The talk among the coaches and scouts is that Tyler Wilson has been the best quarterback of the six. He’s been consistent, with smooth mechanics, and he’s been improving everyday. The fact that Wilson is a great athlete and has experience in a pro-style offense creates an easier transition, too.

Wilson didn’t quite have the year most thought he would. After all, Bobby Petrino got canned before the season started, and Wilson’s electrifying play caller was notably missing. Wilson threw for 3,387 yards with 21 touchdowns, but he also threw 13 interceptions, compared to 2011 when he threw just six. But the reality is that everyone knew Wilson would impress at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. He’ll keep trending up and could be among the first-round talks before it’s all over.

Florida’s Mike Gillislee has also caught the eye of several scouts and general managers  Gillislee is a low-mileage running back with great versatility. He did rack up an SEC-leading 244 carries in 2012, but he only took a combined 145 carries in his first three years.

Gillislee rushed for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns while being virtually the entire offense for the 11-2 Gators. Just this week, Bengals owner and general manager Mike Brown loved Gilly and talked to several scouts about him.

Gillislee packs quite a punch when hit, and he has great vision and athletic ability to evade would-be tacklers.

Tyler Wilson and Mike Gillislee are earning some money this week in Mobile.

Photo Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

No. 19 – Mike Gillislee, Florida, RB

2012 Stats: 244 carries for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns; 16 catches for 159 yards and one touchdown

Why he’s worthy: If you’re looking for the lifeblood and the heartbeat of the 2012 Florida offense, there’s no need to look further than senior running back Mike Gillislee. The first-year starter proved why he should have been the featured back over jitterbugs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey last season in Charlie Weis’ identity-less offense.

Gillislee entered ‘12 with no starts and lofty 1,500-yard, 24-touchdown goals. And while his numbers may be a disappointment for him personally, they were a very pleasant surprise for Will Muschamp and Florida fans. And for an offense that was 12th best in the SEC and the country’s 118th best pass offense, Gillislee was the only certainty Muschamp and Brent Pease could rely on each and every Saturday.

Gilly carried an SEC-high 244 times. He logged 22 more carries than Todd Gurley and 40 more carries than Eddie Lacy. He was the true definition of a workhorse for the Gators, a team with a finesse running game in 2011.

Gillislee notched five 100-yard games, including his best game against LSU, where he carried 34 times for 146 yards and two second-half touchdowns. His 100-yard games came against Bowling Green, Tennessee, LSU, Jacksonville State and Florida State, and he scored multiple touchdowns against Bowling Green, Texas A&M, LSU and FSU.

Muschamp raved about Gillislee’s unselfishness before, during and after the season, and to wait three years on significant playing time and to be the featured back shows Gillislee’s patience.

Gillislee was the SEC’s leading back through the first half of the season until defenses learned to stack the box against the running game, making Jeff Driskel and the wide receivers move the football through the air. That didn’t happen, and teams not named FSU started to suffocate Gillislee because of it.

Gillislee should make an impact at the next level, as he’s a very fresh senior running back only having taken significant carries as a senior.

The Countdown

• No. 20 Cordarrelle Patterson
• No. 21 Chris Smith
• No. 22 Tyler Bray
• No. 23 Tyler Wilson
• No. 24 Johnthan Banks
• No. 25 Sam Montgomery

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When: Wednesday, January 2nd

Where: New Orleans, LA

Game Time: 8:30 PM ET

TV: ESPN

What you need to know about Louisville: The Cardinals clinched a share of the Big East Championship and ultimately got the BCS bowl bid due to the highest BCS ranking in the Big East.

Louisville was tied with Cincinnati for the highest scoring offense in the Big East at 31 points per game, and they finished third in total offense. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater leads an explosive Cardinals’ offense. Several programs offered Bridgewater as an athlete or a wide receiver exiting high school, thinking he wasn’t good enough to play quarterback in college.  But he’s shut the mouths of the naysayers with his stellar accuracy, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. He’s thrown for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions. Five different receivers caught more than 30 passes from Bridgewater this season, with DeVante Parker leading the way. The Cardinals finished 24th in the country in passing offense, averaging nearly 300 yards per game in the air.

UL features two running backs in Jeremy Wright and Senorise Perry. Wright got the most carries with 186 for 740 yards and nine touchdowns, while Perry got 50 less carries but nearly as many yards with 705 with 11 touchdowns. Perry averaged 5.2 yards per carry, too.

Louisville’s offense revolves around Bridgewater to get the ball downfield to his receivers, and that actually plays into Florida’s strengths with their stingy secondary. The Cardinals must be able establish a running game against Florida’s defense to consistently move the ball.

Charlie Strong is known as a defensive coach, but Louisville didn’t have the best defense in the Big East. In fact, the Cardinals had the seventh best rushing defense out of eight teams, allowing opponents over 150 yards on the ground per game. That can’t make the Cardinals feel too good going against a very run-heavy offense in Florida, who will try to exert their will with the most physical running game they’ve seen all season. Defensive tackle Jamaine Brooks leads the Cardinals in tackles for loss with 6.5 and sacks with 4.5, and he’s a player to keep an eye on.

What you need to know about Florida: Florida loves to win ugly and continually plays to the level of their competition – see LSU, FSU, Jacksonville State and Louisiana-Lafayette. If you saw an 11-win season for Florida in 2012, I’ll be the first to tell you that you’re lying. It’s been quite the journey from 7-6 to 11-1 in only one season. The Gators aren’t winning with a sexy offense or a passing game like previous years, but they arguably have the best defense in the country and one of the top power running games and top special teams units in the country.

Florida finished 75th in scoring offense, but the passing game ranks just 118th out of 124 teams. Quarterback Jeff Driskel hasn’t been asked to do much – take care of the football and help the Gators win games with his legs. In fact, he’s stayed calm and collected under big-time pressure situations this season. Driskel has thrown for just 1,471 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he’s only thrown three interceptions. Those types of numbers won’t get anyone excited, but it’s all part of Will Muschamp’s plan to win.

Running back Mike Gillislee is the biggest reason Florida has had the success they’ve had on offense. He’s carried 235 times for 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gilly had 35 more carries than the next closest running back in the SEC. He’s been a true workhorse.

Florida’s most potent weapon in the passing game is tight end Jordan Reed. Only one receiver caught over 30 passes in Quinton Dunbar, but Reed led the team with 44 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a mismatch for any linebacker in coverage.

Florida’s strength of the team is on the defensive side of the football. All-American Matt Elam and tackle Shariff Floyd have led a resurging Gator defense. After forcing just 14 total turnovers in ’11, the Gators forced 29 this season, and it’s a credit to Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Florida doesn’t have that one dynamic pass rusher, but it’s been a collective effort with physical defensive linemen, experienced linebackers and the most talented secondary in the country. Florida’s corners are bigger than normal (6-1), and they play physical and one-on-one throughout the game. They match up with Louisville’s passing game rather well.

The often most overlooked aspect of any team is special teams. And Florida takes pride in their suffocating special teams. Punter Kyle Christy and kicker Caleb Sturgis are two of the MVPs in 2012. Field position has been Muschamp’s MO since the start, and Florida has excelled in nearly every facet of special teams this season.

By the numbers:

Who has the edge? Louisville’s offensive strength – the passing game – plays right into the hands of the Florida defense. Bridgewater and company have thrown the ball all around the yard all season on every opponent. However, Florida is #1 in the country in pass efficiency defense. The Gators force teams into third and long situations, and they lead the SEC only allowing teams to covert 28.32 percent of the time. Florida leads the SEC with 19 interceptions.

Florida also has the edge on offense, too, going against Louisville’s run defense. The Cardinals are ranked 53rd in the country in run defense, and Florida will run it 75 to 80 percent of the time. The Gators physically wear down their opponents in the second half – they did it all year. Muschamp won’t throw the ball much because he doesn’t have to.

While on paper, many wouldn’t give Louisville a chance, but Florida has had a way of keeping their opponents in nearly every game this season. I expect the Cardinals to hang around, but I like Florida to physically wear them down in the second half by playing their new brand of SEC football.

Photo Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

There were some Gators ready to run the former Texas assistant out of Gainesville after last year’s 7-6 finish. With a year under his belt and more time for players to master his system, Florida has flourished in Season 2. The Gators’ defense is perhaps the SEC’s best and has played lights out the second half of the season. Florida holds the most impressive resume in the Top 10 and is headed back to the BCS for its efforts in a competitive SEC this season.

Much has been made over this season’s BCS matchups, a series of potential lopsided affairs after Alabama-Notre Dame and Oregon-Kansas State. The question we all ask as viewers is: Will Florida’s game against Louisville be worth watching?

Vegas doesn’t think so.

Florida opened as a two-touchdown favorite, and unless the Cardinals come out clicking on all cylinders offensively, one would think the Gators cover without a problem. But that’s where Charlie Strong and Teddy Bridgewater, the Big East’s top quarterback, come in.

Louisville, the ACC’s newest member, flexes a 10-2 record led by one of the top under-the-radar passers in the country. A 6-foot-3 sophomore out of Miami, Bridgewater has made plays all season for the Cardinals (25 TD passes, 3,452 yards) and has helped push Strong to the forefront of top coaches. These two are the reason the big game in New Orleans will be competitive.

In three seasons, Strong, a 52-year-old defensive minded coach with SEC ties, has directed Louisville to a 24-14 record and two Big East titles. Before coming to Louisville, the Arkansas native spent seven years at Florida in a defensive role and three years at South Carolina prior to that. In 1999, he became the first African American coordinator in the SEC on Lou Holtz’s staff.

He would have been a good fit at Tennessee or Auburn, and a win over Florida in the Sugar would be huge for Louisville and the ACC.

It won’t be easy going up against a stout defense however. Florida has shut down each of the four athletic quarterbacks (Johnny Manziel, Connor Shaw, James Franklin and E.J. Manuel) it has faced this season and has a month to scheme against Bridgewater, who is nursing a broken wrist and sprained ankle. Despite the injuries, he completed 20-of-28 passes for 263 yards and two scores in the season finale at Rutgers that clinched a BCS berth for the Cardinals.

“I look at college football and I know there’s some athletic quarterbacks out there but I think wherever the best one is, I think Teddy should be linked there with them,” Strong said.

The problem for Louisville is not being able to simulate Florida’s strength and speed leading up to Jan. 2. The Cardinals haven’t faced anyone close to Florida’s caliber this season and are out-manned at nearly every position up front and at the skill spots. Strong and Co. hope the Gator offense doesn’t have a repeat performance of the 394-yard bludgeoning at Florida State and struggles like it has much of the season. During that rivalry win in Tallahassee, Jeff Driskel passed with efficiency and Mike Gillislee compiled 140 of his team-high 1,104 rushing yards.

Muschamp likes the toughness of his team and that’s what should ultimately decide this year’s Sugar Bowl. The SEC is 7-4 in the Sugar since 2000 with losses to Miami, West Virginia, Utah and Ohio State. In 2010, Florida humiliated Brian Kelly’s then-unbeaten Cincinnati Bearcats, 51-24, in what was Tim Tebow’s final game.

Photo Credit: John Reed-US PRESSWIRE

Final Record: 11-1 overall, 7-1 SEC

One could write a novel on the miraculous turnaround the 7-6 ‘11 Gators had to the 11-1 ‘12 Gators. There were several reasons for that turnaround, but it all comes back to head coach Will Muschamp. Not many in Gator country even felt remotely positive going into this season, much less thought Florida could get back to elite levels.

Muschamp got rid of about 600 pounds of dead weight combined in Charlie Weis and John Brantley. He also made two significant hires in offensive coordinator Brent Pease and strength coach Jeff Dillman. Both, along with Muschamp, have had tremendous impacts on this team in year two.

Muschamp, along with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, guided the Gators’ defense to new heights. Some would make a case this was the best defense in the country, only lacking an elite pass rusher. Defensive linemen Shariff Floyd, Dominique Easley and others developed and flourished in the system. Linebackers Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins were good, but freshman three-star recruit Antonio Morrison arguably made the play of the year with his hit and forced fumble against FSU. All five of those players were great, but safety Matt Elam was better. The Gators’ defense finished 6th in total defense and 3rd in scoring defense in the country. This group forced 29 turnovers, after only forcing only 14 all of last season.

Offensively, Florida was frustrating to watch at times. They always seemed to play to the level of their opponent – see LSU, FSU, Jacksonville State and Louisiana-Lafayette. Sophomore starter Jeff Driskel was consistently collective and efficient, but he showed his youth as well, taking sacks rather than throwing the ball away. The offensive line was just brutal at times, but when they were healthy they could wear down a defensive line. Wide receivers were non-existent, and tight end Jordan Reed became the biggest playmaker. However, none were more important than first-year starter and senior Mike Gillislee. He lifted the Gators to the third best rushing offense in the SEC.

Florida won with defense, turnover margin and special teams. Punter Kyle Christy and kicker Caleb Sturgis were more valuable than anone on offense except Mike Gillislee. Emerging star and special teams extraordinaire Loucheiz Purifoy became the biggest weapon on the team not named Gillislee, Elam or Floyd.

The Gators ended the 2012 regular season with the best resume in college football, having beaten the #8, #9, #10 and #12 teams in the country. They lost the one game they couldn’t lose against Georgia, thanks in part to six turnovers.

Offensive Stud: Mike Gillislee, who became the first 1,000-yard rusher since 2004, carried Florida’s offense. Gillislee was the tough power back the Gators and Muschamp needed, posting five 100-yard performances. No more jitterbugs such as Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, but Gillislee became the consistent runner who could run between the tackles and take a screen pass to the house. He totaled 235 carries for 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns, finishing third in the SEC in rushing yards. Because of his low mileage, Gillislee could be a serviceable back at the next level, too.

Defensive Stud: The three primary candidates for the defensive MVP are tackle Shariff Floyd, linebacker Jonathan Bostic and safety Matt Elam – but I’m going with Matt Elam. I think he’s the heart and soul of a talented defense and the best secondary in the country and will most likely head to the NFL after this season. He finished second on the team in tackles with 65, and he posted 10.0 tackles for loss. He also nabbed one sack and led the team with four interceptions. Muschamp loves run-stopping safeties, and he may have the best one in the country in Matt Elam.

Where To Next: Florida gears up to play Louisville in the Sugar Bowl, a bowl Georgia fans and several others don’t think Florida belongs in because they didn’t win their division. The Gators should finish with a top three recruiting class. Now, Muschamp and Florida will enter ‘13 with much higher expectations than they entered this season. We’ll see how the Gators handle the pressure of winning.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt’s punch the clock and manage your shift workhorse has helped the Commodores to an 8-4 record this season punctuated by six straight wins.

Heading into the bowl game, Stacy has 3,036 career rushing yards (that’s 359 more than Marcus Lattimore with one more attempt) and has given Vandy an every-down option it has sorely missed in recent seasons in the smashmouth SEC. Along with head coach James Franklin and a better than average defense, Stacy’s behind the Commodores’ rise from the Eastern Division cellar.

Looking back in early-October, Vandy seemed average at 2-4. With the program’s toughest games already over, however, Stacy took charge in his final season and left his footprint on the program. After squandering a late lead against South Carolina, falling at Northwestern and having its anchors ripped off the ship in Athens, Vandy turned the tides in a different direction, becoming bowl eligible for only the sixth time since 1955.

Over the final six games that followed a deflating home loss to Florida, Stacy scored five touchdowns and averaged 110 yards of total offense as Vandy’s main weapon in the backfield. He’s coming off a career high 180-yard performance at Wake Forest that included a jaw-dropping 90-yard touchdown scamper. UGA’s Todd Gurley and Florida’s Mike Gillislee are the only SEC running backs with more rushing yards this season. Johnny Manziel leads all playmakers on the ground with 1,181.

Stacy, a lightly-recruited senior from Centreville, Ala. has transformed into a bundle of muscle at 5-foot-9, 210 pounds over his college career and packs quite a punch between the tackles. Noticed by scouts with 4.49 speed in the NFL-ready SEC, Stacy’s rated 16th out of 178 draft-eligible running backs according to NFLDraftScout.com. He could be a great middle-round option for a team looking for a third-down back whose shown the ability to make things happen on passes in the flats or in short-yardage situations.

At an attractive 8-4 riding a long winning streak, Stacy and the Commodores now await their bowl fate. According to the energized Vandy fans I’ve spoken with, the alumni base really wants a postseason game outside of Nashville. The Gator or Chick-Fil-A would be welcomed invites, but it doesn’t seem likely that those committees would choose Vandy over available options such as LSU, South Carolina and Mississippi State. The Music City Bowl in Vandy’s home state of Tennessee wouldn’t be much of a reward considering the Commodores’ win streak is tied with UGA’s for the SEC’s longest.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Seven from the SEC did in fact notch the mark, when only four surpassed 1,000 yards in 2011.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M (FR): Manziel disrupted the SEC regular season much like Cam Newton and Tim Tebow did…but only better. His 1,181 rushing yards led all rushers in the SEC, and his 19 touchdowns on the ground also led the SEC. He averaged 6.42 yards per carry and only averaged 15.33 attempts per game to go along with averaging nearly 100 yards on the ground per game. The way he churns out yardage and knifes through defenses in his own slippery way is amazing. He did have some designed runs, but the majority of his big running plays were on creative scrambles and broken plays. What a feat and what a player!

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia (FR): The best running back in the SEC belongs to Todd Gurley. He’s the second coming of Trent Richardson, but only slightly taller than Richardson. Gurley is built like a linebacker, and he possesses a power running game but combines speed, agility and vision into the equation. He is the total package as a running back in the SEC. His 1,138 yards led all running backs in the SEC, and he averaged 6.47 yards per carry, which also led the SEC. He tied for second with Eddie Lacy with 14 rushing touchdowns. What a freshman and what a ceiling this young man has. And we have him for at least two more years in the SEC!

Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida (SR): For the first time in his career, Mike Gillislee was finally the feature back for the Gators. And thanks to Will Muschamp and Brent Pease, Gilly is the first Gator to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in seven years in Gainesville with 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin nor anyone else ran for 1,000 yards in any one season under Urban Meyer. Gillislee was a huge reason the Gators finished 11-1, beating defenses such as Texas A&M, LSU, Florida State and South Carolina. Gilly was the lifeblood of the Florida power running game. Congrats to Gillislee on a breakout season that actually gave him an opportunity to succeed. One thing is for certain – he’ll be fresh for the NFL and not beat up like other backs because of only one season’s workload.

Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt (SR): Zac Stacy has been so instrumental for James Franklin and his cultural change at Vanderbilt. Stacy notched back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Can you imagine if the human bowling ball got to run behind Alabama or LSU’s offensive line each and every week? This is an underrated player, and he should make an impact in the NFL because of his toughness and athleticism. Stacy is a great looking player, and he’s meant the world to Vandy these last couple of years. He carried for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, and he leaves his stamp on the program as the school’s all-time leading rusher.

Kendial Lawrence, RB, Missouri (SR): Kendial Lawrence was one of the few bright spots for a struggling Missouri offense in its inaugural season in the SEC. Lawrence rushed for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.13 yards per carry. He had the second most carries in the SEC with 200, and he was a workhorse for an offense that saw a ton of attrition on the offensive line and a quarterback who was injured for most of the season. Hats off to Lawrence in his senior season.

Tre Mason, RB, Auburn (SO): You want to talk about THE only bright spot for a program? That would be Auburn’s Tre Mason. Amidst a 3-9 season and rushing for 1,002 yards, the Tigers athletic department should give him a say who will be the next coach. He may be undersized, but he runs hard between the tackles and has the speed to house it at any given moment. Mason will be a staple on the offense for at least another season on The Plains. Great season for him, and it was an accomplishment to be literally the only bright spot of 2012 for Auburn.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama (JR): We knew Eddie Lacy would anchor the rushing attack, and he was Bama’s most important back down the stretch, despite the flashes shown by freshman TJ Yeldon at times. Lacy just did pass the 1,000-yard mark with 1,001 yards and 14 touchdowns, while averaging a nasty 6.10 yards per carry. It will be interesting to see his draft evaluation, because he is a tough runner and will be a load at the next level. I just don’t know if he’s an impact player in the NFL. Nonetheless, congrats to Lacy for achieving the mark in his junior season. He’s been in the shadow of Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram for the last couple of years.

Mississippi State’s LaDarius Perkins should pass the mark in the bowl game, as he has 940 yards rushing. Ole Miss actually held MSU to 30 yards rushing Saturday night, and it’s a big reason Perkins didn’t get to 1,000, lacking only 60 yards.

Photo Credit: Thomas Campbell

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina: Clowney lining up against Arkansas’ offensive line? I’ll take that matchup any day of the week, no matter if he has a foot injury or not. Defenders have been getting to Tyler Wilson this season and putting some big hits on him. Tulsa did it last week, and Arkansas will get to experience the wrath of Clowney, just like every team has before week 11.

Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida: It’s becoming more clear that Florida needs to find different ways to get Mike Gillislee the football other than in the running game, because he’s the best playmaker on offense. He’s done a great job running between the tackles as a power back this season, but he can also abuse some defenses in the screen game, too. I think Florida’s offense will run more screens and draws with Gillislee moving forward to offset the offensive line’s weakness in pass protection. Gillislee will have a big day against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU: The guy playing fifth fiddle at the beginning of the year is looking like he’s a top three or four running back in the SEC as a freshman. Jeremy Hill has rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns just in the last three games. He leads the Tigers in rushing, with 429 yards on 77 carries with six touchdowns. He’s been the playmaker the stagnant offense was lacking over the first half of the season. Hill’s fresh legs have energized the offense and given them an edge.

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: Jarvis Jones going against Auburn’s woeful offensive line? Yes please. Jones is second in the SEC in sacks with 8.5 and second in tackles for loss with 15. “Jones sacks Wallace” could be a common theme exiting Saturday. He will lead Georgia as they try and sew up the SEC East divisional crown and punch their ticket to Atlanta in back-to-back seasons.

AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: We hear so much about Johnny Manziel, and he’s an incredible player who has awesome creativity within plays, but the matchup with AJ McCarron and the Aggies’ secondary is much more favorable. Texas A&M is 12th in the SEC in passing defense, and look for McCarron to exploit some one-on-one coverages on play action with a couple deep throws to either Kenny Bell or Amari Cooper. McCarron has thrown for 19 touchdowns and no interceptions, and Texas A&M is last in the SEC in forcing turnovers on defense.

Photo Credit: Kevin Liles-US PRESSWIRE

AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: In a game where quarterback play will be at a premium in a top-five matchup, AJ McCarron will be the difference for the Tide. His transformation from a game manager and role player into an impact player who is garnering Heisman hype with his 18 touchdowns and no interceptions has been truly impressive to watch. LSU’s secondary is very good, but there will be extra attention stopping the Bama running game. McCarron will have some opportunities to hit Amari Cooper and Kenny Bell in certain passing situations. He’ll need to make those count, and I think he will.

Kevin Minter, LB, LSU: Minter is the best unknown player on the LSU defense. We hear all about Sam Montgomery, Barkevious Mingo and Eric Reid, but it’s Minter who is showing out in his junior season. He’s fourth in the SEC in tackles with 75, and he’s the heart and soul of the LSU defense at middle linebacker. He’s the one guy the Tigers could ill-afford to go down at any time with an injury. I think he has a big game against Alabama in helping to stop the running game of Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon.

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: Gurley is on his way to a 1,000-yard season, and he’d be only the second freshman in Georgia history to do it. The Rebels are ninth in the SEC in stopping the run, allowing 148 yards per game, and there will be some big holes and running lanes for him throughout the game. He’s a homerun hitter and a power running back built like a truck as an 18-year-old. He was a monster last week against Florida, and the Bulldogs will get back to basics running the football with their two freshmen. Gurley will get more touches of the two.

Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss: The best wide receiver you’ve never heard of resides in Oxford in Donte Moncrief. He has future NFL talent written all over him as a sophomore, and he’s caught 39 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns. Bo Wallace will need to have a big game, as will the running game, and Moncrief will have to make a couple explosive plays against the Georgia secondary. The Bulldogs’ defense played better last week than they have all season, and we’ll see if they bring that same kind of intensity against Ole Miss.

Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida: Ever since Gillislee’s 34 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns against LSU, he’s been quiet. Against Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Georgia, Gillislee has only rushed for 181 yards total. I fully expect Florida to feed the running game more after last week, and Gillislee is the heartbeat of the power running game for Will Muschamp and company. Look for Gillislee to get 25 to 30 carries this week and have a big impact against Missouri.

Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

When: Saturday, November 3rd

Where: Gainesville, FL

Game Time: 12:00 PM ET

TV: ESPN2

Series History: The last time these two teams met was back in 1965 in the Sugar Bowl, and Missouri won that football game 20-18.

Missouri Will Win If: The Tigers play their best football game of the season. It’s no mystery how teams will play Florida moving forward – load the box and minimize the impact of the zone-read with Jeff Driskel and the downhill running attack from Mike Gillislee. DT Sheldon Richardson will have to be a force in the middle, controlling the line of scrimmage just like he’s been all season. The defense hasn’t been the problem. It’s been the offense that’s currently ranked 12th in the SEC. Granted, they’ve had major injury issues at quarterback and offensive line, but James Franklin is officially back for Saturday, hoping to give the team some momentum. He played last week but didn’t start. This will be his football game. Special teams will be key, too, because Marcus Murphy leads the SEC in punt returns and will be going against the SEC’s best punter in Kyle Christy. It’s going to take a complete effort in all three phases of the game, but it’s certainly not out of the question to leave Gainesville with a win if the Gators are careless with the football again.

Florida Will Win If: The Gators take care of the football. Entering last week’s game against Georgia, Florida had turned it over only four times on offense. Georgia caused mass chaos and confusion with their physical presence, and Florida turned it over six times. Missouri leads the SEC in forced fumbles. Florida has hung their hat on protecting the football and forcing fumbles against opponents, who are also known as ‘violators’ around the Gators’ program. Florida is a much more physical football team than Missouri, but that Gators’ team last week is a .500 program with turnovers. Jeff Driskel has to take care of the football much better, as he threw two picks and lost two fumbles and took blame for the loss after the game.

Interesting Stat: Florida is 118th out of 124 in passing offense, only averaging 143.6 yards per game. If Missouri can have some success shutting down the running game, they’ll be in this football game until the very end.

Storyline(s): Florida must win this game in order to stay in contention in the SEC East. The Gators hope Ole Miss can find a way to upset Georgia on the road this week. But Florida must take of business against Missouri to get back into talks.

Player(s) To Watch: For Missouri, keep your eye on Sheldon Richardson. His ability to control the line of scrimmage from the point of attack will be critical in helping reduce the number of big plays in the Florida running game. He has two forced fumbles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks for the Tigers.

For Florida, Jeff Driskel will continue to be at the forefront of everyone’s conversation about the Gators’ offense. He took a step backwards last week with his inability to protect the football, and he hasn’t shown the progression that many were hoping for throughout the course of the season. But it’s only one bad game, and he hopes that is out of his system. He looks to rebound against Missouri’s defense.

Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE