Gators News: Action-packed weekend up ahead for Florida fans

The weekend is nearly here and this time around the Gator Nation has nine total sports teams spanning over seven programs in action from Friday to Sunday, including the football team’s big road game against the LSU Tigers. There is a whole lot happening with the Orange and Blue these next few days, so let us dive right in.

Women's tennis

The women’s tennis team opened up competition at the ITA Southeast Regional Championships in Lake Nona, Florida, on Thursday with senior Sydney Berlin and freshman Alicia Dudeney putting up a dominant performance in doubles play. After a first-round bye, the duo dispatched the Georgia Southern Eagles’ pair to advance to the semifinal round against the Kennesaw State Owls on Friday; the main draw of the tournament also begins today.

Cross country

The cross country teams are back in action on Friday at the Pre-Nationals Invitational hosted by the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee, Florida. The meet consists of the men’s 8k and women’s 6k runs, showcasing the top-seeded 39 men’s and 36 women’s teams. Events start at 8 a.m. EDT.

Swimming and diving

The No. 3 men’s and No. 9 women’s swimming and diving teams return to the pool this weekend against the Miami Hurricanes in the O’Connell Center Natatorium. Events begin on Saturday at 11 a.m. EDT.

Football

The No. 17 football team heads to Baton Rouge on Saturday to face LSU, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. EDT. Here is a look at our coverage ahead of the game so far.

• Florida Football 2021 Opponent History: LSU Tigers

• Pat Dooley reflects on Steve Spurrier’s dominance over LSU

• Behind Enemy Lines with LSU Tigers Wire

• Scouting the LSU Tigers ahead of Saturday’s game

• 10 interesting tidbits about Florida’s matchup with LSU

• Gators Wire’s staff predictions: Can UF beat a hobbled LSU?

• Take a look at Florida’s uniform combination for the LSU game

• ESPN thinks Florida-LSU is one of the ‘biggest games’ of the weekend

Volleyball

The No. 23 volleyball (11-6, 5-2 SEC) team returns to the court on Saturday for a meeting with the Texas A&M Aggies (11-6, 4-3 SEC) in the O’Connell Center. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. EDT and can be watched on thee SEC Network+.

Soccer

The soccer team (3-8-3, 2-3-1 SEC) hits the road on Sunday to face the No. 23 Auburn Tigers (10-3, 4-2 SEC) in Alabama as the squad continues its SEC schedule. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. EDT and can either be watched on ESPNU or heard on ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM.

Men's golf

The men’s golf team returns to the links on Sunday to tee off at the Isleworth Collegiate in Windermere, Florida. The tournament, which lasts until Tuesday, has a tee-off time still to be announced.

Around the Swamp

• Here’s where USA TODAY Sports thinks the Gators are going bowling: Erick Smith predicts the team will miss the NY6 and land in the Citrus Bowl.

• How Dan Mullen’s contract stacks up with other SEC coaches: Kentucky might be getting the most for its money in the SEC with coach Mark Stoops at 15th on the list.

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