- Jun 12, 2014
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Another Gator Football season, another quarterback controversy. And some defensive concerns. And Dan acting a little smarmy during his pressers. There’s usually something to be said for consistency, but it’s not quite applicable in this recurring scenario. “Maddening” might be more appropriate. It’s no stretch to characterize the average fan’s take in this way, especially when it comes to factoring in Mullen’s foot dragging where finally naming Kyle Trask as the starting signal caller was concerned. With Alabama looming, starter Emory Jones has thrown more picks than TD’s while wunderkind Anthony Richardson has wowed us all with his speed, toughness, and a strong and accurate arm. Why wouldn’t there be some noise despite a 2-0 start against a couple of JV’s?
In the post-game presser after a 42-20 win that didn’t feel as dominating as a three score margin should, Mullen reiterated that we have two good QBs, Emory was the starter, and both will play. End of conversation. If only there wasn’t such a stark contrast between the two. The only sense I can make of it is that Mullen is either doggedly supportive of the more veteran player, perhaps because of his willingness to patiently await his turn or he’s trying to make everybody happy. The latter could be applied to the obvious plan to make sure every running back gets a fair share of the snaps. Then again, it’s early in the schedule and the most opportune time to continue auditions as well as tweak and fine tune. To Mullen, it seems to make perfect sense. To many fans, it makes no sense. After next Saturday, one side will get to say “I told you so” while the other gets to chew on the gristle.
*Emory Jones - 14/22 passing, 151 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT; 13 rushes, 81 yds, 1 TD; 232 total yds. Anthony Richardson - 3/3 passing, 152 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT; 4 rushes, 115 yds, 1 TD; 267 total yds. Just looking at the stats, the two biggest differences are rushing attempts and interceptions as they impact the QB’s efficiency. The seasonal sample size is small, but I feel like there’s a significant trend I’ll add that if I’m relying on the eyeball test, Emory consistently standing and throwing flat-footed in the pocket drives me up the wall as does his staring down of his intended receiver.
*666 total yards. I don’t know whether to jump for joy or call a priest! Seriously, the two biggest takeaways are that the OL, thus far, are able to get a push and are providing adequate protection. 363 rushing yards and 1sack allowed are worlds better than what we have been treated to previously. But so far, only quizzes. The big test is next Saturday.
*As a youngster, I wanted a pony in the worst way. Never got one. As an older man, I want us to be able to line up, get subs in efficiently, and at least look like we aren’t shocked when the opposition uses tempo. Kinda looking like I’m not going to get that either.
*Staying with a defensive theme, my opinions from last week haven’t changed much. I think the DL is the strength of that side of the ball, the LBs make a play every now and again, but aren’t very spectacular, and the DBs make me feel like a Chinese Fire Drill could break out at any moment. In short, our identity is secure…we are Todd Grantham’s defense and inconsistency overall is our calling card. At some point, I want to see us put together a great performance against a good opponent. That and see Todd and the big Watson kid in a pancake eating contest I’m thinking we see the syrup sopping first.
*My favoritism may be showing, but I want to see more Dameon Pierce. I think he’s physically ready for more touches and I can only hope he’ll get more than the 5 he got this week as we move into the SEC schedule. I’d feel better if we’d utilize three backs primarily. I think your better backs need more reps to get into the flow of the game.
*Although it’s early, I admit to having concerns about the receivers this year. Still no TE action to help soothe the loss of Pitts, but it was good to see Copeland show some hands and have a big day with 5 receptions for 175 yds and a pair of TDs. I think we’ve all been waiting for him to live up to his potential and he took some steps in that direction. Young Henderson seems to be growing into the college game. We’re far from the Fun and Gun, but we’re better than last week.
*I can’t say I’m overly impressed about special teams so far. All phases seem a little average. We did give up a pretty decent return and I hope that was just a personnel issue or something easily fixed. Truthfully, in today’s game if we can avoid kickoffs out of bounds and short punts, we can manage. But I do believe we’ll need some FGs before long. Hope the kickers are up to the mark.
*F$U fell to Jacksonville State on the last play of the game. Not what anybody was expecting after that tremendous moral victory over Norte Dame last week…
(that’s for you @soflagator :))
It might be hoping beyond hope, but it would be great if Dan said “We’re gonna give the kid the nod against Bama and Emory will be ready to roll in when needed!” He could also say “And we're gonna use our best two backs primarily, let them get into a groove, and not let Bama make us one dimensional.” Who knows, but he could say “I’ve charged Coach Grantham with making sure our personnel is squared away and we are set and ready at the snap. We won’t have too many looks where our LBs are matched up with receivers, and our DBs will at least keep everything in front of them!” All of this could happen. But there’s a good chance the groundhog sees his shadow. Big players get up for big games. It’s past time for that to occur. Go Gators!
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