Florida vs. South Florida: 3 final thoughts and a prediction

Florida beat No. 7 Utah in the season opener. The team had high expectations for the future under new coach Billy Napier. The defense made the plays it needed to, including 2 goal line stands and a game-clinching interception in an end zone.

Kentucky beat Florida 26-16 in The Swamp last week. The Gators' offensive line and quarterback played poorly. Florida's defensive playmakers were ineffective. South Florida visits Gainesville on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Florida's team needs to put Anthony Richardson in a winning position. Richardson has the most talent of any Florida quarterback since Cam Newton. He has a good combination of arm talent and speed.

Richardson needs to move the pocket more and be a factor in the Florida run game. Florida didn't do enough of that for its young quarterback last Saturday night. He reminds me most of Steve Young, the Texas quarterback who took down the USC dynasty in 2005 Rose Bowl. Richardson was not ready for a Heisman run in his first year as a starting quarterback.

Anthony Richardson was compared to Cam Newton over the summer. Vince Young is now the more apt comparison.

Florida's offensive line needs to dominate the game. The team needs a dominant performance from the O-line to protect Richardson. Florida's offense has no vertical threat to keep defenses honest. South Florida is ranked 127th in the country in run defense. The Bulls have already given up 482 yards rushing this year.

Florida lost to South Florida. The offensive line was suspect in the second half.

LG Leonard doesn't see the stunt from 13 until it's too late. Kingsley barely catches it in time.

Florida has produced only 2 turnovers in its first 2 games. Florida ranked 115th in turnover margin last season and 13th for the SEC. The team needs to be top 5 in the league to have a chance at more wins. Finding defensive line depth is also important. Florida's current snap counts for Brenton Cox and Gervon Dexter are too high. They need to play young players to improve their performance. South Florida has protected the quarterback well. It has surrendered just 2 sacks in first two games, Florida just 3.