Florida and Arkansas meet for the first time in four years when the Gators and Razorbacks square off Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. A lot has changed for both programs since their last contest at 2009: Urban Meyer is now at Ohio State, and Bobby Petrino is roaming the sideline at Western Kentucky. Under Will Muschamp and Bret Bielema, they’ve transformed into physical teams that want to win with power running and defense.
How to watch Arkansas vs. Florida 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Razorbacks and Gators have a Saturday night date in the Swamp.
This game could prove to be a crossroads for either team. Florida is trying to recreate the success from last year’s 11-win campaign, but a loss could be a sign that the Gators are in store for a four- or five-loss season. Not much is expected out of the Razorbacks. However, an upset win would be huge for Bielema in his first year, and would indicate his rebuilding project is ahead of schedule.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida (3-1, 2-0 SEC) enters the game ranked 18th in the Associated Press Top 25 and 19th in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. Arkansas (3-2, 0-1) is unranked and likely will continue to be no matter the result Saturday. The Gators and Razorbacks have played nine times, and Florida has won eight consecutive games in the series.
Vegas: Florida opened as a 12.5-point favorite, according to Odds Shark, and the over-under is set at 43.
Weather: The forecast calls for a nighttime low of 68 degrees and a slight chance of rain.
Three names to know
Matt Jones, Florida RB -- With starting quarterback Jeff Driskel out, Jones has to carry much more of the load on offense. He's split time with Mack Brown this season, but a 28-carry, 176-yard showing against Kentucky probably locked him into the No. 1 running back role.
Alex Collins, Arkansas RB -- On the other side, Collins, a true freshman, is impressing in Fayetteville. He's already gained 597 yards on 100 carries and is averaging 119.4 yards per game.
Tyler Murphy, Florida QB -- Driskel's replacement probably won't be asked to do too much, but he has to take care of the football and occasionally make plays. Against Kentucky, he completed 15-of-18 passes for 156 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Two things at stake
If Florida wants to stay in the SEC East race, the Gators need to not only win Saturday, but also get their offense into gear. Arkansas has an uphill battle to reach the postseason, but a victory in Gainesville would certainly help the Razorbacks’ chances.
How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Radio: Sirius 94/XM 200, Florida affiliates, Arkansas affiliates
Online streaming: WatchESPN. XFINITY customers can stream online here.
Further reading
• Big games: Ohio State-Northwestern | Washington-Stanford | TCU-Oklahoma
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