ESPN says this early-season SEC matchup is Florida football's swing game for 2025
On Wednesday, ESPN compiled a list of swing games for every Top 25 college football team and for the Gators, they decided to land on the matchup with the Tigers.
A swing game is essentially the one game on the schedule that determines whether the season is going to be successful and an early-season road test at Death Valley under the lights certainly fits that criteria.
Last season, Florida took care of business against LSU in the Swamp, winning 27-16. DJ Lagway threw for 226 yards and a touchdown while Jadan Baugh rushed six times for 65 yards and a score.
But this year's factors–a road game, early-season matchup and new faces–present a bigger challenge for the Florida Gators. If head coach Billy Napier can prepare his team and come up with a game plan to win this road test, the Gators have a chance to build momentum and make some noise in the SEC.
Here is everything ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr. said about why LSU is Florida's swing game for the 2025 season.
Why ESPN said Florida's swing game is at LSU
"Swing game: at LSU, Sept. 13"
"Florida once again didn't get any favors from the schedule makers, and the Gators will get an early test in Baton Rouge against LSU. On paper, this feels like a year that Brian Kelly is going to have things put together in the Bayou, in part because he has the coveted returning starter at QB in Garrett Nussmeier.
"Along with the incumbent talent, Kelly and his staff did a really good job in the transfer portal and will be a tough out every Saturday this fall. If Florida wins this game, or even loses a close one, it will bode well for the rest of the season."
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
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