It’s Week 2 in the SEC, and the schedule actually has some teeth to it this time around. That’s a little awkward for Florida, because the Gators are spending the week with Campbell - which, from a national perspective, leaves Florida’s game as the least compelling SEC matchup on the board.
So for Gator fans looking to bounce around the conference slate, here’s the unofficial watch guide for all 14 other SEC games, ranked from easiest to ignore to the one that demands attention.
- Louisiana Tech at No. 8 LSU: 7:30 p.m., SECN+, LSU -35.5.
LSU’s demolition of Clemson changed the mood around this team fast, and there’s no real reason to expect a softer landing against Louisiana Tech. Florida doesn’t play LSU this season, and with other notable games kicking off at the same time, this is the easiest one to leave alone.
- Towson at South Carolina: 7 p.m., SECN+, South Carolina -43.5.
South Carolina looked better than expected in Week 1, but this one still doesn’t project as a real contest. Florida will see South Carolina later, yet this game lands right against Florida’s own kickoff, which makes it even less useful for Gators fans.
- Charlotte at No. 9 Ole Miss: 7:45 p.m., ESPN2, Ole Miss -47.5.
This one has blowout written all over it. Charlotte is, frankly, in rough shape, and with the game tucked into a packed primetime window, it’s hard to make a case for watching it over other options.
- Delaware at Vanderbilt: 4:15 p.m., SEC Network, Vanderbilt -21.
There’s at least a little intrigue here because Vanderbilt struggled in Week 1, so this could be closer than the number suggests. It also gives Florida fans a chance to catch the first half before moving on.
- Western Kentucky at No. 2 Georgia: 12:45 p.m., SEC Network, Georgia -40.5.
This one should stay comfortably out of reach, but the midday slot gives it some value as a prelude to the rest of the day. If you want something on while you settle in, this works.
- Southern Miss at Auburn: 7:45 p.m., SEC Network, Auburn -33.5.
Florida plays Auburn next week, so there’s at least a little reason to keep tabs on this one. Still, it’s buried in a crowded evening window and doesn’t look like a game that will stay tight.
- No. 18 Tennessee at Georgia Tech: 7 p.m., ESPN, Tennessee -12.5.
This has the profile of a good watch, but the timing hurts it. The primetime slate is crowded, and that makes it harder for this game to rise above the noise.
- Mississippi State at Minnesota: 3:30 p.m., CBS, Minnesota -1.5.
This has a real chance to be one of the day’s closest games, and the afternoon kickoff helps. The catch is simple: Florida fans don’t have much natural pull toward either team.
- Arkansas at No. 20 Utah: 10:15 p.m., ESPN, Utah -12.5.
This is another game with sneaky appeal, especially as a late-night option after heading home from The Swamp. But, again, it’s a matchup involving two teams Florida fans probably aren’t tracking closely.
- Arizona State at No. 10 Texas A&M: Noon, ABC, Texas A&M -14.5.
Texas A&M won’t show up on Florida’s schedule this year, but this is still a strong noon choice. Arizona State is trying to find its old spark from two years ago, which gives this one a little more texture than the average early game.
- No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky: 3:30 p.m., ABC, Alabama -10.5.
The line suggests Kentucky may have a better shot than some would expect, and that alone makes this worth a look. Since Kentucky is one of the teams Florida fans have already marked down as a win, it adds another layer of interest.
- No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan: Noon, FOX, Oklahoma -5.5.
After what happened to Michigan last week, the spread is a bit surprising. With the noon slot and the fact that Oklahoma could be one of the games that shapes Florida’s season, this is one of the biggest games to check out.
- No. 23 Missouri at Kansas: Friday, 8 p.m., FOX, Missouri -5.5.
This rivalry doesn’t register much in Florida, but the edge between these fanbases is real. The timing helps, too, and Missouri is one of the sneaky games on Florida’s schedule this year.
- No.
3 Texas at No. 15 Michigan: Noon, FOX, Texas -4.5.
No surprise here - this is the heavyweight matchup of the weekend. Florida’s game starts early enough that fans should have plenty of time to flip over and catch most of this one.
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DJ Lagways Baylor Start Hits An Early Concern Florida Fans Will Watch
DJ Lagways ankle injury against Auburn has already shifted Baylors quarterback picture, and it is one Florida fans will be watching closely as the season moves along. The Gators have plenty of reason to keep an eye on Lagways status, not just because of his importance to Baylor, but because any interruption to his momentum can ripple through a young quarterbacks early stretch of the year.
For now, Baylor is preparing to go forward without him in the upcoming game against Prairie View A&M, with junior Nate Bennett set for his first career start. Team sources do not believe Lagways absence will be a long-term issue, which is the encouraging part for Baylor and anyone tracking his development. Still, even a short setback is enough to create a little tension around a player whose progress has become a point of interest well beyond Waco. [Read more 🡒]
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Faulkner drew praise for an offensive system Collins described as effective and unpredictable, while Sumrall earned credit for the way he runs practice and communicates with his players. For Florida fans, the encouraging part is not just that the opener went well, but that an outside observer saw a staff built on discipline and adaptability, two traits that usually travel well once the schedule starts to tighten. [Read more 🡒]
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Stocktons scoring grab came on a 12-yard pass from Aaron Philo, a connection that already carries some comfort from their time together at Georgia Tech and Prince Avenue Christian School. Coaches and Stockton have both pointed to his speed, toughness and receiving ability, and that kind of trust between quarterback and receiver can matter even more if Florida has to lean on him sooner than planned. [Read more 🡒]