FAU-Florida Preview Capsule
Florida Atlantic (2-8) at No. 8 Florida (9-1), Noon, (SEC Network)
Line: Florida by 31.
Series Record: Florida leads 2-0.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Florida's chances of making the College Football Playoff. The Gators already wrapped up a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game in two weeks, so this is a classic trap game between league play and a matchup with rival and 16th-ranked Florida State.
KEY MATCHUP
FAU QB Jaquez Johnson vs. Florida's defense. The senior is a dual threat, with 1,356 yards passing and eight touchdowns and 227 yards rushing and a score. The Gators have had some trouble against mobile QBs this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FAU: Backup QB Jason Driskel, the younger brother of former Florida QB Jeff Driskel. Jeff Driskel left Gainesville after last season and transferred to Louisiana Tech. Jason Driskel has played in eight games, with two starts, for the Owls this season.
Florida: Senior DT Jon Bullard was downright dominant in SEC play and could have a field day against the seemingly overmatched Owls.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Owls lost the previous two meetings by 39 and 38 points. ... FAU's biggest loss this season was a 24-point setback against Miami in September. ... FAU is playing 16 true freshmen and 11 redshirt freshman. Only Rice (31), TCU (29) and Clemson (28) have played more freshmen this season. ... Jim McElwain can set a school record for most wins by a Florida coach in his first season. McElwain is currently tied with Urban Meyer (2005), Steve Spurrier (1990), Galen Hall (1985) and Ray Graves (1960). ... The Gators are 15-0 at home against teams from Conference-USA. ... Florida's defense ranks fifth nationally in total defense, allowing just 280 yards a game, and leads the Football Bowl Subdivision by forcing three-and-outs 32 percent of the time. ... Florida leads the SEC and ranks 13th nationally in turnover margin (plus-9).
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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org