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 27, 2022 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Florida at Tennessee- September 24, 2022

Ironically, the title for my blog is all too relevant for today’s post. I was able to attend the Florida vs. Tennessee game this past Saturday, but the wheelchair accessible seating in Neyland Stadium was atrocious. There was plenty of it, but it was all unelevated and situated directly behind the upper row of each section in the stadium. This meant, of course, that anytime anything interesting/exciting occurred and people stood up, my view was completely blocked. Gosh, who might have anticipated in the design phase, that people might stand up for the exciting moments of a major sporting event? As best as I could tell from the crowd noise and glimpses of the action, it was a great game in terms of fan experience for the able-bodied fans. Lots of big plays, huge crowd, and a tight finish.

There has been much written about the action by those who could see the game, so I’ll comment more generally about a concerning trend that is creating one of the biggest challenges for the Gators. If the Florida coaching staff can ascertain exactly what is happening to make the last minutes of the first half and the entire third quarter so difficult, the Gators could realistically finish 7-5 or even 8-4 this season.

Florida has lost the combined third quarter of the four games played by a score of 7 - 38. They’ve also allowed opponents to score on their last possession of the first half in every game. The Gators have started games and finished games pretty well (a combined 102 - 80 in scoring excluding the third quarters). One logical deduction is that opponents are making better adjustments during the halftime break. Not an especially surprising dynamic as the Napier era at Florida has begun with games against highly ranked opponents with established coaching staffs. Florida’s new staff is still gelling and refining processes.

Much progress, however, has been made by this coaching staff in many areas surrounding focus, discipline, and accountability. Once the staff also gets resolution to the “third quarter problem”, this progress will become even more evident and the final scores may begin to reflect the programmatic improvement being made.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2022, Football, Gators, SEC, Tennessee, University of Florida, Volunteers

October 17, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Civility and Personal Character- October 17, 2021

I typically comment about University of Florida’s football games, but was working a basketball telecast yesterday and didn’t get to watch this week’s game at LSU. What I did see was the end of the University of Mississippi at University of Tennessee football game. There was certainly some interesting football to be analyzed, but sadly the relevance of the game was overwhelmed by the disturbing fan behavior in the closing moments.

In the final minutes of a close football game, the game officials made, and upheld, a call that enraged many of the fans in attendance. Some of these fans threw objects on to the field. Many, many others joined the stupidity. Ultimately, the game was paused for over twenty minutes while officials and coaches huddled to discuss how the game could be safely finished. The band left. The cheerleaders left. Some fans left. Some coaches and players were struck by thrown objects, including golf balls. Ultimately, some degree of calm was restored and the last minutes of the game were played.

The concept of sports serving as a microcosm that mirrors society isn’t new. Yesterday’s behavior occurred within the context of sports, but unfortunately is reflective of a much more pervasive societal problem. The disgusting fan behavior yesterday in Knoxville is just the current sports related example. The symptoms of this disintegration of civility and personal character are not limited to Knoxville or even to sports.

A migration of personal values, the emergence of crowd sourced decision making, a growing preference for emotion over facts, and other facets have created this dangerous dynamic.

Here’s how it usually plays out. An incident occurs that elicits a strong negative feeling in an individual or a group. This feeling is accepted as being important even before any analysis of the facts surrounding the incident can be accomplished. An impulsive and typically unfettered reaction to the real or perceived injustice occurs. We tolerate this type of unmeasured reaction because we “understand” the person’s or group’s frustration and no longer expect/require people to delay gratification for their impulses. The heightened intensity triggers even more people and the volatility of the circumstances escalate. In the final analysis, when the facts do support the basis for the initial frustration we find their behavior justified (even when excessive). When the facts don’t ultimately support the complainants reaction, we excuse the behavior (too easily) because we understand their need for instant justice.

Societally, we are conditioned more and more to expect immediate and fair outcomes. These are good things in most circumstances. The rub occurs when these things can’t/don’t happen and people aren’t emotionally stable enough to handle the disappointment. The old days of “who told you everything was going to be fair” have passed. We seek and expect immediate redress for even the smallest of transgressions by others. Patience is a lost trait. We get responded to by email and even text rather than “snail mail”. We shop online with delivery by tomorrow. We get answers on Google and rarely wait for anything. Again, all good things except when we aren’t capable of coping with any delay in gratification.

In general, the media adds to the problem by encouraging a societal attraction to victims and victimization. Drama drives clicks and interpersonal conflict is the highest drama. We learn to focus more on the struggles, conflicts, and obstacles along the way than on the successes through consistent focus and effort. This way of thinking means people get more (immediate) attention, especially as children, for fighting, crying, and struggling, than they get for being steady, positive, and smiling. The point isn’t to discount the significance of mental health issues. The point is to highlight the problems we create when we accept, reward, and reinforce what should be unacceptable behaviors. These things begin in small ways and then systematically grow into much larger and, in some cases, dangerous behaviors.

There will, hopefully, be significant consequences for yesterday’s craziness in Knoxville meted out by the University of Tennessee and the SEC, but the real solutions will lie in reshaping the societal standards for acceptable expressions of dissent. We need to return to the days when some level of civility is expected. We need to draw a clear line between dissent which is truly speech and dissent which is actually violent behavior. If we continue to accept (and even justify) dangerous behavior when it serves our own agendas, we shouldn’t be surprised when it permeates all facets of our lives.

Published by Dug Jones in Society
Tags: civility, fan violence, Football, Ole Miss, SEC, societal norms, Tennessee

September 27, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Tennessee at Florida- 9/25/2021

Emory Jones’ performance the last two weeks validates Dan Mullen’s confidence in him and serves as reminders both that Jones has what it takes to succeed as Florida’s quarterback and that Mullen knows what he’s doing. Anthony Richardson will make important contributions, as Tim Tebow did in 2006, but this year’s offense is Emory’s.

While quarterback play and rushing yardage are today’s obvious marquee messages the more interesting discussion surrounds the steadily improving Gator defense. Sure, Florida surrendered over 400 yards of total offense. Yes, there were some missed tackles and a couple busted coverages (one resulting in a 75 yard touchdown). Continuing challenges ahead, of course, but It’s also important to notice the good things occurring and the strides Todd Grantham’s defense is making from week to week.

This week, Florida gave up 14 points to a Tennessee team that was averaging over 42 points per game and hadn’t scored less than 34 in their first three games. The Gators accomplished this without two of their three best defensive players (Elam and Miller). Freshmen started at both cornerback spots and were backed up by transfers who have been with the program for just two months. Gresham is substituting liberally to cross train and to keep players fresh. Very notably, the Florida defense has been better than last year on third downs, allowing conversions on just 35%. Only one defensive penalty this week. No guarantees moving ahead, but the defense is moving in the right direction.

Recent success in the Gator running game is attributable, in large part, to better offensive line play, but the Florida’s running backs have played a huge role, as well. The current three + rotation of backs has kept them all fresh, healthy, and able to earn additional yards after first contact. Each has a different running style, but all have been effective. At 6.34 yards per carry, the six Florida backs are among the nations best as a group. This week, the Vols’ defense came in allowing just 1.7 yards per carry and 54.3 yards per game, so Florida’s 7.1 yards per carry and 283 rushing total are impressive. Additionally, the backs have all been good with ball security (zero fumbles on the season) and in pass protection. Through four games, Gator running backs have 17 pass receptions. Really, a position of strength this year.

An away SEC game against the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats will serve as the Gators next opportunity for continuing progress.

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

December 5, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit- Florida at Tennessee- 12/5/20

Florida used the same script Gator fans have become accustomed to in their 31 - 19 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers today. After trading early scores and trailing midway through the second quarter, Florida scored 28 unanswered points, bridging halftime, to take control of the game and then stumbled home. The Gators ability to score late in the first half and carry that momentum into the third-quarter has been an important asset this entire season. The Texas AM game is the only game Florida didn’t score the last points of the first half. The Arkansas game is the only game Florida didn’t score first in the second half. The Razorbacks’ early third quarter field goal was sandwiched among an otherwise uninterrupted 35 point flurry by Florida.

While each of these characteristics are evident in some way in all four quarters of every game, I attribute success by quarter in this way; the first quarter is preparation, the second quarter is talent, the third quarter is adjustments, and the fourth quarter is conditioning/depth. Clearly, this model ignores the impact of early-game strategic positioning and late-game prevent defense type circumstances. It’s clear, in any case, that Florida’s halftime adjustments throughout the season have been a major component of team success.

Of the goals Florida likely set after the Georgia win, some have been met, others, not so much. For the most part, the Gators have maintained good momentum on offense. They have learned how to attack defenses who drop eight players into coverage. Multiple players have contributed in each and every game. Turnovers have been kept to a relative minimum. Kyle Trask has managed the offense efficiently and with a minimum of penalties. Unfortunately, Florida has yet to develop the ability to run the ball with much consistency. Third down and three is still a passing down for the Gators. Most of the red zone offense are passing plays. Fortunately, Florida has proven they can pass successfully in almost any circumstance.

On defense, the Gators have made strides in a number of areas. It’s difficult to interpret the progress fully because fourth quarters have been played mostly by combinations including reserves and with safe leads. At points where the outcome is still in question, Florida’s defense has been, at many times, stout. They have also allowed intermittent sustained drives for scores in each game. The busts and missed tackles resulting in big plays that plagued the Gators earlier in the season have decreased. Still, the consistency problems make it difficult to believe Florida’s defense is ready for a team like Alabama.

The Gators have also accomplished, thus far, the goals of avoiding serious injuries and providing significant opportunities for game experience for the younger players. This will provide dividends moving forward.

Despite having some uncharacteristic dropped passes and selfish penalties, today’s Gator win accomplishes the important goal of winning the SEC east division and advancing to the SEC championship game on December 19th. Florida deserves to be proud of this accomplishment. It was 2016 when they last reached this milestone.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: 2020, Florida, Football, Gators, SEC, Tennessee, Volunteers

September 21, 2019 — Comments are off for this post.

From Where I Sit: UF vs Tennessee

Another SEC win, so there is certainly a reason for the Gators to feel good about themselves. For perspective, however, let’s not forget Tennessee is a train wreck. Much of the Florida success was enabled by Volunteer’s miscues. 75 yards in penalties, four turnovers, and an overthrown wide-open receiver or two. Florida deserves credit for overcoming their own mistakes (three turnovers). They won’t beat Auburn, LSU, Georgia, or Missouri if they have three turnovers in those games, though.

First the good news. Kyle Trask passed his first test with a solid performance. He was sharp in the first half and made good decisions (minus the sack fumble). He is patient and seems to go thru the progressions better than Feleipe. He throws a very catchable ball. The receivers shined again. Ten different guys caught balls. Pitts was especially impressive. He gets open and has great hands. Jefferson is an NFL talent. The Gator defense was aggressive and effective despite missing Henderson, Zuniga, and Stiner (for a half). A few missed tackles, but mostly swarmed. It was nice seeing the DBs come up with three interceptions. Seven tackles for loss (four of them sacks). Special teams we great. Florida made all their placekicks, netted 43 yards on the one punt, and allowed zero return yards.

The areas for improvement include the short yardage run game (again) and ball security. The three giveaways could have been even more if the recovery on Davis’ fumble hadn’t been reviewed and overturned. Two of Florida’s giveaways occurred on FIRST down.

Stray thoughts. None of Florida’s five penalties were due to composure issues. No unsportsmanlikes and no targetings. Jefferson could have been flagged for taunting, but...somehow got away with one. If Copeland didn’t have his one drop, the passing yardage would have been at least 50 more yards. The Gators played several freshmen significant snaps (Elam, Kimbrough, Hill, Bogle, and Zipperer). Florida was 5 for 5 in the red zone.

Towson, next week, is a tune up opportunity. They lost today (in overtime) to Villanova. The Tigers feature a dual threat QB. Tom Flacco is Joe Flacco’s brother and is also a baseball talent. Flacco is nearly 25 years old and attended both Western Michigan and Rutgers before transferring to Towson as a grad transfer.

Published by Dug Jones in Sports
Tags: Florida, Football, Gator, SEC, Tennessee, Trask