Next Meal:    LSU Tigers   

October 10, 1998   7:00 PM ET   TV:

Previous Weeks

My Prediction: UF 27  LSU 21

Vegas Odds: Gators favorite by 6

Coaching Information

Head Coach:  Gerry DiNardo

Career Record at Present Institution: 29-10-1 (3 years)

Overall Coaching Record: 48-35-1 (7 years)

 

Team Information

Basic Offense:  Multiple/Pro Sets

Basic Defense:  3-4

Final 1997 Team Record: 9-3

Final 1997 Finish: 6-2 Tied for first SEC West

Final 1997 National Ranking:  13th AP and USA Today

1997 Bowl Appearance: Independence Bowl beat Notre Dame 27-9

Game Notes

These two teams will meet for the 45th time this Saturday in the Swamp, and while this has been an extremely close series, Florida leads the head to head series 22-19-3.  They play annually
(since 1971) and the Gators have won 9 of 10 (last years heartbreaker).

This is an interesting series as the home team does not have a real advantage.  I was in school when LSU came to Gainesville and tied 21-21 with Florida (an upset that runied our chances for a National Title in '84).  This was Charlie Pell's last game.  Steve Spurrier beat LSU three times as a player and is 7-1 as head coach. 

With the decision to not play QB musical chairs, Spurrier faces selecting one of these two guys.  Palmer with his precision and Johnson with his arm.   Palmer will start, but more importantly we shall see who long before the mistake is made to yank him out. 

The defense can't give up too many big plays.   The late play by Alabama with another minute on the clock would have killed us and one less big play against Tennessee and we could have won.  NO BIG PLAYS must be the motto for our defense.  GO GATOR "D".

Gerry DiNardo has brought the Tigers into National prominence since his coming to Baton Rouge.  He did great things at Vandy with no talent and now he is proving to be a great coach.  However, he was upset by UGA last week and Florida will not give LSU any chances.  This loss will most likely take LSU out of the SEC west hunt.  The Gators will step up the level of discipline and will make less mistakes.  LSU was very succeptible to the pass with a weaker Georgia passing game.  Look for Spurrier to bomb LSU, but a few mistakes (2 turnovers) will keep this one close.  Florida barely gets by again 27-21.

Last Updated November 19, 2006