GAINESVILLE, Fla. – He’s one of the most recognizable Gators today, his 6-foot-4 frame topped by a mop of dark curly hair.

UF offensive lineman Austin Barber is the type of player that coaches, fans and media members enjoy being around. He is friendly, approachable and cares about his profession. He is usually one of the first Gators in line to sing the alma mater after games, whether they win or lose.

Barber, a redshirt junior who played at Trinity Catholic High in Jacksonville, has fond memories of the Florida-LSU rivalry growing up.

“The play I remember most is the interception by Joe BurrowBarber said this week. “Yeah, that’s the match I remember the most: sitting there with my dad and just going crazy after it happened.”

Barber was a high school sophomore in 2018 when Burrow, his LSU team trailing 20-19 with less than two minutes remaining, threw a sideline pass that was intercepted by the Gator defensive back. Brad Stewart and returned it for a touchdown. The swamp erupted with one of its signature roars.

Barber and his UF teammates would like to see a similar scene this afternoon when the Gators (4-5, 2-4) host LSU (6-3, 3-2) in a Southeastern Conference showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. In his fourth season in the program, Barber has yet to beat the Tigers.

“It would be nice to beat LSU and just get another win,” Barber said.

(Read our extended preview of the “Opening Kickoff” here)

The Gators have lost five straight to LSU, their longest losing streak in a rivalry that dates back to 1937. The teams have played every season since 1971 and are scheduled to play in Baton Rouge in 2025. Then, with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC this season, nothing is guaranteed.

 

That time Brad Stewart rocked The Swamp with a @GatorsFB pick six for Joe Burrow. pic.twitter.com/8MyE8JPRsu

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) May 16, 2020

The Gators have more to play for than their first win over LSU since Stewart’s interception. They must win two of their last three matches to qualify for bowling.

They’re also trying to make up for last week’s 49-17 loss to Texas, and with the Tigers in town, last season’s 52-35 loss to LSU. Heisman winner Jayden Daniels accounting for 606 yards of total offense and becoming only the second player in SEC history to pass and rush for 200 or more yards in the same game. LSU amassed 701 yards, the most ever against a Florida defense.

“I’ve never seen a quarterback like that, so that’s obviously on my mind when I see a quarterback trying to break away,” Gator’s edge rusher said. TJ Searcy said.

Daniels has moved on and is now one of the most dynamic young players in the NFL. LSU’s offense will be led by a fourth-year junior this season Garrett Nussmeierwho has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 21 scores. However, the turnover-prone Nussmeier has committed six miscues (five interceptions, one fumble) in losses to Texas A&M and Alabama over the last six quarters.

Meanwhile, the Gators have also lost two in a row, losing in Jacksonville two weeks ago and in Texas last week. The Longhorns tore up Florida’s defense for 562 yards at quarterback Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns.

Florida’s defense can expect to be tested through the air again with starting cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr. And Devin Moore sidelined due to injuries.

The Tigers rank second in the SEC in passing offense (322.3 yards per game) and fifth in total offense (436.3). LSU’s offensive line protects Nussmeier well, giving up just six sacks all season. On the other hand, the Gators rank 15th in the SEC in total defense (401.4) and rushing defense (167.3), and 13th in passing defense (234.1).

The best news for Florida heading into the game is that freshman quarterback DJ Laway will return from a strained left hamstring suffered in the loss to Georgia. Lagway did not play in last week’s loss at Texas and was outstanding in his last outing in The Swamp, throwing for 259 yards and rushing for 46 in a 48-20 win over Kentucky on Oct. 19.

Coverage begins at 3:30 PM on ABC, with the crew of Dave Pasch per game, Dusty Dvoracek providing analyzes and Taylor McGregor on the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network broadcast from Learfield will air with pregame coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m., eventually giving way to Sean Kelley And Shane Matthews in the cabin, with Tate Casey reporting from the field. For GSN stations click here.


The game will air again Tuesday at 2:00 PM and again Tuesday night at 10:30 AM on the SEC Network.


Finally, follow FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have full post-game coverage late Saturday night as well as follow-up content on Sunday.