Florida Football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2019

Before Missouri joined the SEC, the Tigers and Gators had only met on the gridiron one time previously: the 1966 Sugar Bowl, which Missouri won 20-18. They’ve played every year since 2012, and after a one-score game in that first meeting, the last six have been blowouts.

Missouri has won the last two with an average margin-of-victory of 25 points, including a stunning 38-17 win in the Swamp last season. Florida will be hoping to pay back that favor in Columbia this time around.

Missouri has a lot to replace from last season’s team, and it all starts with replacing record-setting quarterback Drew Lock. Of course, Barry Odom hit the transfer market to do so, landing Clemson graduate transfer Kelly Bryant, who while not as prolific of a passer as Lock, can add a new dynamic to the Tigers offense with his running ability.

Moreover, 1,200-yard rusher Larry Rountree is back for his junior season, along with sophomore Tyler Badie who put together an impressive freshman season. That trio could form a devastating read-option running game that Odom and company will be looking to exploit.

Missouri’s schedule sets up favorably to the point that they would probably be in the thick of the SEC East race at this stage of the season, but NCAA sanctions will keep them from fighting for an Eastern division title or playing in a bowl game next season. The Tigers could relish the role of spoiler, though.

This should be another tight game for the Gators, a rarity in this series, but look for Franks and the Florida offense to make a couple of plays down the stretch to pull out the win and potentially clinch a second straight New Year’s Six appearance.

Pick: Florida 37, Missouri 29 (9-2, 6-2)