- Jun 12, 2014
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As the smoke cleared after our final regular season game had concluded and a very necessary last beer of the evening consumed, I reflected on what could have been in Tallahassee last evening against the hated Seminoles. The condensed version was that we were clicking offensively in the first half. Our bread and butter, the running game, had returned after a one week hiatus, and AR looked on the verge of another huge game through the air despite a wafer-thin group of receivers that was severely depleted by injuries. Neither team was looking spectacular on defense, but a missed field goal by F$U and one made by our kicker allowed us to go back into the locker room with a 24-21 lead and some momentum along with the ball to begin the second half. We had reason to be encouraged. Or so I thought.
Then the third quarter started. The first sign that something was wrong was AR’s throw into the flats that was behind the receiver, who was standing alone with no defender within a country mile. The incompletion served notice that Mr. Hyde was now under center and ahead was a stretch where he would go 0/12 passing and collectively we went three and out on our first three possessions of the second half. Gone was the lead and any momentum generated in the first two quarters.
Still, we were almost able to come back in the fourth. Bolstered by the running of ET and Montrell, who each rushed for a touchdown, we had clawed back to within a score. A pass interference penalty gave us a fourth down conversion to start our final possession and we were able to work the ball down the field into scoring position. Unfortunately that would be as close as we’d get and our final play saw AR scrambling under heavy pressure from a DB blitz and making a final throw, under pressure, to nobody.
Defensively, we played well at times. In fact, tackle to tackle we looked about as good as we had at any point in the season. Off tackle and containing Jordan Travis, however, was another matter. We couldn’t consistently set and hold the edge nor could we keep the Noles’ shifty QB hemmed up (Travis threw for 270 and a score and rushed for 83 and two more TDs). The result was another “close, but no cigar” outcome and a disappointing 6-6 final regular season record in Billy Napier’s inaugural Gator football season.
- The conversation for this game, and really the season, has to begin with Anthony Richardson. As mentioned, what started out looking like an all world performance wound up in the ditch in the third quarter. Despite a great effort in the fourth, it was too little, too late. You can’t beat many teams playing only three quarters of a football game and superstar QBs don’t usually have 0/12 stretches or go 9/27 overall. His three TD passes were fantastic, but as has been the theme of the season, too much Mr. Hyde, not enough Dr. Jekyll.
- In a night of not quite enough stars, ET and Montrell shined. Each had 17 carries and a TD, ET gaining 129 and Montrell 85. A shout out to the OL is in order as they paved the way for our backs’ success. Even though he only had one fairly long run, AR had 10 rushes for 41 yds and was more involved in the ground game than the week previous. He gets a little shout as well.
- Despite several good sequences, the defense was unable to keep Travis contained and he made us pay to the tune of one TD passing and two rushing. Their back (Benson) rushed for 111 and three scores on 20 touches. The effort of the D was far above what we saw at Vanderbilt last week, but factoring in mistakes it wasn’t enough to keep us above water after an offensively neutered third quarter.
- Ultimately Billy bears the responsibility for this game and the team’s performance. There were certainly some things that could have been executed better, but comparatively speaking, I thought his overall plan gave us an opportunity to win. I won’t say it was perfect and I still think he needs an OC, but play scripting, to the naked eye, was better in my opinion. We still have some miscues defensively that are glaring and occur at inopportune moments and our 10 penalties were a factor. But my biggest complaint is the consistency and production of the QB and in retrospect a position coach other than him (and maybe a psychiatrist) should have been employed. If he’s going to really get things turned around, I believe this will be his first big change.
- For all you whipper snappers out there, essentially guaranteeing a win with your words and not coming through isn’t the sign of a winner. A big mouth don’t make a big man.
- I’m expecting quite a bit of portal action for us, in both directions. Don’t think it will necessarily be a bad thing. If the recruiting trajectory remains as expected, the changes will be good for us overall. All Billy’s got to do is win. Realistically I’d think beat the guys you’re supposed to and split with those you’re not, but we’ll see.
The bowl game may seem very anti-climatic right now, there’ll be sorely needed extra practice time and a chance for some growth and maturity. It might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but all of us, especially Billy, need to go out on a good note. Next season would be better started with a bang rather than a thud.
Go Gators!
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