Gators Host FCS UT Martin for 2019 Home Opener

Florida football opens up at home against the University of Tennessee at Martin. While the matchup may not be exciting as, say, Texas vs. LSU this weekend, the game still serves as a morale boost. After a week off, the Gators are back in action and ready to go 2-0.

The Gator Standard

Dan Mullen’s favorite phrase is also back in business. The Gator Standard is an umbrella for how players should behave on and off the field.

WR Josh Hammond embodies the standard by keeping up his no-drops streak from last season.

He told media the offense is zeroing in on mistakes.

While QB Feleipe Franks may not be a media darling due to his on-field swagger, the Gators see him as a leader.

Not to mention, Franks is hardly worried about the outside noise.

While Mullen refused to get into suspensions, he cited “The Gator Standard” as the reason why some players might not play this weekend. DL Tedarrell Slaton, S Brad Stewart, WR Rick Wells, and ATH Patrick Moorer were suspended against Miami.

Don’t Count Out Lower-Rated Teams

Power five programs like to pay teams in lower divisions to play in their stadiums. The phenomenon of cupcake games allows for two or three guaranteed wins… most of the time. Last week, the Georgia State Panthers shocked the world and beat Tennessee in Knoxville. For reference, the Panthers went 2-10 in the Sun Belt division last season.

UT Martin is an FCS team, which means they cannot compete in playoffs like teams in the FBS. (FBS teams include power five conferences and other divisions such as the AAC and the Sun Belt.) However, division one football is still division one football and the risk for upsets is always there.

The Seahawks run a 3-3-5 defense instead of the traditional 3-4 or 4-3. Coach Dan Mullen says this unique defensive scheme could pose a challenge to his team. UT Martin also won its first game in come-from-behind fashion over Northwestern State. The Seahawks trailed 20-14 at the half and left the field with a 42-20 victory.

That being said, ESPN gives Florida a 99% chance to win.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. in The Swamp.