The #3 Ole Miss Rebels and #25 Florida Gators are prepping for a Saturday showdown in The Swamp which will make for the first top-25 matchup in Gainesville in nearly three years. With two undefeated seasons on the line, many have circled this as a win going away for the #3 Rebels. We're not buying it. Here's 3 Reasons Why Florida Is GUARANTEED To Beat Ole Miss.
1. The Hargreaves Factor
Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell was the bright spot for an Ole Miss offense that stumbled its way through a 27-16 home win over Vanderbilt last week. He was a consistent and safe threat for Rebels QB Chad Kelly to use as his first/second progression, helping Kelly overcome two bad picks. However, it's Vernon Hargreaves III's turn to take on Treadwell. When the best cornerback in all of the SEC gets locked in on the Mississippi wideout, expect plenty of shortened routes and safe targets underneath. Hargreaves will neutralize Treadwell's over-the-top ability, cutting Ole Miss' best offensive threat off at the knees.
2. Kelvin Taylor
Son of former Florida great Fred Taylor, Kelvin has already rushed for 256 yards and five touchdowns this season. He has been the X-factor for Florida's offense -- creating needed space for QB Will Grier and an inexperienced offensive line to get their sea legs. As Taylor goes, so does the Gators offense. We expect him to get and keep the engine running against an Ole Miss defense that has been hit hard by injuries.
3. "Restore The Order"
Go back and watch the tape of the end of last week's 28-27 comeback win for the Gators over the Vols. You'll see a prime example of what Florida head coach Jim McElwain means with his mantra, "restore the order." McElwain's whole year-one philosophy has been to lift UF back to its former perch as an unquestionably elite program. He's getting there in short order and the players are starting to fall in line and believe during this team's 4-0 start. This will be the win that cements his philosophy as workable reality.
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