Gators (2-3) at No. 5 Texas A&M (5-0), Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN
Latest line: Texas A&M is favored by 7 1/2 points
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: Texas A&M 28, Florida 17
It would be a great comeback story if Billy Napier, the Houdini of the Hot Seat, could build upon UF’s monumental 29-21 upset over then-No. 9 Texas last week. Admittedly, the coming-out party of true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson coupled with quarterback DJ Lagway looking much like he did at the end of last season gives Gator fans reason to hope. But this is the fourth straight game in which Florida has faced a top-10 opponent — and it’s on the road to boot. And let’s not forget, Napier is 0-12 away from home against ranked opponents in his four years at UF. Texas A&M hired coach Mike Elko last season and already he has his program further along than Napier, who will once again need to transform himself into Save-Your-Butt Billy to pull off another major upset.
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators writer: Texas A&M 23, UF 17
The Gators keep it close but are unable to complete a Texas two-step during UF quarterback DJ Lagway’s homecoming. A physical battle at the line of scrimmage is decided by the dynamic, dual-threat playmaking of Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed against a stingy defense that struggles to contain him. After UF beat the Aggies’ rival Longhorns in the Swamp, Kyle Field flexes its muscle to help A&M remain unbeaten and intensify the pressure on Billy Napier.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Texas A&M 23, Florida 20
The Gators face the unenviable task of traveling to one of the nation’s toughest environments at Kyle Field — where 110,000 raucous fans are expected for DJ Lagway’s homecoming. Florida’s quarterback has been slowed by various injuries, but his latest leg injury could be a problem if it hampers his mobility against Texas A&M. It also doesn’t bode well for UF that the Gators are 0-12 against top-25 teams on the road under Billy Napier during the regular season. The Aggies can be explosive on offense, but UF’s strong defense should keep the game close.
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes writer: Texas A&M 24, Florida 20
The Gators showed signs of life with a huge home win over then-No. 9 Texas last week. Now it’s time to see if that was a one-time highlight in a dreadful season, or if it was a sign of Florida turning things around. The Florida offense came alive against Texas, but it may have a tougher task on the road in Colege Station, and Marcel Reed and the Aggies offense is performing better than Arch Manning and the Longhorns right now.
