LAST TIME: The Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak to Florida last season 36-7 in Gainesville. The Tigers haven't won back-to-back games over Florida since 1986-87. Florida has won four of the past five in the series.
KEY PLAYER FOR UF: Ran Carthon. Facing one of the best defenses in the league, Florida must establish the run to take pressure off freshman quarterback Chris Leak, who had three interceptions last week against an Ole Miss team that was last in pass defense. Carthon is coming off his first 100-yard rushing game.
KEY PLAYER FOR LSU: Michael Clayton. He has at least one catch in every game of his career, a 31-game streak. He also has six 100-yard games, three this season. In four games he has caught 28 passes for 480 yards and four touchdowns. Clayton presents a big challenge for the Gators secondary.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Florida is coming off an emotional home loss and is struggling in nearly every facet of the game, particularly its offense, which is averaging 17 points in its past three. LSU leads the SEC in scoring offense and defense and averages a little more than 150 yards rushing - an area that has hurt the Gators defense in several games. Leak could be under constant pressure today. Facing a defense that allows a little more than eight points per game, he can't make mistakes or the Gators will be looking at their third conference loss. Florida must find a way to contain quarterback Matt Mauck, who has become a solid passer and remains a threat to run.
FUN FACT: Nick Saban and Ron Zook met on a field in 1972 as defensive backs for Kent State and Miami of Ohio, respectively. Kent State defeated Miami of Ohio 21-10, marking one of only four losses Zook had in his college career. The coaches also were defensive backs coaches at Ohio State. Zook was there from 1988-90 and Saban was the secondary coach 1980-81.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Despite their disappointing record, and despite the fact that they are starting a true freshman quarterback, the Florida Gators still have enough talented athletes to beat LSU in Baton Rouge. I don't expect that to happen, but if the first six weeks of the season have taught us anything it's that no team is invincible. . . . The Tigers will be flying around blitzing Chris Leak the minute he steps off the bus Saturday afternoon. I think the Gators will compete for a while but will be worn down in the end." - CBS analyst Todd Blackledge, who along with Verne Lundquist comprise the broadcast team for today's game.
