The team couldn’t be any more different than its head coach.
And he knows it.
Coach Will Muschamp called his team out for being soft and lacking physical and mental toughness after Florida lost to Florida State for the second straight year, ending the regular season at 6-6.
The former SEC safety hit hard, but his hardest hit may have been his evaluation of his own team.
But he’s right.
This team, while talented, resembles the 2011 Eagles and 2010 Miami Heat team more than a championship squad.
Too often the offense failed to show up in key situations, if at all.
There was no better example of that than when Trey Burton was stuffed for a 14-yard loss on fourth and short.
It’s downright embarrassing.
The offensive line regressed as the season went on. Sure there were injuries and a lack of depth. But overall, the problems lie in the lack of physicality and mental toughness.
Left tackle Xavier Nixon, a former five-star recruit, lost his starting job. Youngsters Jon Halapio and Jonotthan Harrison were inconsistent, but there wasn’t anyone to push them.
“We’re not good enough up front,” Muschamp said in his press conference.
With the line struggling, speedsters Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps had no chance.
The diminutive running backs were no match for the SEC defenses on the schedule, nor were they good fits for the pro style offense.
John Brantley did little to give people to cheer about. His teammates and coaches praised him throughout the season, a season in which he dealt with a nagging ankle injury. But his play didn’t inspire confidence.
Then again, when you have Deonte Thompson and Andre Debose (can he ever run a route?) to throw to, the options are limited.
But what’s most disappointing to me, and to many Gator fans, is the defense.
It had its moments.
Against FAU and Kentucky.
But when matched up against Alabama and LSU, it caved.
They’re soft.
Dan Quinn and Muschamp preached about turnovers.
I failed to see the “rip and strip” they talked about so much in the preseason.
Ronald Powell was supposed to be the answer at the buck position.
He finished with 30 tackles and five sacks. That’s not good enough.
For the second straight year, the former No. 1 recruit failed to make a big impact. He struggled to shed blocks, displayed no pass rush moves and just doesn’t seem like a motivated player.
He’s soft.
Dominique Easley, the ultra-quick but undisciplined sophomore defensive tackle, definitely gave reason to hope that this defense can be better.
He was a consistently disruptive player, both in the backfield and on his own team. He drew too many penalties and seemed unfocused, but at least he shows up on the field.
Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic were solid again, but for a team lacking leadership, the two linebackers seem more like Jerod Mayo than Ray Lewis.
This team no longer has Brandon Spikes to get in your face and hit the opponent in the mouth. It doesn’t have the Pouncey twins to control the line of scrimmage. It doesn’t have Tim Tebow to give you hope in any situation.
It has Muschamp.
And that’s it.
Last time I checked, he won’t be suiting up in Orange and Blue.
Let’s hope he finds someone who can.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Gators come up short against Gamecocks, drop to 5-5
Weekend afterthoughts
1. Make it Rain
Chris Rainey finally got it going after a near two-month stretch where he averaged 29 yards rushing against the top teams in the SEC. The redshirt senior exploded for 132 yards on 17 carries, good for 7.8 yards per carry and snagged three passes for 30 yards. Rainey showed his trademark quickness and open field speed.
2. Pass defense shows improvement
Pop Saunders recorded his first career interception and Josh Evans showed up big with 11 tackles as the secondary limited Connor Shaw to a mere 84 yards. Projected first-round pick Alshon Jeffery only had two catches for 17 yards.
3. Pass offense still sputtering
With a weak offensive line and receiving corps, the expectations and results couldn’t be much lower for the Gators passing offense. South Carolina’s deep defensive line applied solid pressure on John Brantley and made too many plays in the backfield. The Gamecocks sacked the Gators quarterback three times and made 11 tackles for loss compared to only three for the Gators.
4. Leaky run defense
As good as the pass defense numbers looked, much of that had to do with the Gators porous run defense. Playing without all-SEC stud Marcus Lattimore who demoralized UF last year, the Gamecocks still racked up 215 yards on the ground, including 93 by their quarterback. Once again, the Gators had trouble tackling a big running back as Brandon Wild, who stands 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, wore down the Gators front seven with 29 carries for 120 yards. The defense has to get stronger and improve at shedding blocks if it ever plans to shut down the top running backs in the SEC next year.
1. Make it Rain
Chris Rainey finally got it going after a near two-month stretch where he averaged 29 yards rushing against the top teams in the SEC. The redshirt senior exploded for 132 yards on 17 carries, good for 7.8 yards per carry and snagged three passes for 30 yards. Rainey showed his trademark quickness and open field speed.
2. Pass defense shows improvement
Pop Saunders recorded his first career interception and Josh Evans showed up big with 11 tackles as the secondary limited Connor Shaw to a mere 84 yards. Projected first-round pick Alshon Jeffery only had two catches for 17 yards.
3. Pass offense still sputtering
With a weak offensive line and receiving corps, the expectations and results couldn’t be much lower for the Gators passing offense. South Carolina’s deep defensive line applied solid pressure on John Brantley and made too many plays in the backfield. The Gamecocks sacked the Gators quarterback three times and made 11 tackles for loss compared to only three for the Gators.
4. Leaky run defense
As good as the pass defense numbers looked, much of that had to do with the Gators porous run defense. Playing without all-SEC stud Marcus Lattimore who demoralized UF last year, the Gamecocks still racked up 215 yards on the ground, including 93 by their quarterback. Once again, the Gators had trouble tackling a big running back as Brandon Wild, who stands 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, wore down the Gators front seven with 29 carries for 120 yards. The defense has to get stronger and improve at shedding blocks if it ever plans to shut down the top running backs in the SEC next year.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Gators snap losing streak on Homecoming weekend
It wasn’t pretty, but the Gators finally found their elusive fifth win, taking down the Vanderbilt Commodores 26-21 to move to 5-4.
The last time Gator fans saw John Brantley in the Swamp, the senior quarterback was laying crumpled on the ground courtesy of Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw.
On Saturday, Brantley looked poised and spread the ball around to nine receivers. His transformation from an unconfident, inaccurate detriment to a relaxed and quality game manager has been an undervalued asset for a Gators offense that’s missing the talent it boasted during the Urban Meyer era.
With Brantley only throwing 24 times, the Gators leaned heavily on their run game – one that didn’t feature its top playmaker, Chris Rainey.
Instead, the announced crowd of over 90,144 (which seemed about 5,000 too many), was treated to the resurgence of fellow senior Jeff Demps.
The quasi Olympic track star/fastest man in college football ran through and around the Commodores defense to the tune of 158 yards and two touchdowns.
His highlight run of the day came late in the fourth quarter when the quickest feet in the nation broke the ankles of safety Kenny Ladler and danced 52 yards to the house.
Defensively, the Gators had an up-and-down performance. Defensive tackle Jaye Howard had one of his best performances this season, consistently applying pressure on quarterback Jordan Rodgers.
Ronald Powell also had a solid game as a pass rusher, recording his second sack in as many games.
However, there were still some glaring struggles, particularly in pass defense.
The secondary’s inexperience has been on display as cornerback Marcus Roberson has consistently failed to play the ball in coverage. He is usually in good position, but does not turn his head to locate the ball and has drawn a few pass interference calls.
Sophomore Jaylen Watkins looks to be the best pure cover corner on the team as he registered some big pass breakups, but could do a better job reeling them in for turnovers.
Tackling still seems to be an issue for this team, although it certainly didn’t help that Jelani Jenkins wasn’t in the lineup. I expect big things for this defense next season as most of the starters will have at least two years of starting experience under their belts, but the secondary could be the weak link that holds this team back.
The last time Gator fans saw John Brantley in the Swamp, the senior quarterback was laying crumpled on the ground courtesy of Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw.
On Saturday, Brantley looked poised and spread the ball around to nine receivers. His transformation from an unconfident, inaccurate detriment to a relaxed and quality game manager has been an undervalued asset for a Gators offense that’s missing the talent it boasted during the Urban Meyer era.
With Brantley only throwing 24 times, the Gators leaned heavily on their run game – one that didn’t feature its top playmaker, Chris Rainey.
Instead, the announced crowd of over 90,144 (which seemed about 5,000 too many), was treated to the resurgence of fellow senior Jeff Demps.
The quasi Olympic track star/fastest man in college football ran through and around the Commodores defense to the tune of 158 yards and two touchdowns.
His highlight run of the day came late in the fourth quarter when the quickest feet in the nation broke the ankles of safety Kenny Ladler and danced 52 yards to the house.
Defensively, the Gators had an up-and-down performance. Defensive tackle Jaye Howard had one of his best performances this season, consistently applying pressure on quarterback Jordan Rodgers.
Ronald Powell also had a solid game as a pass rusher, recording his second sack in as many games.
However, there were still some glaring struggles, particularly in pass defense.
The secondary’s inexperience has been on display as cornerback Marcus Roberson has consistently failed to play the ball in coverage. He is usually in good position, but does not turn his head to locate the ball and has drawn a few pass interference calls.
Sophomore Jaylen Watkins looks to be the best pure cover corner on the team as he registered some big pass breakups, but could do a better job reeling them in for turnovers.
Tackling still seems to be an issue for this team, although it certainly didn’t help that Jelani Jenkins wasn’t in the lineup. I expect big things for this defense next season as most of the starters will have at least two years of starting experience under their belts, but the secondary could be the weak link that holds this team back.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Let the Gator Growl: Florida trying to avoid five-game losing streak
It’s been 23 years since Florida lost to Vanderbilt.
It’s also been over a month since the last Gators win.
The Gators are in the midst of a four-game losing streak where they’ve been blown out (Alabama and LSU), played undisciplined (Auburn) and failed to maintain a lead (Georgia).
However, the young squad hopes to earn a homecoming victory against a Vanderbilt squad that is also 4-4.
The Commodores nearly upset Arkansas last week and lost to Georgia by only five points in October.
Their offense rests on the shoulders and the legs of dual-threat quarterback Jordan Rodgers who has accounted for 1,369 yards of offense and nine touchdowns.
Running back Zac Stacy is a big play threat, averaging 7.3 yards on 97 carries.
Despite little top-tier talent, the Commodores do have several playmakers on defense at each level.
Rob Lohr and Tim Fugger anchor a strong defensive line that is adept at rushing the quarterback. The duo has combined for 9.5 sacks.
Senior Chris Marve is a force at middle linebacker, pacing the team with 61 tackles. Sophomore Chase Garnham is a speedy, athletic outside backer who has 44 tackles and has been a playmaker.
The strength of the Commodore defense lies in its secondary which is second in the SEC with 15 interceptions.
Seniors Casey Hayward is one of the nation’s premier ballhawks, snagging 13 career interceptions. Safety Sean Richardson is a stout tackler and uses his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame to his advantage.
For the Gators to avoid their fifth-straight loss, they need to re-establish the ground game that carried the team earlier in the year.
The once vaunted rushing attack has been nonexistent during the losing streak, and the blame lies mostly on the offensive line.
Tackles Xavier Nixon and Matt Patchan need to rebound after poor performances against Georgia and keep quarterback John Brantley clean.
Florida has better athletes than Vanderbilt, but it will take a disciplined effort and a strong defensive performance by the Gators to emerge with a win.
It’s also been over a month since the last Gators win.
The Gators are in the midst of a four-game losing streak where they’ve been blown out (Alabama and LSU), played undisciplined (Auburn) and failed to maintain a lead (Georgia).
However, the young squad hopes to earn a homecoming victory against a Vanderbilt squad that is also 4-4.
The Commodores nearly upset Arkansas last week and lost to Georgia by only five points in October.
Their offense rests on the shoulders and the legs of dual-threat quarterback Jordan Rodgers who has accounted for 1,369 yards of offense and nine touchdowns.
Running back Zac Stacy is a big play threat, averaging 7.3 yards on 97 carries.
Despite little top-tier talent, the Commodores do have several playmakers on defense at each level.
Rob Lohr and Tim Fugger anchor a strong defensive line that is adept at rushing the quarterback. The duo has combined for 9.5 sacks.
Senior Chris Marve is a force at middle linebacker, pacing the team with 61 tackles. Sophomore Chase Garnham is a speedy, athletic outside backer who has 44 tackles and has been a playmaker.
The strength of the Commodore defense lies in its secondary which is second in the SEC with 15 interceptions.
Seniors Casey Hayward is one of the nation’s premier ballhawks, snagging 13 career interceptions. Safety Sean Richardson is a stout tackler and uses his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame to his advantage.
For the Gators to avoid their fifth-straight loss, they need to re-establish the ground game that carried the team earlier in the year.
The once vaunted rushing attack has been nonexistent during the losing streak, and the blame lies mostly on the offensive line.
Tackles Xavier Nixon and Matt Patchan need to rebound after poor performances against Georgia and keep quarterback John Brantley clean.
Florida has better athletes than Vanderbilt, but it will take a disciplined effort and a strong defensive performance by the Gators to emerge with a win.
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