Florida Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a fourth quarter rushing touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Auburn will provide the first true test for Florida if the Gators want to prove that they’re worthy of SEC contention. The Tigers do, however, have a decision to make at quarterback.

Will Joey Gatewood win the starting job or will it be Malik Willis? Heck, even true freshman Bo Nix is turning some heads and could contend for the No. 1 job. By this point in the season, though, Auburn will have it all figured out but whoever it is could be struggling with confidence following a rough stretch heading into Gainesville with opponents such as Oregon, Texas A&M and Mississippi State.

There’s no doubt that Auburn will be the more battle-tested team heading into this one, but that doesn’t always translate to success. With a bye week approaching, the Tigers will be worn down and Florida will take advantage.

That doesn’t mean this game won’t be close, however. Feleipe Franks will hit Trevon Grimes on what’ll look to be the game-clinching score with three minutes left to put the Gators up 28-14, but Auburn will march down and score and even recover an onside kick.

Florida’s defense will hold strong with the pressure on and a short field behind them, notching a third SEC win for the Gators in as many tries.

Final Score: Auburn 21, Florida 28 (6-0, 3-0)

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