Game Day: Florida vs Samford (SEC Network+), noon - Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The history books show the Florida Gators and Samford Bulldogs have met twice on the football field. The first time was 100 years ago — Oct. 29, 1921 — with UF winning 34-0 at Montgomery, Ala. The two met the next season, with the Gators winning at home by a whopping 57-0. 

Two meetings, ancient history, with UF a winner by an aggregate 91-0. 

That's roughly the score Florida fans will need to help squelch a month of frustration when the Gators (4-5), losers of three straight in Southeastern Conference play, and the FCS-classified Bulldogs (4-5) square up Saturday at Spurrier/Florida Field in the annual "Saluting Those Who Serve" game. Frankly, even a beatdown of that proportion would not be enough. 

[Read senior writer Scott Carter's comprehensive "Opening Kickoff" preview here]

For now, though, the next opportunity, the next opponent, is the best and only antidote for a UF squad still smarting from last weekend's 40-17 road loss at South Carolina. The Gators went to Columbia looking to reverse a spiral that began with a 49-42 defenseless loss at unranked LSU, followed by a 34-7 turnover-plagued setback against No. 1 Georgia. Against the Gamecocks, they combined the worst of both the previous two games (no defense, plus giveaways) and were completely outplayed by a USC club that, according to the statistics on paper, should not have been able to total a season-high 459 yards of offense and hold the Gators to a season-low 330 in the most lopsided win for the Gamecocks in the series history. 

The overall performance prompted Coach Dan Mullen to make changes on his coaching staff, with both defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line John Hevesy fired the next day, officially putting everyone in the program on five-alarm notice.  

Yes, a flu bug ran rampant through the UF team in the run-up to the game (a handful of players, including starting quarterback Emory Jones, tailback Dameon Pierce and defensive end Zachary Carter, did not even go to Columbia until the afternoon of the game), but the show had to go on. That bug was still very much a factor in the Gators' locker room this week, but the Bulldogs, currently tied for sixth in the nine-team Southern Conference, aren't going to care anymore than the Gamecocks did. 

They have to play, and play a lot better and show an element of passion on both sides of the ball that seemed missing last week. 

UF quarterback Emory Jones under duress was a common occurrence in last week's loss at South Carolina. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)

Just what Mullen intends to do at the quarterback position will be revealed at game time.

Redshirt freshman Anthony Richardson got his first career start against Georgia, but did not fare well against the Bulldogs' stellar defense, what with three killer turnovers that became three UGA touchdowns in the final 2:22 of the first half. Richardson later suffered a concussion in the game, but was cleared to play at South Carolina … until he injured his knee dancing in the hotel. Yes, dancing.

Jones (66.4 percent, 1,675 yards, 12 TD, 10 INT) got the start against the Gamecocks and completed 17 of 30 attempts for 258 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw a pick and had a fumble returned for a touchdown. Florida, which began the day ranked sixth in the nation in rushing, managed just 82 yards on the ground against a USC defense ranked 87th against the run. 

Those two Jones turnovers gave UF 18 on the season (15 interceptions, three fumbles) accounting for 73 points for the opponent. The Gators are currently at minus-9 in turnover margin, which ranks 125th out of 130 FBS programs.

The shaken-up UF staff will have linebackers coach Christian Robinson assuming defensive play-calling duties, while Paul Pasqualoni, a special assistant to the head coach, will take an on-field role. Michael Sollenne, whose title was "graduate assistant" a week ago, will handle the offensive line. 

Kickoff is set for noon on SEC Network+, with Mike Couzens on play-by-play and Dustin Fox providing analysis. For radio and television broadcast info, click here. The game will be replayed Thursday at noon on the SEC Network.

Also, check out the "1st & 10 Pre-Game Show," hosted by Jeff Cardozo via the Florida Gators Facebook page, starting at 11 a.m. This week's lineup includes chats with Mullen, as well as Dameon Pierce and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate. 

Finally, follow senior staff writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete coverage content from the game late Saturday night and follow-up content Sunday, also.

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Game Day: Florida vs Samford (SEC Network+), noon - Florida Gators
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