UMass at Florida: Three Things to Watch

The Florida Gators kick off the 2016 season at home against UMass. Below we share our “three things to watch”. These are things that will be a factor not just in today’s game, but will also show signs of things to come over the course of the season. Let’s begin.

1. Who is Going to Run the Football?

Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) looks on from the bench in the fourth quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Kelvin Taylor was the man in the Florida backfield a season ago. He carried the ball 259 times and gained 1035 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Now Taylor is gone to the NFL. So who will step up? In Fall Camp it was a three-man competition between Jordan Scarlett, Jordan Cronkrite, and Mark Thompson. According to the depth chart, Scarlett will be the starter, at least for game one. But if he stumbles, Thompson and Cronkrite are waiting in the wings.

2. Can UMass Make the Gators Miss Jalen Tabor?

Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) looks on during the first quarter of the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

With Vernon Hargreaves now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Jalen Tabor was set to be Florida’s number one corner. Unfortunately, Tabor got himself suspended indefinitely for fighting with a teammate in practice. That leaves Duke Dawson and Quincy Wilson as the top two Gator corners on Saturday.

Do the Minutemen have what it takes to make the Gators pay? It’s doubtful. But we will see.

3. Who is Going to be the Defensive Anchor at Nose Tackle?

Oct 10, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) is sacked by Florida Gators defensive lineman Joey Ivie (91) during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The nose tackle is one of the biggest unsung heroes on the football field. He is responsible for commanding double-teams and being a human wall in the running game. With Jon Bullard gone on the NFL, it looks like Joey Ivie will get the nod. He will be tested in the run-heavy SEC. He has the luxury of a warmup game against the anemic UMass offense. Still, keep an eye on him and see how he performs.

Conclusion

Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Cece Jefferson (96) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /