Bits & Pieces: Florida vs. Tennessee

cover2

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Great win...but WHEW! We looked poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory only to snatch victory from jaws of...overtime? Seriously, I was fearful that as gassed as the D was, overtime would have been tough to pull off. But that's irrelevant for now. Mac thankfully was able to keep the home streak against the Vols alive. But it might be as appropriate to give Butch some credit, too. He had a few head-scratchers where decisions were concerned ( more on that later). Very glad, again, for the victory and some improvements, but still much, much to work on. Let's talk specifics, shall we...

*I'll start with the OL. Some better and the stat line (which I've not looked at) might make them look a little improved, as well. But there are still some negatives to critique. One thing that jumps out is that any running play that calls for a G Scheme, a log, or a cut-off involving lateral movement by the OL usually results in an unblocked man or two blowing the play up or stretching it to the sidelines for little to no gain. Our guys are S-L-O-W! They just can't get there. Run blocking may have been a hair better, but if you take away Malik Davis' long run and a couple of decent carries by Perrine and Thompson, we still didn't get a great push. The backs, Thompson in particular, got some good YAC to probably help inflate the rushing totals. Pass pro was ok I guess, though Ivey had a couple of noticeable struggles. Tough to see a guy so heralded out of HS struggle as he has. Don't know if it's because he came from a run heavy Single Wing offense, poor collegiate coaching, or just slow to develop, but I hope he can become more consistent soon.

*Take away Townsend and Eddy and Special teams aren't real special. We don't block or cover very well at all. Somebody *ahem* must not stress the hustle, pride, and want to that is required for these units to be a force and team strength. Or if they stress it, they don't reinforce it consistently. I'm afraid we'll get hurt buy these units at some point. Eddy saves the Kick Cover bunch, so really don't know how well they complete their tasks.

*Defense started out very well. The DL stood their ground some better and they were able to null the rush a bit in the first half. Secondary had some shakey moments early on, but as a whole, the entire group looked good, bent but didn't break, and looked poised to dominate the entirety of the game. I will say CJ Henderson scares me most out of the young DBs, despite his pick six. He is terrible in run support and that must be corrected. Once again, the ghost of offensive futility and a string of short rests in the second half caught up with the D. We started missing a ton of tackles (again) and we screwed up some coverages. LBs, who were adequate with a few pretty good plays in the first half, were exposed in the second with cut offs, bad angles, and slow pursuit. The back-ups tried, but really aren't SEC-caliber players. Still, Reese has a promising look and Joseph will be solid as he accumulates reps. Still this group showed improvement.

*Franks was certainly better. Showed some poise, threw some good balls, and managed the offense. His TD pass on the final play required him to scramble, find the receiver, set his feet, and execute a 65 yard throw. He did all pretty well! Very pleased to see the strides he made physically and mentally. Leadership is coming on. I think he'll be a keeper based on what he showed us today.

*Kadarius Toney...keep finding ways to get him the ball. As was noted in the Spring game, the kid is electric. If he'd have hung on to the pass in the end zone, he'd have had a really spectacular night. The best is in front of him. Would hope we'll also see him return kicks at some point.

*Play calls remain enigmatic for the most part. When we play not to lose, it seems to backfire quite a bit. Our best offense, or the best flow, seems to always be early. Scripts :dunno: ? But at least we finally put a couple of offensive scores on the board, even if the last one screwed up the plan to go to overtime! I think Law termed this "Butterluck" in another thread!

*Duke Dawson had a great two-play sequence! I believe he played pretty well overall and seems to be developing into a good leader. Gardner, on the other hand, didn't look very consistent and made some noticeable mistakes, particularly missed tackles. You aren't there yet, kid. Need to forget the HS hype and step it up a notch. You've got the tools.

*c2 Jr. read me a Twitter exchange that started with a Vol fan saying just after Cleveland's TD grab that "There's not a God!" A Gator fan replied "Yes there is, but one of you guys pissed on him!" Classic.

*Butch...first and goal from the nine very late in the game. A TD gives you a four point lead. Your RB was gashing us. But you chose to throw it three times? :thumbdown: But at least, as one of our players tweeted, Townsend I think, "You're still Champions of Life!" I hope you soon get a lifetime contract.

*Davis and Perine just can't fumble like they did. Thompson, on the other hand, has looked ok and has held on to the ball so far. Still not as good a group without Scarlett.

*One thing that strikes me about this team is that we really don't do many of the technique and fundamental things correctly on a consistent basis (e.g. refer to the OL critique earlier). Poor angles defensively and offensively stand out. Youth and inexperience are culprits, but it is the responsibility of the coaches to affect a change.

*Shannon still remains a little to conservative on pass D where blitzing is concerned. Third and long you can about guarantee we will rush four and get little to no pressure with a soft man on the corners or quarters coverage, which we f**k up about every time. Come on, man. Be a little creative. Of course you've got to demand more from your kids, but if you do it right, they'll play up to them.

So Gators, we live to fight another day. Played some better, but we've still got a lot of work in front of us. The O can't continue to put as many reps on the D as they do. This is probably job one, but it has been a constant under Mac and is a killer against the better teams, which I don't believe UT is one of. Big job up next against UK. Can we keep that streak alive? Depends on how well we correct the mistakes that still linger. Again, glad to have a W and offensive TDs. Let's hear what you think.

Go Gators :chomp:
 

gardnerwebbgator

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Toney Toney and more Toney, use him and Powell in a double slot on either side of the field.

Excellent as always cover2
 

cover2

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P/S I usually like what Gary Danielson adds in his analyses, but when he suggested that inserting LDR would be a good move, I was ready to fire him and reunite him with Verne at whatever care facility he resides in. Jiminey Crickets!
 

Renard904

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I've been wanting to rant about something, but wasn't sure where to put it, but this thread seems sufficient.

What the HELL is up with the tackling?
I've never seen such putrid tackling in all my years of watching football. Pregame I heard a stat about missing 78 combined tackles over the last 2 games vs UT. It seemed like they nearly matched that total in this game alone. It was so bad that once Tennessee got into desperation mode they just pretty much abandoned the pass. I've never seen anything like that. Usually teams go pass happy once they reach that urgent level.
So, what do you guys think is the reasoning behind this?
And, is this something that can be corrected mid season?
 

diehardg8r

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I've been wanting to rant about something, but wasn't sure where to put it, but this thread seems sufficient.

What the HELL is up with the tackling?
I've never seen such putrid tackling in all my years of watching football. Pregame I heard a stat about missing 78 combined tackles over the last 2 games vs UT. It seemed like they nearly matched that total in this game alone. It was so bad that once Tennessee got into desperation mode they just pretty much abandoned the pass. I've never seen anything like that. Usually teams go pass happy once they reach that urgent level.
So, what do you guys think is the reasoning behind this?
And, is this something that can be corrected mid season?

Umm....it's called injuries and coaches don't do much during the week anymore and have cut back in the spring as well. Concussions are a big concern and it's driving a paradigm shift in football. Bad tackling is all over the NFL as well....better get used to it because I predict it will get worse.
 

cover2

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I've been wanting to rant about something, but wasn't sure where to put it, but this thread seems sufficient.

What the HELL is up with the tackling?
I've never seen such putrid tackling in all my years of watching football. Pregame I heard a stat about missing 78 combined tackles over the last 2 games vs UT. It seemed like they nearly matched that total in this game alone. It was so bad that once Tennessee got into desperation mode they just pretty much abandoned the pass. I've never seen anything like that. Usually teams go pass happy once they reach that urgent level.
So, what do you guys think is the reasoning behind this?
And, is this something that can be corrected mid season?

Umm....it's called injuries and coaches don't do much during the week anymore and have cut back in the spring as well. Concussions are a big concern and it's driving a paradigm shift in football. Bad tackling is all over the NFL as well....better get used to it because I predict it will get worse.
Poor fundamentals caused by a lack of coaching and reinforcement beginning at the lower levels. Fatigue only makes things worse. I think what diehard says is also a part of the problem. Fear of injury leads to a lot of grabbing with no form whatsoever. A good back will make you look foolish when this happens. You can teach and reinforce good form that also limits the chance of head injury. Also, the feet need to be moving during this action. I've never seen a more dead-legged tackling bunch in my life and again, fatigue only makes things worse. As bad as it is, I'm feeling our coaches aren't doing enough, haven't done enough to correct. Unless a consistent effort is made, it will not get better.
 

G8trwood

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On the tackling, none of the guys wrap and run through their guy. Maybe they are too small? But when you drop your head and bend over to go for the legs 5 yards out, you usually miss. Same with turning your shoulder, you can't see the guy, and with a great back like Kelly, he doesn't go down with an off center hit. Gardner seemed to be the worse. Course the lb could help a bit.

D played better (I have trouble counting late as they had 20+ plays more than TN) but still need to play assignments better and not get sucked in. On 3/19 there are certain plays to look out for, and if all of a sudden the entire line who hasn't gotten pressure is suddenly breaking free, that's a hint. The secondary was really gassed at the end, especially with the lack of pressure. DUKE, thank you.

Franks looked pretty good. Really needs to work on touch balls and vision, but hopefully that comes with confidence and being able to relax a bit. He also had the opportunity for a few big runs. We threw 2 slants, hey! Franks last interception was way too hot, but that was also a bad play that was about to get destroyed, keep the TE moving.

OL, completely agree with you C2, for a couple years now the can only execute basic blocks due to their lack of athleticism. Also why they can't handle a speed rush. If our TE can't block, put in another lineman or 12.

And C2 you are right about basics, like two hands on the ball in traffic. And while Davis was gassed, that is when you are the most vulnerable

On Toney, he should play every down as slot or H back. Keep working on his blocking, but he was a qb a few months ago, take that into consideration. I don't think he is fast, but man is he quick. With cuts like that he could beva formidable route runner.

Townsend and Eddy, studs

A lot of emotion on this one, in general we played like, well you know, but hey we are not tennerC and I will take it.

Praise the Lord and Go Gators!
 

8802Gator

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Proud of the players. They stepped up and won the game, and they did it despite the coaches coaching to not lose once again. It's very easy to make this comparison with how similar the situations were, but hopefully this 63 yarder we will do for Franks what Griers 63 yarder vs ten did for him. He has all the tools and now he knows he can make the plays he needs to make. He could be fun to watch moving forward if he continues progressing.
 

jdh5484

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This is a physically young D. They give away 10-20 lbs (and more) at just about every spot. The D is also not as fast as they should be.

All things considered, they played much, much better than the O. Next year, the D will be much better (simply because of physicality).

I can't see any change in the O.
 

PaterLacerta

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Damnation, but that kid's got an arm. Just like Nuss drew it up (cough, cough). On your scripted observation, Cover, why, for the life of Zeus, can't this coaching staff pick up the pace when calling the game in real time?
 

G8trwood

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8802, I agree, I thnk the coaches stay WAY conservative on both sides of the ball. Whether conservative or scared I don't know.
 

gator1946

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This is a physically young D. They give away 10-20 lbs (and more) at just about every spot. The D is also not as fast as they should be.

All things considered, they played much, much better than the O. Next year, the D will be much better (simply because of physicality).

I can't see any change in the O.

I think jdh always pegs it in the fewest words possible. Now moving from jdh, someone who knows what he's talking about, to me, someone who does not, here's what it looked like. Disclaimer; I watched the game kinda like you watch a bad wreck. You want to see what's going on, but sometimes you just can't stand it and you look away.

1. The D played like their hair was on fire until they ran out of gas. They looked small. They didn't look that slow until late in the 3rd. Unless and until the O can sustain drives (I'll pause to laugh now) that's what I expect to see the rest of the year.

2. The Offense: All sorts of problems. Two of a million things stand out:

Either we attempted a pass of five yards or less or we attempted a bomb. Where are the 10 or 15 yard routes? Were they called? Did Franks not see them Did no one get open?

Separation: I don't expect receivers to get wide open. But on a well designed well executed play I do expect them to get a step. With the exception of the miracle, I saw precious little of that. As a result Franks was throwing into a crowd more than is acceptable. Admittedly I was limited by what I could see on the tube But still. And yet....
 
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jdh5484

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Damnation, but that kid's got an arm. Just like Nuss drew it up (cough, cough). On your scripted observation, Cover, why, for the life of Zeus, can't this coaching staff pick up the pace when calling the game in real time?
He can fumble it 30 yards.
 

Concrete Helmet

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I think Franks solidified his place as the QB for this year. He's not great but we certainly have a few who are worse. If the staff can't find a way or call plays where he's throwing 15-25 yards downfield at least a half dozen times a game he will suffer the same fate as all the other QB's over the last 6 years trying to dink and dunk their way all the way down the field....It only works for so long(1 or 2 drives per game).....then it becomes damned near impossible to run or throw against a stacked box.
I still can't believe the offensive line cannot execute on a higher level that the simplistic plays others in this thread have pointed out....I still believe Ivey and Taylor are playing out of their natural positions but it's probably too late to do anything about that now.
Defense is about what we should have expected this year....LB's are weak. They need to sack up quickly and Lord what happened to the days when we had solid tackling DB's?
All in all we still may end up a .500 team as it looks like Vandy, UK and USCe have all stepped up a little this year...Then again with the coaches they have we could also find our way back to Atlanta for another Bama beating...
 

stephenPE

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Maybe our best pass play was that slant for a first down late in the game when HAD to have a first down.
 

GatorJB

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Was it just me or did it seem like Mac was somewhat disappointed at the end of the game? When I saw his demeanor I had a feeling that Mac never intended to go for the win. I watched 15 sec of his press conference and he still acted like he had a death in the family. What is his deal?
 

Swamp Donkey

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I think Franks solidified his place as the QB for this year. He's not great but we certainly have a few who are worse. If the staff can't find a way or call plays where he's throwing 15-25 yards downfield at least a half dozen times a game he will suffer the same fate as all the other QB's over the last 6 years trying to dink and dunk their way all the way down the field....It only works for so long(1 or 2 drives per game).....then it becomes damned near impossible to run or throw against a stacked box.
I still can't believe the offensive line cannot execute on a higher level that the simplistic plays others in this thread have pointed out....I still believe Ivey and Taylor are playing out of their natural positions but it's probably too late to do anything about that now.
Defense is about what we should have expected this year....LB's are weak. They need to sack up quickly and Lord what happened to the days when we had solid tackling DB's?
Wow. This whole post needs a handful of likes. I'd like more than six tosses on intermediate or long routes but I guess that is heresy for a Saban coach so I guess six would be an improvement. Hell, I'd try to punish them every time they snuck safeties into the box. SOS routes used to have something long on pretty much every play and the receiver adjusted his route based on the safety looks.

As for Ivey and Taylor, I agree. Neither have the feet to play tackle. Unfortunately, neither does anyone else on our roster. Ivey is just still lost at pass blocking in general. Wouldn't really matter much if he were back at guard. Remember he failed two or three years in school and graduated at 20 or so. I'm not sure he is thinking quickly enough to figure out who to block anyway. Often guys who look slow, despite having good enough 40 and shuttle times, are just confused.
 
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G8trwood

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I think he was stunned that his planned go for the field goal play did not work when FF threw the TD bomb
 

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