In 2021, Florida’s overtime loss to Missouri signaled the end of Dan Mullen’s tenure as the head coach of the football program. Billy Napier is hoping for better results in his first go against the Tigers and to claim his first SEC win.
After falling to Kentucky and Tennessee, Florida needs to win out to even have a shot at the SEC East title. Beating Eastern Washington wasn’t enough to convince the rest of the college football world that the Gators are capable of making such a run, but a convincing win over a Missouri team that just tested Georgia might earn the team some love.
UF enters the weekend as an 11.5-point favorite. The offense has been hot and Napier’s adjustments to the defense seem to be working slowly but surely. This will be a good test for the defensive unit as Missouri’s offense lacks a superstar presence compared to the success it saw with Tyler Badie at running back last year.
If Florida can cover the spread and then some, the Gators could end up back in the top 25. Here’s what to watch for when Florida takes on Missouri on Saturday.