Florida has had a tough time even containing LSU running back Leonard Fournette in the teams’ last two meetings. This time, the Gators will try to bottle him up with a decimated defensive front.

The bulk of Florida’s front seven will either miss the game or play through injury, coach Jim McElwain said during his weekly press conference Monday. The No. 18 Gators (4-1, 2-1) host the Tigers (3-2, 2-1) at 12 p.m. ET Saturday in a crucial SEC game for both squads.

McElwain said senior defensive tackle Joey Ivie (thumb) and junior defensive end Jordan Sherit (knee) are both out against LSU. Senior linebacker Alex Anzalone will play with a hand splint, senior defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. will see limited action with an unspecified injury and junior defensive tackle Caleb Brantley is questionable due to a hand injury and an illness, McElwain said.

Even worse for the Gators: only one player projected to start Saturday was on the roster the last time Florida beat LSU, a 14-6 home win in 2012.

Fournette, who has racked up 320 yards and four touchdowns against Florida in two games, has been battling a sprained and bruised ankle throughout the first month of the season. He is expected to play, but sophomore Derrius Guice — who just reeled off 163 yards and three touchdowns on just 17 carries against Missouri — still presents a challenge if Fournette is held out.