Florida extended the nation’s longest home-opener winning streak with a 35 - 14 win over Florida Atlantic University. While the game wasn’t a blowout, the Gators were never seriously challenged by the Owls.
There were many bright spots, but this was an inconsistent performance in some of the ways you expect to see in opening week games. Too many penalties (9 for 91 yards), miscommunications, missed opportunities. Still there is much to build on for the Gators.
Social Media and the casual Florida fan will be attracted to a discussion about a manufactured quarterback controversy. The reality is Emory Jones wasn’t sharp, but handled himself relatively well in his first ever start. He ran for 74 yards and completed 63% of his passes. The two interceptions, a couple of delay of game penalties, and a miscommunication on a red zone play call were disappointing. Jones is talented and will learn from these mistakes
Anthony Richardson wowed the internet and fans with his athleticism and big play capabilities. He possesses truly amazing athletic gifts and creates highlight reel types of plays. His 73 yard touchdown run showcased great agility and foot speed for a man who weighs 236 pounds. One one play, he runs over defenders and on another he hurdles them. For this reason, he is a shiny object and many fans will fail to notice that he completed only 37% of his pass attempts and, excepting the one 36 yard completion, had only four total yards passing. Make no mistake, though, he has a great arm. He will become a more effective passer as he learns to check down to the (often) shorter open routes rather than selecting the big play option.
Last night, even with the two interceptions, Emory Jones’ 95 QBR was twenty points better than Richardson’s QBR of 74. Richardson will need more game experience before he is ready to truly challenge for the starting quarterback position. Eventually, there may be one, but there is currently no quarterback controversy. If you don’t believe me, ask Dan Mullen.
The discussion today, really should be more about improved productivity in the overall run game and about the added depth in the defensive line. The SEC is a “line of scrimmage league” and Florida made good strides this off-season to strengthen both the offensive and defensive lines.
Against FAU, the offensive line opened holes, stayed on blocks better, and enabled the Gator run game to stack up 400 rushing yards while allowing zero sacks. Florida converted on 63% of third down plays. With 12 offensive possessions, Florida only punted twice.
On defense, the addition of three new interior defensive linemen, via the transfer portal, provided an obvious improvement. Valentino, Newkirk, and Truesdale are all game-ready run stoppers that Florida was able to “plug and play”. To succeed in the SEC, teams must have six effective defensive tackles. The Gators are finally at this number. Stout interior line play creates opportunities for Florida‘s edge rushers and linebackers to do their thing.
The Florida defense was more than solid against FAU. 200 of the 353 yards surrendered in the game occurred in the last 12 minutes when the outcome was already assured and the younger players were getting playing time. For the first 48 minutes of the game, Florida gave up about 150 yards, no big plays, and zero points. The Gators had six sacks, forced two turnovers, and generally tackled well.
Up next, Florida needs to focus exclusively on the University of South Florida and getting better one game at a time.