ChompTalk.com

After being bounced from the D1Baseball Top 25 and extending its losing streak to four games with a 8-4 collapse against Florida State, it’s hard to say what momentum Florida has headed into an SEC matchup with No. 15 Ole Miss.

Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan was understandably disappointed by the loss Tuesday but said the team had a good meeting before traveling to Jacksonville for the rivalry showdown and felt his players were in a “good spot.”

Regardless of where Florida is at internally, the stakes are clear to everyone: A win against the Rebels would not only be a huge win for UF’s resume and No. 31 RPI ranking — it would also mark the first conference win for UF this season.

With that in mind, here’s who stands out from the other dugout this weekend:

Hitter to watch: Isaac Humphrey, OF, Sr.

Florida let up 13 home runs against Georgia last weekend. But that’s not a complete disaster, Georgia does lead the nation in homers. Here’s the thing: Ole Miss is seventh. And fifth in home runs per game. It hit 10 last weekend against Missouri and will look to do the same again the Gators.

Isaac Humphrey stands out among the rest of Ole Miss’ powerful lineup. The Louisville transfer is slashing .301/.667/.448 with 27 RBIs and 7 home runs. Only Brody Donay can match each of those hitting numbers on Florida’s lineup, but even he’s short by seven RBIs.

Humphrey earned SEC and Dick Howser Trophy player of the week honors after smashing four home runs and 13 RBIs against Mizzou last weekend.

Pitcher to watch: Hunter Elliot, LHP, RS Jr.

It’s chalky to pick the ace as the pitcher to watch. But Hunter Elliot is Ole Miss’ guy.

The redshirt junior is getting his first real season as a full-time starter. He was the opening day starter his sophomore year in 2023, striking out nine. He made one more start that season against LSU before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery and and was sidelined through 2024. Sound familiar?

Now, Elliot is back as the Friday starter and is crushing it. He’s a reliable arm, good for a 2.79 ERA and 1.17 ERA, striking out 40% of the batters he’s faced with a low-90s fastball and a slider with some excellent break.

Look for Elliot to clean house and keep his perfect record against the Gators’ lineup Friday, and for Florida to bounce back against the latter weekend starters, right-handers Riley Maddox and Mason Nichols, who post a 6.20 and 4.74 ERA with a combined 5-2 record on the year.

First pitch against the ‘Rebs is set for 8 p.m. EST on ESPNU.