“Florida finished the 2024 season strong, in part because of momentum gained after its win over then-No. 22 LSU in mid-November,” wrote Harry Lyles Jr. on ESPN. “In 2025, the Gators open their SEC slate on the road in Baton Rouge, and a win in that game against what will be one of the better quarterbacks they see all season in Garrett Nussmeier would go a long way in setting the table for the rest of their season.
“A loss in this game wouldn’t ruin their season by any stretch with the 12-team playoff format, but there could be tons to gain with a solid victory in one of the toughest places to play in college football with quarterback DJ Lagway in his first full season as the starter.”
Location, Location, Location
After two warmup games, against Long Island and USF, Billy Napier and his team take the trip to Louisiana. The Swamp unnerves opposing teams. Death Valley on a football Saturday maintains a similar effect.
As a result, UF will need to endure the loudness and frenetic energy of Tiger Stadium. Additionally, where the game sits in the schedule confirms the meaning. LSU week stands early enough to either derail early momentum gained, or, in the best-case scenario, add to it.
The game also starts the toughest part of the Gators’ schedule. After LSU, Florida faces Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M, which looms as the most daunting of tasks.
