The North Texas Mean Green will travel to take on the 23rd-ranked Florida Gators on Saturday night. Here is how to watch online, and three things to know.
The Florida Gators have looked good through the first two games of the 2016 season, posting victories in their first two games. After a 24-7 victory against UMASS, the Gators crushed Kentucky 45-7, and will not host the North Texas Mean Green in Week 3. The contest with North Texas should be easy sledding for the Gators, who have a huge game next week against an SEC rival.
Quarterback Luke Del Rio has played very well thus far, tossing six touchdowns against one interception. However, he played for Jim McElwain, who is often more critical than complimentary of his quarterbacks. Del Rio has welcomed the critiscm, and he should be used to it, being the son of Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio. He has emerged as the leader of the team, and should have a big day on Saturday.
Three things to know
1. Please do not think this is a trap game
Next week, the Florida Gators have a huge SEC match-up against the Tennessee Volunteers, and some have said they may be looking past North Texas. Florida head coach Jim McElwain would never let that happen, and preps every game like it is the National Championship. The Gators are likely to hang a 60-spot on the Mean Green in a nice tune-up before next week’s showdown.
2. The Gators are coming off their best SEC win under McElwain
Unfortunately for North Texas, they are getting the Gators at the worst time. In Week 1, UMass was able to hang with the Gators, but Florida feasted in their SEC opener against Kentucky last week. Quarterback Luke Del Rio threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns against the Wildcats in Week 2, and may rack up 400 against North Texas.
3. North Texas is no slouch
While Florida is likely to destroy North Texas on Saturday night, the Mean Green are going to play hard. They were able to hang with SMU in Week 1, losing 34-21, before trouncing Bethune-Cookman last week. The have a nice two-headed monster in the backfield with Willy Ivery and Jeffrey Wilson, who combined for nearly 200 yards rushing in Week 2.
For those who want to view this game online, below is all the information you need.
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Date: Saturday, September 17, 2016
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field in Gainesville
Live Stream: WatchESPN
This game is going to get out of hand, it is going to happen early. Del Rio has established himself as a legitimate star for the Gators, and may be their best pure passer in a long time. The schedule is only going to get tougher for Florida going forward, so expect a nice, easy win on Saturday night.