Take Five Breakdown: Florida looks to get back on track against a familiar face

Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

• Florida Football Preseason Superlatives
• Early Entry Review: Woods’ name rang out
• Getting to Know: Daniel Pierre Louis
• Getting to Know: Onis Konanbanny
• Post-Spring/Transfer Portal Ranking of Florida position-by-position
• Getting to Know: Byron Louis

On Saturday, the Florida Gators (1-1) open SEC play on the road against the No. 3 LSU Tigers (2-0). Florida aims to bounce back from a loss to USF as LSU looks to solidify its position as a top team in college football. To learn about the Tigers, Inside the Gators spoke with Brett Kemper, sports reporter for the Reveille, LSU’s student newspaper.

Five LSU Tigers to Know

Garrett Nussmeier, Quarterback, Senior

• The 2025 preseason All-SEC second team quarterback is a tough task for Florida’s defense. Nussmeier is 12-4 as a starter. Kemper says he’s an excellent quarterback, but still hasn’t proved to be a Heisman Trophy or National Championship level QB. “He needs to prove he can win big games.”

Jack Pyburn, Defensive End, Senior

• After Florida didn’t meet Pyburn’s lofty NIL requests, Pyburn transferred to LSU for his senior season. A familiar face to Gators fans, the Jacksonville, Fla., native started UF’s final eight games in 2024, tallying 60 tackles and four tackles-for-loss. The Tigers’ defense has been elite through two games, allowing just 207.5 total yards per game. “[The defense] has gotten so much better since he’s been at LSU,” said Kemper. “Pyburn’s a big part of that.”

Harold Perkins Jr., Linebacker, Redshirt Junior

• Fresh off an ACL tear, Perkins has been a force for LSU’s revamped defense. In the Tigers’ season opener at Clemson, the New Orleans native collected six tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and a sack. Perkins wears the esteemed No. 7, a number reserved for elite and dominant Tigers. “He’s just a playmaker,” says Kemper. “Crazy insane athleticism.”

Mansoor Delane, Defensive Back, Senior

• Delane joins LSU after three seasons with Virginia Tech. The transfer excelled in the team’s win at Clemson, finishing with two passes broken up and an interception. “[He] covered every time against Clemson,” said Kemper. “It’s ridiculous what he’s put together through two weeks as a Tiger.”

Caden Durham, Running Back, Sophomore

• LSU’s rushing attack goes through Durham, the preseason All-SEC second-team running back. Durham ran for 753 yards and six touchdowns last season. “He’s been a steady go-to guy. He’s been an explosive playmaker while simultaneously being able to get three yards to setup third and short,” said Kemper.

Five Fast Facts

• It’s the second time ever an unranked UF team is playing at a top five LSU. The only previous time was 1958.
• In the last six meetings between the teams, the Gators are averaging 463 yards of offense.
• Florida has rushed for over 100 yards in nine consecutive games against LSU.
• Coach Billy Napier is 20-20 through 40 games at Florida. Entering last year’s meeting, Napier was 15-19.
• LSU is 20-2 at home under head coach Brian Kelly.

Five Game Day Storylines

All-time series on the line

• The series is tied 34-34-3 entering the 72nd meeting between the two schools. Last year, Florida beat then No. 21 LSU 27-16. Nussmeier was sacked six times for 44 yards. Before 2024, the Tigers had won five straight.

Banks Back

• Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks makes his season debut against LSU. The preseason All-SEC second team selection was absent in the Gators’ first two games due to a lower leg injury suffered in fall practices. In 2024, Banks had seven tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He had an impressive seven quarterback pressures in the win over LSU.

LSU Run Game

• Kemper says LSU’s ability to establish the run game is, “maybe the biggest question of all.” The Tigers’ offense is working best when the run game is successful. “Running the ball is going to dictate so much in this game.” USF ran for 128 yards against Florida, but adding Banks should help prevent the Tigers’ ground attack.

Tigers Revamped Offensive Line

• LSU had to rebuild its offensive line this past offseason. They lost key players such as left tackle Will Campbell, the fourth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. That said, Kemper’s been impressed through two games. “On paper, they’re not supposed to be as good as they are.” However, in LSU’s win over Louisiana Tech, starting center Braelin Moore got hurt on the team’s first offensive snap. He’s going to play, but could be banged up against Florida’s defensive line.

Defense in Death Valley

• The Tigers’ defense has been elite through two games. They’ve allowed just 17 points. Kemper thinks highly of second-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker. “He’s acting out his vision.” LSU’s run defense has been particularly good, allowing just 89 total rushing yards through two games.

Prediction

• Lance: 28-20 LSU
• Brett: 28-13 LSU

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