On the best of days, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (aka The Swamp) in Gainesville isn't a good place for visiting, unranked football teams. These certainly haven't been the best of days for the Bobcats who are coming off a deflating 31-0 loss to I-AA Northeastern. Nevertheless, Ohio (0-2) will take on 13th-ranked Florida (1-1) Saturday evening in The Swamp where the Gators have won 52 straight against unranked teams.

Under Steve Spurrier, Florida became one of college football's elite teams. Since he took over in 1990, UF has been ranked 206 out of a possible 207 weeks. But Spurrier left for NFL pastures and Ron Zook, a Miami (OH) grad, took over this year. A 51-3 trouncing of UAB in his debut made it look like business as usual in Gainesville. But after getting handled 41-16 at home last week by in-state rival Miami, Florida fans and players are anxious to get things back on track. Bad news for Brian Knorr's Bobcats.

Heisman hopeful Rex Grossman leads the Gator offensive attack. Last year, the Junior QB led the nation in passing efficiency and yardage. His primary target this season is senior wideout Taylor Jacobs who has caught 13 balls for 302 yards and a pair of TD's. Offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher, previously Marshall's OC, has kept the offense balanced as 49% of the Gators' offensive plays have been rushes. Which means lots of activity for tailback Earnest Graham. The 5-9, 215-pound senior has run for 271 yards on 33 carries (8.2 average) and 3 touchdowns.

Stopping Florida's offense will be an enormous challenge for an improved Ohio defense. Thus far, defensive coordinator Tim Deruyter's return to Athens has had quite an impact. This year's D is allowing almost 200 fewer yards (246.0 in 2002, 444.6 in 2001) compared to 2001. Sophomore Dennis Chukwuemeka has been impressive in his starting role at inside linebacker making 19 tackles including 7 for losses.

Offensively, Ohio is still searching as it tries to move away from its option-oriented attack. Typically one of the nation's top rushing teams, the Bobcats are averaging just 132.0 yards on the ground. In stark contrast to last year's 240.1 per game average and well off the 2000 average of 323.0. Putting the ball in the air has been a disaster for OU. QBs Dontrell Jackson (5) and Fred Ray (2) have combined to throw 7 picks, already 3 more than the team had all of last year. The lone bright spot has been Chad Brinker who has gained 223 yards in 45 attempts for a very respectable average of 4.7. At the minimum, Ohio needs to cut down on the 11 turnovers committed in its first 2 games.

Florida will look to stack the line to stop the run. Last year, the Gator defense led the SEC and was 9th nationally in total defense giving up an average of 290.2 yards a game. 6-3, 305-pound defensive tackle Ian Scott is a potential All-American and on the Outland Trophy watch list. Leading tackler linebacker Bam Hardmon is getting Butkus Award consideration. Safety Todd Johnson, a Jim Thorpe candidate, already has 2 interceptions and a punt block.

This game could not have come at a worse time for an Ohio team trying to find anything that it can build on. With the MAC schedule just ahead, the best scenario would be for the offense to show signs of life and for the team not to sustain any more injuries. With Florida's matchup with SEC rival Tennessee looming in a week, look for Zook to show the Bobcats some mercy and pull the starters early.

Join our Live Chat during the game!