Florida at LSU: Three Storylines to Watch

Sep 19, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) defensive back Keanu Neal (42) and defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) celebrate against Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Blake Bone (6) after an incomplete pass at Commonwealth Stadium. Florida defeated Kentucky 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Harris vs. Florida Secondary

And speaking of the Florida defense, one of the biggest reasons to believe the Gators can limit the LSU rushing attack is the stellar performance of the secondary this year.

Opponents have gained an average of 197.2 passing yards per game against the Gators this season, which is impressive given the fact that Florida has played pass-happy teams Ole Miss and East Carolina already. Florida has also forced 13 turnovers – including three interceptions by All-American cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and two pick-sixes from Jalen Tabor, who ranks first in the SEC with eight pass breakups. Fellow defensive back Brian Poole also ranks among the league leaders with six pass breakups.

Just as talented as the defensive backfield, the Florida front seven is an attacking unit responsible for 21 sacks this season. Defensive lineman Jon Bullard leads the unit with 4.5 sacks and has also contributed 9.5 tackles for a loss. Alex McCalister and Joey Ivie rank second and third on the team with 4.0 and 3.5 sacks, respectively.

Because the Gators are likely to stack the line of scrimmage in hopes of stopping Fournette, LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is likely to be called upon to make a few big plays with his arm. The sophomore sign caller has looked shaky at times, and has only 610 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air this year, but led the LSU offense to three turnover-free games to open the season and has yet to throw an interception.

Harris is also coming off his best game of the season, where he completed 18 of 28 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. A dual threat, Harris has also gained 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season.

LSU has made a big effort to improve its downfield passing game over the last two weeks, probably looking ahead to the one-on-one opportunities they will have Saturday night. If Harris can connect with his playmaking receivers Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre, the Tigers will be in very good shape.

Next: LSU at Florida Prediction