September 10, 2024 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Samford at Florida- September 7, 2024

Florida rebounded from a disappointing opening week game by putting the Miami game in the rearview mirror and focusing on getting better at execution and focus. The Miami loss attracted "noise in the system" and necessitated that Billy Napier and staff make keeping the players' focus on the things they can impact instead of social media a priority. While the week two win over Samford wasn't pristine, it was certainly a welcome improvement and snapped a six game Gator losing streak.

The last time Florida faced Samford (2021), the Gators had to overcome a 42-28 deficit late in the first half en route to a 70-52 win. This year's Gators managed the game much more effectively and scored the first 21 points of the game before cruising to a 45-7 win. The headline for Florida fans was DJ Lagway's record setting performance in his first start as a Gator. His stat line read; 18-25 for 456 yards and 3 touchdown passes. A great day, for sure. DJ's arm talent was every bit as good as advertised. He showed off his quick release, arm strength, and soft touch. He spread the ball around to 8 different receivers and had completions that went for 85, 77, 44, 41, 40, and 36 yards. Florida also ran the ball pretty well with 7 ball carriers combining for 169 yards on 34 carries (4.9 per carry). Montrell Johnson is the bell cow for good reason, but both Tre Webb and (especially) Jadan Baugh flexed their skill sets. For the Gator offense, no sacks, one turnover, and only one negative yardage play. 

There were a few areas for improvement, offensively, in the Samford game. Lagway slid too early on a couple of runs leaving very short third and/or fourth down plays the Gators ultimately failed to convert. Florida also had a couple of wasted timeouts and several illegal procedure penalties. Things to be cleaned up moving forward.

Florida performed better defensively than it may have seemed in real time. Samford ran a quick-paced offense that made it feel like the Gators were scrambling around, at times. On a few drives, they gave up some yards, but made critical stops outside of field goal range. Once they found their footing, the Florida defense was solid. Other than one long Samford scoring drive in the third quarter and one long non-scoring drive in the first half, the Gator defense was off the field in 6 or less plays the rest of the day. Florida defended 69 plays and gave up just 205 total yards (3 yards per play). The numbers were especially good when you note that the Gators played without 4 defenders (3 DBs) that started the Miami game. Tackling was solid again this week and included 12 tackles for loss. The number of defensive penalties was really low.

Special teams were a bright spot again this week. The Gators converted every field goal and PAT attempt and covered every punt (+49.5) and kickoff (+62.5) well. Chimere Dike had a nice (31 yards) punt return for the Gators. Special team players were on and off the field with no signs of confusion.

Texas A&M, this week, provides an opportunity for Florida to take a step forward. There won't be a large number of games on this year's schedule where Florida will be less than a 3 point underdog, but this is one of them. The Aggies are much more talented than Samford and depth for Florida's defense will be an issue, but being at home should help Florida.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: Bulldogs, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, Samford, SEC, University of Florida

September 26, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- UNC Charlotte at Florida- September 23, 2023

The Gators left sixteen points on the field by settling for field goals in 4 of their 6 trips in the red zone, but there was still plenty to like in Florida’s 22-7 win over the UNC Charlotte 49ers. Offensively, the Gators had 16 plays that gained ten or more yards, seven of them went for more than twenty yards. On defense, Florida continues to be among the stingiest with a national ranking of 5th in total defense. The Gators have allowed just 13.5 points per game despite playing 2 of their 4 games against nationally ranked opponents. For the first time this season, the Florida special teams played winning football. All six place kicks, five of them field goals , were made. The Gator punt team averaged 49 yards per kick with zero yard’s allowed. Florida had 53 yards on their own punt returns.

Individually, a number of Gators had good days. Graham Mertz continues to be among the nation’s most efficient passers. This week he completed 20 of 23 passes. Ricky Pearsall caught 6 balls for 104 yards (17.4 per catch) and Trevor Etienne averaged 6 yards per carry. Scooby Williams had 7 tackles to lead a swarming Gator defense.

For the third consecutive week, the Gators had less penalties, won the time of possession battle, and had significantly more rushing yards than their opponent. This is a formula for success.

There were, however, two major problem areas this week. The first was struggles with red zone offense. Florida gained only 35 yards on 13 plays inside the Charlotte red zone. They failed to convert on 4 red zone third down plays. Two of them were very short yardage opportunities. The other noteworthy problem was the minus two turnover ratio. The Gators lost two fumbles and had no takeaways. To have a chance to win against SEC opponents, these issues will have to be fixed.

The Gators will take their three game win streak to Lexington to face the 4-0 Kentucky Wildcats as a 2.5 point underdog. While Kentucky hasn’t faced a tough schedule or looked especially sharp so far this year, they HAVE beaten Florida the last two years. This game provides a nice opportunity for the Gators to take a next step in the growth process by winning an away SEC game as an underdog.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 49ers, Charlotte, College football, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, SEC, UNCC, University of Florida

September 22, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Tennessee at Florida- September 16, 2023

Clearly, Florida's big win over Tennessee is an important milestone in the Gator’s rebuilding project. Maintaining perspective, however, should be a priority for all Florida fans. The team is still very much a work in progress with plenty of work left to be done. The Utah loss in week one and the Tennessee win this week are both steps along this path. Still…it’s good to pause and celebrate. It's great to be a Florida Gator.

Perhaps the most critical benefit to this win is the reduction of the “noise in the system”. More optimism and, hopefully, a renewed fan and media commitment to patience and trusting the process. Positive energy around any program fuels recruiting success and recruiting success (in time) brings on the field wins. Florida’s 2024 recruiting class is looking very good to date. Currently ranked as one of the top 5 in the nation, this recruiting cycle has the potential of finishing as Florida’s best since the Tebow/Spikes/Harvin class twenty years ago.

There is cause for enthusiasm around the improved depth and play in both the offensive and defensive lines. The number of young players, on both sides of the ball, seeing extensive action and delivering good outcomes is a real high point. Graham Mertz has shown why Billy Napier and staff went and got him in the transfer portal. Poise and consistency at QB was a need and he has provided both.

The Gator defense, despite it's youth, has earned a much higher level of trust and confidence than the defenses over the last several seasons. Through three games, Florida has the best stats in the SEC for missed tackles with only 19. Other than failing on five “third and long” situations in the second half of the Tennessee game, this defense has delivered. The aggressive style of play, especially from the linebackers and safeties has been a key.

Special teams play is a continuing area of concern for this year’s team. Florida has left too many points on the table and killed momentum with missed field goals and other special team's gaffes.

The last 9 seconds of the Tennessee game provided a disappointing end to what had been a game where Florida leveraged an advantage in focus and poise. Unfortunately, Josh Heupel’s poor decision to use Tennessee’s last time out while down 13 points, without the ball, and with only nine seconds remaining opened the door for unnecessary conflict. While Heupel’s decision and the ensuing personal foul on a Tennessee player were the triggers, the impulsive physical response by several Gator players was a backwards step. The officials had already flagged the Tennessee infraction and the game was over. The consequence of the fighting is three Gator players (all starters) will have to sit out the first half of the UNC Charlotte game this week. Truly disappointing that these players allowed themselves to be so easily drawn into Tennessee’s own lack of composure. It was also puzzling to hear some Florida fans attempt to justify the behavior with, “they started it”. I’m confident the Florida coaching staff is looking forward, as a part of the new team culture, to reaching the point where players place team goals ahead of their own instant gratification.

This week’s home game against the UNC Charlotte 49ers provides an opportunity for the Gators to maintain the forward momentum on offense and defense while also cleaning up special teams play ahead of the big September 30th game AT Kentucky.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2023, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, napier, SEC, Tennessee, University of Florida, Volunteers

September 3, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Florida at Utah- August 31, 2023

The conventional approach to week one scheduling for Power Five conference teams is to schedule a cup cake. The rationale for scheduling easy first game opponents is to have live action to work out the kinks. Teams also hope to carry the typical off-season hopefulness into the season. This and last season, Florida chose to start with games against the nationally ranked Utah Utes. The win last year launched the Billy Napier era with (perhaps too much) optimism. This year’s loss had the opposite effect. Despite the realities of playing a nationally ranked, back to back PAC-12 champion on the road and at altitude, Gator fans expected a better showing from the their team. The ugliness of the early action set the tone and made it difficult for the Gators to recover. It also made it tough for Florida fans to appreciate some good things that did occur.

Generally speaking, Florida tackled better in this game than in many of last year’s game. Defensive line depth looked to be improved and the third down (defensive) conversion rate was better. Young players on both sides of the ball contributed and will just get better and better with experience. Gator quarterback, Graham Mertz, handled himself well. In the big picture, these things are important.

Unfortunately, in the shorter-term, procedural penalties in three key red zone short yardage situations cost Florida points and momentum in important game situations. A missed short field goal attempt and a poor (freshman) decision to catch a punt at his own five yard line were other gaffes that contributed to the hole Florida dug for themselves. If the Gator’s can address these type problems, they have a chance to win seven games this year.

My take on the ultra-critical “two players with same jersey number” penalty that cost Florida seven points is different than most. The problem to me, originates much earlier than determining whether blame falls on the players or the coaches. In a program that purports it’s priorities to be “team first”, there is no excuse for assigning multiple players the same jersey number. This practice doesn’t help referees, statisticians, fans, or teams in any way. It serves only the individual players who want single digit numbers. With 99 possible jersey numbers and the limit of 70 players that can dress out for games there is no need for duplication.

Florida has struggled on the road of late, but has an opportunity to settle down and rebound with home games the next three weeks. Tennessee on September 16th will be another very tough task, but McNeese State (on the 9th) and Charlotte (on the 23rd) are both games the Gators should win.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2023, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, SEC, Utah

January 9, 2023 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Gator Football Heads Into Year Two

The Florida Gator football team heads into 2023 ready to put the disappointing end of the 2022 season behind them and poised to build on the program growth that occurred in 2022. Ideally, that growth might have translated into a couple more wins and a few less erratic performances in 2022. Instead, Florida battled throughout, but caved in late. The primary factors were roster/depth challenges and a very difficult schedule. Florida played nine games against teams that spent some portion of the season in the AP Top 20. Of those nine teams, six reached rankings as high as #7. The Vanderbilt loss was the only truly confusing outcome.

Turning to the things that matter most in the big picture, the Gators made strides forward in terms of roster/player development and program culture this season. Many of the players who arrived with or who were recruited by Billy Napier and his staff were strong contributors this year. O’Cyrus Torrence was an All-American. Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne made up one of the best running back tandems in the SEC. Ricky Pearsall led the Gators in receiving. Austin Barber was a frequent starter as a true freshman. Kamryn Waites and Caleb Douglas also contributed on the offense. Defensively, Kamari Wilson, Shemar James, Chris McClellan, Devon Moore, Miguel Mitchell were all important contributors even as true freshmen. At least four other true freshmen played and gained valuable experience this season. These things are important to note and understand as this coaching staff works towards having enough of the right personnel to run their systems. The 2023 class of recruits is even more impressive and is already ranked in the top ten despite having room for three more additions. This 2023 class includes an elite quarterback and much needed help on defense. The Florida staff has added five players in positions of need from the transfer portal and will likely add three or four more in the next several weeks.

The importance of a coach having adequate time to recruit and build their roster goes far beyond website rankings and measures of athletic ability. Roster composition is critical in terms of each players’ fit into the systems being deployed by the current staff. Asking a coach to run their systems with someone else’s personnel is like asking a chef to cook their specialty with only the ingredients they find in another chef’s kitchen. It will be 2024 before Billy Napier has all the ingredients needed for sustainable success.

The other critical area of growth in the Gator football program was culture. The 2022 team was more disciplined than the 2020 and 2021 teams. In most games, there were less penalties resulting from a lack of focus (illegal formation, offsides, etc). In all games, there were less penalties due to selfishness (unsportsmanlike conduct, late hits, etc). Overall, less yaking, taunting, and posing. More getting ready for the next play. The culture pieces are less obvious from the stands because much that matters reflected in player behavior at practice, in the weight room, in class, on campus, and in the community. Programs with players displaying a team first attitude are more successful and more sustainable. Florida is moving steadily in this direction.

Changing team culture isn’t easy. Talk is cheap and the culture isn’t changed until a new attitude is reflected consistently in behavior. Many people will say they want change, but then balk when that change creates any need for personal sacrifice or discomfort. Not everyone is built for these realities. For some, it’s easier to just accept the status quo or to quit.

One of the best and quickest ways to bring about change in any organization (especially sports teams) is to flip the roster. The players who aren’t “onboard” simply move on (or are moved on) and are replaced by individuals who are a better fit for the new organization. This is occurring in Florida football. Of Florida’s 85 player roster, there are 33 players (22 in the portal) who have departed since this point in time last year. In many instances the change will benefit both the player and the program. Some players will find new teams that fit them better. Others won’t and their careers will be over. For the program, the benefit is more roster space to recruit new players who buy in to the new culture and fit the program better.

As a society, we’ve grown accustomed to immediate gratification. One challenge for teams in the midst of program and culture change is navigating the realities of a sometimes impatient fanbase. Programs like Florida have the benefit of large numbers of passionate and vocal fans. The downside, unfortunately, is instances where some of the more impatient fans take to social media to vent their frustration. Social media carries substantial unfiltered power that can be harnessed for good or for bad. There is very little accountability within these platforms for inaccuracy or rationality. Anyone can have an account and can push out “information” not only to the people willing to “follow” them, but also to the followers of their followers. This is creates what is truly an information virus. In a more perfect circumstance, the credible influencers would unfollow, mute, or block irrationally negative people instead of being a secondary conduit for their negative posts. Sadly, because social media "success" is measured by quantity (volume) of influence rather than quality of influence, users tend to tolerate irrational negativity if it pushes additional interaction (posts). This dynamic is counter productive to building positivity and a winning culture for an intercollegiate athletics program. The cultural change for Florida football will progress even more quickly and true Gator fans will be happier once the program can get this corner turned and some of the "noise in the system" is reduced. 

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, recruiting, SEC, University of Florida

November 14, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- South Carolina at Florida- November 12, 2022

The Florida Gators rode a quick start and stellar defense throughout to maintain their late season momentum. Saturday’s 38-6 home win over South Carolina was much more important than just clinching bowl eligibility. Florida has now positioned themselves to wrap up the season with a win/loss record that more favorably reflects the progress this program has made over the last 11 months. The Gators are also well-positioned to finish the 2023 recruiting cycle with a class ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Of late, Florida’s has demonstrated an ability, both, to execute a running game that earns over 240 rushing yards per game and also takes care of the football. For the season the Gators have averaged 225 rushing yards per game. For the most recent 4 games, even with just 100 rushing yards against Georgia, Florida has averaged 243 per game. In Florida’s 6 wins, they’ve rushed for an average of 279 per game. In the 4 losses, the per game rushing average was just 147. To win, the Gators must run the ball well.

Turnover margin has been a key, as well. In the last 4 games, the Gators have had nine takeaways and just one (insignificant) turnover.

The Gator’s also continue to made great progress with poise and focus. This week’s game provided further evidence of progress in this area. Florida remained poised during the second half of this week’s game despite chippiness initiated by the Gamecocks. In recent years, Florida has been too easily provoked into bad decisions. The Gators are growing up as a team.

Focusing on this week’s South Carolina game, there was much to like. The Florida defense extended their good work from last week at Texas AM, by providing 4 more quarters of shutout football. It has been 6 quarters since the Gators allowed any points on defense. The scheme has been more aggressive and tackling has been solid. Against SC, Florida had 3 sacks and a whopping 7 tackles for loss. In 49 snaps, the Gators allowed no plays for over 18 yards and only 5 that gained more than 8 yards. Offensively, Florida scored on every one of their first half possessions. In the second half, however, they failed to score points on two of three third quarter possessions that all began within field goal range. For the second week in a row, the Gators could have made the game a romp with better third quarter execution.

The most concerning aspect of this week’s game was special teams play. There was nothing special about the Florida special teams. The Gators gave up a 48 yard touchdown on an SC fake punt. The game circumstance when the fake occurred was such that the fake could have clearly been anticipated. Somehow Florida completely failed to cover the SC gunner who was open by twenty yards. The Gators also missed a short field goal, mishandled the placement on another short field goal attempt, had net negative yardage on their own punt returns, and allowed a 37 yard punt return by SC. It took a great day by the Gator defense to erase the opportunities the special teams gave to the Gamecocks.

Next week’s game against Vanderbilt offers a golden opportunity for the Gators to get to 7-5 (4-4 in SEC games). As a 14 point favorite, Florida has to simply trust the process and execute the same formula that has brought the best results. Over 240 yards of rushing offense and no turnovers.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2022, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gamecocks, Gators, SEC, South Carolina, University of Florida

October 31, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Gators At The Clubhouse Turn- October 31, 2022

The Gators make the clubhouse turn and head into the final third of the regular season and it’s time to talk about where this team stands relative to the expectations we had when the season began three months ago. There is, of course, both clear progress, but also some continuing areas of concern.

At 4 -4, Florida’s record is about where most reasonable fans expected it to be at this point. The seasoning opening win against a highly ranked Utah team prematurely recalibrated the expectations of the most impatient/least realistic Gator fans on social media. For those folks, fantasies of going 10-2 or 9-3 clouded their perspective and allowed them suspend the realities and limitations surrounding this team. Seven games later, the Gators have had great quarters and brutal quarters and are still striving to play a complete game. Inconsistency is the trademark of young/developing teams and Florida certainly fits this mold.

It is important, for context, to understand that the four Gators’ losses have come against teams that have all been ranked in the top twenty. Georgia and Tennessee are currently the number 1 and number 2 ranked teams. Kentucky and LSU reached numbers 7 and 15 respectively.

The competition in the SEC is intense every week and Florida still has three remaining opponents who are or have been nationally ranked this year. Even so, these last 4 games are all winnable for the Gators if the play well. They are also all losable if they don’t play well. A realistic goal is to finish 2-2 and be bowl eligible. This week, Florida is a 3.5 underdog at TexasAM. Of these last 4 games, the Gators may only be favored at Vanderbilt.

Florida fans have plenty to feel good about. Most indications are that the culture change that will be the basis for returning the program to prominence IS occurring. We see greater player accountability. We see less unfocused play. We see less selfish actions on the field. Clearly, there is some distance to still be covered and the talent gap (compared to top ten teams) remains, but measurable progress is being made.

Gator fans should be excited about this roster and the trends moving forward. Florida is only playing a handful of seniors. The entire two deep offense could return. Defensively, only Ventrell Miller, Amari Burney, and Trey Dean are seniors. This coaching staff is playing young guys for important minutes in critical situations. Etienne, Wilson, James, and McClellen are playing as true freshmen. Eight others are playing (on the two deep) as red shirt freshmen. Additionally, the 2023 committed recruiting class is already ranked in the top ten in the nation with several other highly regarded recruits still possible. Florida must finish strong to address the current depth and talent gap issues.

Of the other areas where there are concerns, inconsistent quarterback play is the biggest. There is no question about Anthony Richardson’s great attitude and his athleticism. His inability to manage games in the critical moments, however, is concerning. Hopefully, more experience will help. He simply can’t continue to do things that enable opponents. He has to learn things like staying in bounds when trying to run out the clock. He should know that throwing passes out of bounds on fourth downs, when trailing late in games isn’t useful. He can’t throw interceptions (especially on first and second down plays) and expect to win.

Richardson is at his best when he becomes an aggressive ball carrier. Somehow, perhaps injuries or perhaps a commitment to becoming more of a NFL type Quarterback, AR goes spells where he appears reluctant to carry the ball. He rarely keeps the ball on the read option until the offense is in desperation mode. He is this offense’s most dangerous playmaker and, assuming he is physically capable, he needs to embrace this role. Once he does, other things will come more easily.

This Florida team has shown a spirit to battle through adversity and stick together. That characteristic is encouraging. Special teams play and third down defense were improved in the Georgia game. Virtually everyone, including the coaching staff, seems willing to be accountable. This internal locus of control is also a key to sustained progress. There is no feel being displayed from the program of panic.

This week’s game in College Station will help define whether Florida is getting the corner turned and is ready to play a more consistent brand of winning football. Florida has the opportunity to make a statement with an away SEC game win as an underdog.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, SEC, University of Florida

September 13, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Kentucky at Florida- September 10, 2022

If Florida’s week one game against Utah provided the Gator fan base the sense of optimism needed to validate Billy Napier‘s hiring, week two against Kentucky provided these same fans the dose of reality needed to help them manage expectations. Rebuilding a program from the ground up is an arduous process that takes time, especially in the SEC where the margins are tight. While many fans initially comprehend the need for patience, unexpected early success often confuses their perspective. Longer-term, sustainable, success is based on programmatic factors that take time to instill. Until teams have built a culture of accountability and recruited depth at all positions, they will be vulnerable to inconsistent play and injury or fatigue related vulnerabilities. Both of these factors impacted the outcome of this week’s Florida versus Kentucky game.

Even within the context of taking two steps forward and one step backward, the Kentucky game was hard to accept for most Florida fans. The Gator offense was virtually absent from start to finish. The 16 - 7 Florida lead with 4:12 remaining in the first half was a reflection much more on a solid first half defensive effort and Wildcat miscues. The Gators’ early offensive problems were based mostly around Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson’s, struggles with passing accuracy and a Kentucky defensive scheme that accounted for Richardson’s running ability. The Wildcats prioritized defending the run game (linebackers in the box) and deeper passes (cover 2 in the secondary). This creates passing opportunities with crossing routes and mid-range curl routes. Unfortunately for Florida, Richardson’s early issues with accuracy prevented the Gators from taking advantage of what was given them. Had Florida been more successful, Kentucky would have had to drop linebackers into coverage (opening up the run game) or brought a safety up (creating opportunities for deeper passes).

The single biggest turning point in terms of momentum was when Florida not only failed to extend the 16-7 lead by closing out the first half with a good offensive possession, but turned the ball over to Kentucky at the Gator 6 yard line for a short-field touchdown. What could have been a 23-7 or 19-7 halftime score was 16-13 instead.

Still, even with such a rough first half, Florida had a half-time lead and an opportunity to turn things around offensively. The Gator defense did their part to seize momentum by stuffing Kentucky’s first possession of the second half. From this point through the rest of the game, however, the Gators accomplished just 91 offensive yards, 5 first downs, and zero points. Kentucky wasn’t prolific either, but used a pick six and two successful drives (one of them just 16 yards) to score 13 points and squeeze the life out of the Gators.

Even with this disappointing loss, there were high points worth noting. The Florida defense fought hard and made the Wildcats earn every yard. Kentucky averaged less than 2 yards per carry when running the ball. In pass defense, other than one 55 yard touchdown on a well-defended 50/50 ball, the Gators allowed only 147 yards on 23 attempts. Florida continued to play, on both sides of the ball, with more poise than last year. There were only three Gator penalties for the game and one of these was a very questionable (and critically damaging) roughing the passer call. The call gave Kentucky a first and goal at the 3 yard line instead of third and goal at the 6 yard line.

Florida, again, played many younger players including true freshmen. Post-game, the key players (especially Richardson) and coaches were accountable and accepted responsibility for mistakes. The consistent narrative from all was a commitment to learn and grow. Even the Florida fan base was mostly resolute through disappointment at the missed opportunity. The week ahead brings a 24 point underdog, in the University of South Florida, to The Swamp and delivers the Gators an opportunity to move forward and beyond the Kentucky game. The Bulls, no doubt, will use the blueprint provided by Kentucky to game plan for Richardson and the Gators. The outcome on Saturday will be a reflection on how well this Florida team learns and grows.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2022, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, Kentucky, SEC, University of Florida, wildcats

September 4, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Utah at Florida- September 3, 2022

The Billy Napier era at Florida began with a game that was an elixir for what ailed the Gator fanbase. Prior to last night’s heart-stopping 29 – 26 win over the #7 ranked Utah Utes, Florida had lost 7 of their last 8 “one score” games. They competed, but just couldn’t get it done in the final moments. Last night, the Gators drove to score the game winning touchdown in the last minutes of the game AND clinched the game with Amari Burney’s end-zone interception with a mere 17 seconds remaining. Beginning with the infamous shoe-tossing loss to LSU in December of 2020, Florida had found ways to lose more often than they found ways to win the close games.

This win was especially satisfying in that it extended Florida’s nation leading streak of “home opener” wins to thirty-two. While most of these game one wins were against weaker opponents, this one was an exception. Utah was not only a top ten team, but was led by a highly-regarded veteran quarterback.  The Utes didn’t disappoint in terms of representing themselves very well in a tough environment. While the heat and humidity were certainly factors, they didn’t wilt down the stretch like many others. The crowd noise from the 90,000+ fans was intense, but Utah managed their snap count and communications without any obvious challenges. They had only two delay/procedure related penalties and one was intentional as they tried to draw Florida offsides on a 4th down play. The Utes managed down and distance masterfully throughout the game and avoided difficult third and long scenarios. Of their 25 first downs, only 8 required third down conversions. Of the 8 converted on third down, the longest was third and 6 and most were in the 2 to 4-yard range. This is a very good running team and they made very few mistakes.

Florida was impressive in their ability to go toe to toe with Utah and refuse to cave in. Four times, the Gators fought back from deficits to tie or take the lead. Anthony Richardson’s growth as a quarterback was evident. He made (mostly) good decisions and managed the game well for a guy in just his second start (both against top ten teams, by the way). Richardson’s amazing athleticism was on display throughout the game, but it was his poise and decision making that was most impressive. He ran when it was needed. He avoided unnecessary hits when he did run. He made mostly good reads and threw to the best choice of receivers based on the circumstances. Only one third down completion came up short of the first down marker. And most importantly, only one ball thrown into coverage that could have been intercepted. All things considered, the Utah game was a big step forward for Richardson.

The Gators’ offensive line was good. Florida ran for 283 yards and averaged over 7 yards per carry. Both winning football type numbers. The passing yardage was more modest (168 yards), but the O-line didn’t give up any sacks (due in large part, however, to Richardson’s elusiveness). The Gators had three false starts for the game, but only one helped kill a drive.

All three of the Florida running backs contributed by earning tough yardage between the tackles. Montrell Johnson and Trevor Étienne both had good Florida debuts despite one fumble each (‘Etienne recovered his own, but Johnson’s was a costly lost possession) by averaging over 8 yards per carry on combined stats. Nay’Quan Wright was solid throughout. Each back brings a different skill set and provides important depth and versatility.

Xzavior Henderson led the Gators with 6 catches, but Ricky Pearsall was Florida’s top receiver in terms of yardage. He displayed what made him such an effective slot receiver for Arizona State last year. Florida’s longest passing play was for just 23 yards. Florida will need to show they can stretch the field to be successful in the games ahead.  

Defensively, the Gators got pushed around the entire second half, but made two huge plays when it mattered most. The 4th down stop (from the 1 yard line) and the preceding 3rd down stop (from inside the 3) on Utah’s first drive of the second half preserved a 14-13 Florida lead at the time. The goal line interception, on 2nd and goal from the 6 yard line, on Utah’s last offensive play sealed the game. Otherwise, for the game, the Gators gave up 446 yards of total offense and allowed over 7 yards per play. Utah didn’t have to punt at all in the second half. Still, Florida battled and had their moments against a really good running team with a versatile quarterback.

Ventrell Miller’s return to the lineup after last year’s season ending injury was significant. The Gators are a much more organized and solid team with him in the middle. The youth and limited depth in Florida’s defensive line was a problem, especially against a power running team with a veteran O-line like Utah’s. Florida substituted continuously to keep guys as fresh as possible, but this created some continuity issues and confusion when subs rushed on to the field just in time to get set before (or during) the snap. The Gators played, defensively, a bunch of young guys and guys new to the program, so things should improve with experience. Shemar James played a bunch of snaps at the weakside linebacker. Devan Moore started and played most of the important plays at one cornerback. Five guys were first time starters.

Florida played, for the most part, with a greater level of focus and poise. For a few guys, missed assignments (contain and/or gap control) were problems, but the Gators didn’t have any of last year’s personal foul type penalties. Trey Dean was the only Gator who has obvious challenges managing his emotions. Fortunately, the officials ignored his post-play yakking and post-game antics. It may take the coaching staff a little longer to shape his maturity and team first focus.

On a side note, I may feel differently when I watch the replay, but my first impression is the Pac-12 officiating crew wasn’t good yesterday. Cam Rising may very well have scored for Utah on the Gators third down stop preceding the big fourth down stop. They missed what was probably a goal-line pass interference on a first half deep ball to Xzavior Henderson. They also called an obvious incompletion, complete, on Utah’s last drive. Everyone was confused by the 10 second “run off” enforced in the last minute of the first half when Florida had the ball and the injury was a Utah player. Finally, they continuously failed to allow Florida adequate time to make substitutions before the snap to counter Utah substitutions.

Next week, Kentucky will provide another big (but different) challenge for the Gators. Playing at home again will help, but the Wildcats return a strong team that beat the Gators (in Lexington) last year. Will Levis is another experienced quarterback and Kentucky has experience playing in the toughest, loudest SEC stadiums.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2022, College Sports, Florida, Football, Gators, SEC, University of Florida, Utah, Utes

January 1, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Rip Van Rockne- January 1, 2022

I watched a number of football games during this college bowl season and the thought occurred to me, “If he woke up from a long sleep, would Knute Rockne recognize the game today?”. The game is fundamentally very much the same. Touchdowns, field goals, running, passing, and tackling. Plenty has changed, however. Especially, in the last 10 years.

Offenses deploy many more spread and option features than would’ve been seen 10 years ago. No more 3 yards and a cloud of dust. The defenses have adapted to the offenses and we see more aggressive features. The equipment has certainly advanced. There are some new playing rules (or at least interpretations of the old rules) and adjustments to how the game clock and play clock are run. On average, the players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before.

I’m struck, more so, by how the players have changed in recent years. I suppose the game is society in a microcosm. We see more and more individualistic behavior. Shorter attention spans. Greater need for immediate gratification. Players seek attention as much for their affect and personality as for their performance. More posing. More dancing. More talking. It's like old school professional wrestling.

Jersey numbers matter more than they used to. Teams assign the same number to different players to ensure everyone gets the number they want. Single-digit numbers are also a priority. We’ve made the number zero available now to create one more single digit opportunity. The emergence of suffixes and hyphenated names is a phenomenon, too. Why are the proportions of suffixes and hyphenated names in college football so much higher than in the rest of our society? Are there really more “juniors”, IIIs, and beyond that play football? Are they vehicles now for personal statements. Perhaps it all connects to players’ individual brands now as much (or more) than the team brand.

New relaxed player transfer rules have converged with increasing player individuality and the need for immediate gratification to make the transfer portal a huge dynamic in the game today. So much of what is new is player centric. Perhaps a good thing, but it will be interesting to see if these changes help or hinder competitive equity. Will the delta between the haves and have nots shrink or grow (as many predict). One thing for certain is, like so much else today, the game of college football is in a state of constant flux.

Published by Dug Jones in Society, Sports
Tags: College Sports, Football, player brands
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