Florida doesn’t need Philo playing backyard football and trying to manufacture highlights against an FCS opponent.
What I Want to See From Florida
I want Florida to start fast, play clean football and take control early.
Campbell jumped ahead of Western Carolina 21–3 and carried a 28–10 lead into halftime. If Florida sleepwalks through the opening quarter, the Camels are capable of putting points on the board and making the crowd uncomfortable.
But if Florida plays disciplined football and controls both lines of scrimmage, the talent difference will eventually become overwhelming.
Campbell is a good FCS football team with a dangerous quarterback. Florida should respect that—but the Gators should also beat their ass.
Prediction: Florida 52, Campbell 20
