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SEC Football: Three Things We Watched for in Week Five

By Justin Melton

Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; The SEC logo on the chains during a game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the UCLA Bruins at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; The SEC logo on the chains during a game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the UCLA Bruins at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) drops back during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) drops back during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Will Luke Del Rio Play?

No. Del Rio missed his second consecutive game. And, not coincidentally, Florida struggled for the second consecutive game. Fortunately for the Gators, they were playing Vanderbilt this week. That means that their struggles didn’t cost them a game. However, beating Vanderbilt 13-6 is hardly anything to be excited about.

In Del Rio’s absence, Purdue transfer Austin Appleby again got the starting nod at the quarterback position for Florida. He was decidedly average. He completed 19 of his 28 passes for just 144 yards and no touchdowns. That’s an average of just 5.1 yards per completion. That won’t do the job against tougher opposition.

Naturally, the Gators have some tougher competition coming up this Saturday. The suddenly dangerous LSU Tigers would undoubtedly love to face off against the Appleby led Gators. Florida fans had better hope and pray that Del Rio can go this Saturday. If he can’t this game could really get ugly. Head Coach Jim McElwain said that he would see how well Del Rio was able to practice this week before making the call.

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