Leading up to this week’s season openers, Saturday Down South breaks down scouting reports for the SEC’s out-of-conference opponents and what makes them click:

IDAHO VANDALS
Opens Saturday at Florida (7 p.m. ET; ESPNU)

THE SKINNY: Idaho is led by former Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, who is entering his second season with the Vandals. Petrino’s squad is coming off of a rough 1-11 season, but there’s reason for optimism heading into 2014. The defense is anchored by three upperclassmen on the defensive line, including two new additions from the JUCO ranks. A slightly more favorable schedule in 2014 should also help out the Vandals, who faced both Ole Miss and Florida State last year.

RELATED: Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Theo Lawson, Idaho Vandals beat writer

KEY PLAYER: Running back Richard Montgomery enters this game with a chip on his shoulder. Growing up one hour away from Gainesville, Montgomery was a die-hard Gators fan, but as he went through high school, the Gators passed over him in recruiting. He is the definite spark plug for this Idaho offense. He’s smaller at just 5-foot-8, but he’s shifty and electric with the football. It’ll be interesting to see if he can use that “chip” to fuel him for a breakout game against the Gators.

WHAT TO WATCH: The battle between the Idaho defensive line and Florida offensive line will be an intriguing battle. Idaho will feature three potentially dominating defensive lineman to The Swamp on Saturday. Senior Quayshawne Buckley is the leader of the Idaho defense. He led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss last year and was a disruptive force in the middle of the line. In addition to Buckley, Idaho has brought in JUCO defensive tackle Alphonso Hampton. Ranked as the No. 15 JUCO player last year, Hampton is a load at 6-foot-5, 347-pounds. The combination of he and Buckley will give an unproven Florida offensive line plenty to think about when they line up at the LOS.

RELATED: Idaho vs Florida: How will the Florida offensive line perform?

FINAL SAY: Idaho has their work cut out for them against the Gators this weekend. The Vandals are not without size and speed at certain positions, but the talent discrepancy is too great everywhere else. If everything goes right for Idaho, they may stick around for a half. Florida will be tested in some aspects, especially on the offensive line, but this should simply be a tune-up game for the Gators and the new offense under Kurt Roper.