Anthony Richardson introduced himself to a national audience last season against the South Florida Bulls. He, as the backup to quarterback Emory Jones, led just a handful of series in Raymond James Stadium but made the most of the opportunity.
Richardson completed a pair of beautiful deep balls to wide receiver Jacob Copeland for long touchdown passes and exploded through the South Florida defense for a herculean 80-yard rushing score. The Gators’ signal caller injured his hamstring during the long run, but he made the world aware of his unique athletic gifts that Saturday.
Three hundred and seventy one days later, Richardson and Florida will play USF once again under vastly different circumstances.
A year ago, the Gators were ranked No. 13 in the country and looked to continue Dan Mullen’s mostly successful tenure as Florida’s head coach. Things crumbled down the stretch under Mullen, and now Billy Napier runs the ship in Gainesville.
After opening the Napier era with the euphoric high of a top-10 win against Utah, Florida was quickly humbled by the experienced Kentucky Wildcats on home soil. Richardson, after receiving endless praise from all corners of the college football universe, had the worst game of his young career — highlighted by a pair of costly interceptions.
The No. 18 Florida Gators (1-1) face the USF Bulls (1-1) in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday, aiming to correct the mistakes that led to last week’s loss. Napier has focused on making sure the team improves its preparation.
“[Losing’s] like getting a speeding ticket, right? You're a little more aware of the things that you need to do,” Napier said. “I think everybody's awareness is heightened a little bit relative to what’s required to win. I think we're learning what winning football looks like.”
South Florida isn’t on the same tier as Kentucky or Utah. Florida opened the season with a pair of heavyweight bouts against top-20 teams, and will now welcome the rebuilding Bulls. Despite the relative difference in talent between the UF and USF, Napier emphasized focusing on each week and maximizing each day.
“You got to completely start over on Sunday. You got to prepare each day,” Napier said. “I don't care who we play. We are consumed with improving and being more efficient in how we do things, and I think that's where we're at, independent of who we play.”
That respect for every team on the schedule filters down from Napier to the assistant coaches and down to the players.
“I can refer back to my coach, coach [Sean] Spencer told me we don't disrespect or look down on any team we play,” redshirt freshman defensive lineman Justus Boone said. “We always show respect. We always gonna respect them because they're a college team like we’re a college team.”
The Gators will be without one of their most important players and leaders in this game. Sixth-year senior linebacker Ventrell Miller left the Kentucky game with an unspecified injury and won’t play against the Bulls Saturday.
In Miller’s absence, redshirt freshman Jeremiah “Scooby” Williams is slated to make his first career start. Sophomore Derek Wingo and freshman Shemar James will also see plenty of playing time at the linebacker position alongside fifth-year senior Amari Burney.
The Gators will also be without redshirt sophomore right tackle Michael Tarquin, who went down early against Kentucky. Redshirt freshman Austin Barber filled in against the Wildcats and is listed as the starter this week.
South Florida is led by third-year head coach Jeff Scott. Napier and Scott have a longstanding relationship, previously working together at Clemson under Dabo Swinney. Scott has struggled in Tampa, going 4-19 so far at USF.
The Bulls are led by senior quarterback Gerry Bohanon, who transferred from Baylor after starting last season and leading the Bears to a Big 12 championship. Bohanon’s struggled so far this season, but has plenty of high-end experience to fall back on.
His top playmaker is wide receiver Xavier Weaver, who leads the Bulls in catches and yards. He caught a pair of passes for 60 yards against the Gators last season. USF brings a balanced offensive approach, averaging 195 yards through the air and 165 on the ground per game this season.
USF’s defense struggled in the season opener against Brigham Young University, surrendering 52 points to the now-No. 12 Cougars. The Bulls’ defense looked better in week two, conceding just 20 points, although the matchup was against Howard University, a FCS school.
The questionable USF defense should provide an opportunity for Richardson and the young Florida offense to rebound from last week’s struggles against Kentucky. The Gators were held under 300 yards and turned the ball over twice, scoring just one touchdown against the Wildcats.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Contact Topher Adams at tadams@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Topher_Adams.
Topher Adams is a fourth-year communications major and in his fourth semester with the Alligator. He previously covered football, baseball and women's basketball. He also enjoys professional lacrosse and Major League Soccer.
