COLUMBIA — Jeff Driskel may be coming off a mistake-filled outing in Florida’s loss to Georgia. But when it comes to comparisons, Missouri defensive coordinator Dave Steckel isn’t shy about heaping to lavish praise on Driskel, Florida’s sophomore quarterback.

“I think he’s probably a Collin Klein type,” Steckel said, referring to Kansas State’s rugged Heisman-contending quarterback, “but (he) throws better and isn’t as physical. Klein is a more physical player, Driskel is a better thrower. But both very, very good runners.”

Make no mistake about it: Stopping Driskel — and Florida’s run-heavy scheme — will absolutely be paramount if the Tigers hope to score a road upset against the Gators at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Driskel had an uncharacteristically off outing in No. 8 Florida’s 17-9 loss last Saturday, throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles. But on the whole, he’s been steady and efficient for the one-loss Gators, completing 99 of 153 passes (64.7 percent) for 1,114 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

Driskel has also rushed 79 times for 317 yards and four touchdowns, displaying a dual-threat capability that apparently evokes some images of Klein, who has guided the Wildcats to an 8-0 record and a No. 3 ranking.

Driskel, however, is hardly the only running threat for the Gators. Senior tailback Mike Gillislee has been a workhorse, toting the rock 161 times for 729 yards — an average of 4.5 yards per carry — and seven touchdowns. As a team, the Gators average 4.4 yards per carry and have run the ball more than twice as much as they’ve thrown the ball this season.

Steckel credits new offensive coordinator Brent Pease, who was the offensive coordinator for Boise State in 2011, for having a varied scheme. The Gators rank fourth in the SEC in rushing offense.

“They’re doing all kinds of stuff,” Steckel said. “There’s a zillion formations, shifts, motions… there’s a whole bunch of stuff they’re going to show us. They probably have about 10 or 11 different personnel groupings.”

That said, with a sure-to-be-ticked-off Florida team certain to pound the rock Saturday, Steckel said his defensive unit will need to be disciplined to slow down the Gators, which will ultimately fall on himself and defensive-line coach Craig Kuligowski.

“We’ve got to do a really good job this week of being in our gaps and using our fundamentals,” said Steckel, whose team ranks seventh out of 14 SEC teams in rushing defense (1,108 yards allowed).

“They run the ball so well, we’re going to need all 11 guys. Corners have got to tackle, safeties have got to tackle, the linebackers (too).

“They’re going to use so many different looks…you’re going to see our corners in the box sometimes because of formations they give you. They’re so multiple. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many personnel groups and formations.”

The Tigers will also need to continue to give great effort in pursuit of the football. Every game, the staff counts the number of times each player doesn’t hustle to the ball — they call these “loafs” — and Steckel admitted that this group has had fewer than normal.

“Now…everything has to get better,” Steckel said. “But at this point, I think our kids are really running to the football. That’s what they are supposed to do, though. If they don’t want to run to the football, I’ve got a place for them. It’s right next to me, behind the white line.”