This game was already interesting enough, but it just got a whole new level of intrigue added to it. Florida starting quarterback Will Grier has been suspended for a calendar year for testing positive for a banned substance, meaning the No. 8 Gators will head into No. 6 LSU missing the quarterback who has gotten them off to a 6-0 start. He’ll be replaced by Treon Harris, who struggled early this year and last year.
How to watch Florida vs. LSU on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
What can Florida do without Will Grier?
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Up to this point, Florida has been one of the most impressive teams in college football. The Gators survived Tennessee, but then dominated then-No. 3 Ole Miss and won convincingly at Missouri. The defense hasn’t missed a beat under new head coach Jim McElwain and the offense has vastly improved ... when led by Grier.
LSU has shown that it’s a team to watch out for in the SEC West, behind the stellar play of Heisman frontrunner Leonard Fournette. Fournette has dominated pretty much every opponent, and the Tigers haven’t even had to throw the ball, which looked like their one weakness entering the season. This game will feature two good defenses, an offense with potential and an offense with a Heisman candidate. And with Grier out, we know even less of what to expect than before.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: LSU is favored by 9.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Alligator Army for Florida fans and And The Valley Shook for LSU fans.
Three big things to know
1. The biggest question is what Florida can do without Grier. Harris has been a starter before, but he struggled and got benched in favor of Grier. Can he do better behind an improved Florida offense on short notice?
2. Fournette has been a beast this year, but this will be the best defense he’s faced so far. That shouldn’t stop him, but this game could cement his status as eventual Heisman winner, or cause the race to open up a bit.
3. The winner of this game is a clear College Football Playoff contender. The loser will have no margin for error.
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