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.