Bits & Pieces: Florida vs. Louisiana State

GatorMan5K

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"Lighten up Francis"

He looks like "Cousin Eddie" from the "Vacation" movies and he has been known as Cousin Eddie since his stint on the staff years ago. So he will always be Cousin Eddie to me. It is not meant to be offensive so I am sorry it offends you. So I guess that you will call out all of us who use "Butters" or "Hee Haw" or "Old Yeller" or "Muscrat" or "Mustank" or "U. Creyer" or "U. Leyer" when referring to some of the former coaches. But please feel free to block my posts from your viewing pleasure if Cousin Eddie offends you.


No Mary,
Those coaches deserve the moniker.

Why would I block you, the sand in your vagina amuses me
 

cover2

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C2, always look forward to this. Awesome. Mullen and Co are earning their paychecks. I do have one question...and I wasn't paying attention until Danielson made a couple references to it. The WRs were NOT getting separation. It looked like Franks couldn't find an open receiver and it was him. But looking at several plays...it was the WRs not Franks. He was throwing balls that were high or in an area that only the WR could get if anyone. I was disappointed in the wr corp. People blame Franks but it's not always him. Thoughts?
Thanks Rex. I think Durfish captured the essence of the troubles our receivers had in the quote below...

I really think it's important to put things into perspective. That was an outstanding secondary for LSU. Fast, talented, well coached. Probably the best we'll see this year. I'm not faulting our receivers. It's their sixth game in this offense. The LSU secondary will all see play at the next level. Delpit and Greedy Williams are freaks.
Couple of things to add...they pressed to take away quick stuff to the sidelines and were pretty physical when we tried to stem and escape into routes. They are very sound technically, lot of good hips when it was time to turn and run and really broke on most balls very quickly and precisely. That hard play can be very frustrating to receivers obviously. Lot of talent with a lot of experience. Good recruiting and good coaching. Our kids should have learned a lot and if any have NFL aspirations, they should realize that kind of game is what it's like every down in every game, not to mention practices. Our young guys in the secondary likely can't replicate that kind of play consistently in pass skeleton. They probably will by next year though.
 

rogdochar

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Well played game. We faced #5 and we controlled #5.
Our D played smartly. Stamina payed its dividends.
Our O failed too many times at scoring or just eating down the clock.
Franks' well thrown INT at goal looked very much like his WR failed to cut in, but cut out?
That play was set to be bang-bang & could have been a beauty TD.
We got 200 yds rushing. Had we used Pierce, stats show we'd have had more yds rushing.--- plus more points on the board. Could we be preserving his RS status? or is that gone?

This team is like a Rubic's cube, a coupla turns from total solution. It's all exciting. =
the return from long time absence = the Fighting Gators !
 
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Defend the Swamp

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They are very sound technically, lot of good hips when it was time to turn and run and really broke on most balls very quickly and precisely. That hard play can be very frustrating to receivers obviously. Lot of talent with a lot of experience. Good recruiting and good coaching. Our kids should have learned a lot and if any have NFL aspirations, they should realize that kind of game is what it's like every down in every game, not to mention practices. Our young guys in the secondary likely can't replicate that kind of play consistently in pass skeleton. They probably will by next year though.[/QUOTE]

Once Dean learns to flip his hips consistently...look out.
More experience = more confidence.
He needs the reps & it will be fun to watch him develop.
 

Tay Bang

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C2, always look forward to this. Awesome. Mullen and Co are earning their paychecks. I do have one question...and I wasn't paying attention until Danielson made a couple references to it. The WRs were NOT getting separation. It looked like Franks couldn't find an open receiver and it was him. But looking at several plays...it was the WRs not Franks. He was throwing balls that were high or in an area that only the WR could get if anyone. I was disappointed in the wr corp. People blame Franks but it's not always him. Thoughts?

I noticed in stadium as well. LSU is always talented in the secondary. Franks is no longer hitting opposing defenses in the chest multiple times per game.
 

Homer J

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Starting to feel like the Little Engine That Could is working toward becoming a bona ride freight liner. The win over the top 10 ranked Coon @sses was a classic! Paraphrasing Mullen's requirement that the toughest team would come out on top and it certainly did. Lot of punching and counter punching in this one with LSU scoring a knock down on their first possession and us finally knocking them out on their last. In between was a lot of back and forth. Clearly both teams were tough, LSU that and big and talented in many areas to boot, but as has been a theme to me this season, our S & C program and the part it has played in player confidence was again a difference maker. We didn't fold when we would have on recent teams and have shown the ability to turn it on late in games. Yesterday was a true test of this mettle with the time the defense was required to spend on the field when the offense had periods of ineffectvity. This is also a fact IMO that adds to the pride felt, relates to the reliability and tenacity of many of our great Gator defenses of the past, and a good part of what is making our team fun to watch and rekindling what was a waning spirit among the fan base.

If you looked at LSU objectively, there's a lot to admire about what Ed O has developed and put on the field. His OL is big, strong, and pretty well coached. The QB is a good fit and is effective when he has time to read the field. Lot of speed in his LB corps and his secondary pretty damn good. Ensminger and Aranda are two good coordinators as well. So what I'm saying is that we rose to the occasion and beat a pretty good team that gave us their best shot. This is the direction we have been looking for and that most of felt we were beginning to head toward, but weren't quite as confident that this game was one of the ones that was do-able on this schedule. It's nice to be surprised this way and it certainly whets our appetite for more. It'll be interesting to see if this team that is starting to resemble the Spurrier and Meyer led teams in outcomes and expectations (though it's still very early) will have the Vandy swoon with the Dawgs on the horizon. Making it even more interesting is UK's loss yesterday, cracking the door to a shot at the SEC East, but let's not get ahead of ourself. Keep the next step as the most important one. Now, as @oxrageous might say...let's discuss:

*Starting with the D, I've got to give POTG shouts to Reese and Chauncey, though there were a lot of stars yesterday on that side of the ball. Each had 11 tackles I believe. Reese has a knack for finding the ball and probably the best position instincts among the LBs that we've had in a few cycles. That first LSU drive it looked like he was going to have a rough day with their RG wearing his @ss out on a couple of snaps, but he was money afterward and his leadership can't be undersold. And while on the topic of leadership, Chauncey is providing just that to our young and emerging secondary while making plays. His 11 stops from a DB is significant when considering what that means to not only stopping gains by the opponent's receivers, but also the support provided against their rushing attack.

*Still on the D, Polite and Zuniga are giving us a couple of book ends that can effectively rush the passer and are getting better each week in run defense. They were a big part of the stat line for this group that recorded 11 tackles for loss that included 5 sacks and 3 turnovers. The interior got punched on a couple of drives, but obviously fought back pretty hard. These guys are showing an ability to fight back and play bigger than some of their light @sses might have been able to last year. The D coaches are doing a job with the entire unit that shouldn't be overlooked.

*It is most notable that we forced Burrow into his first interception of the season (first two actually). The guy is a pretty good player and leader for them and we didn't let him beat us.

*The offense and Franks obviously had some positives and negatives yesterday, struggling after LSU's first drive and score, then coming alive only to stagnate after blowing what looked like a sure TD on a bad interception to start the second half, then coming back to life to take the lead that was eventually extended by the pick six late. This group owes one to the D, but still did what they had to do for us to win. Franks made some nice throws, the corner route to the TE for example, that last year he couldn't make stood out. Chizik, love him or hate him, pointed out how much more comfortable he looks each week in the pocket which obviously has led to his improved effectiveness. No Pierce yesterday, but Perine and Scarlett collectively rushed for 150 (85 and 65 respectively) and each got some key first down runs. You had to love the little option twist Mullen used to help in this department and Franks and Toney had some nice runs as well.

*The OL took another step forward IMO. Still some false starts and missed assignments, but gave up no sacks and did their part in allowing us to rush for close to 200. We still aren't elite on base blocking, but we are pretty good on the angles and G schemes. Hevesy is an obvious upgrade to what we've had since, well, Hevesy! It remains to be seen just how good this group will finish the season, but from where they have been, they're doing a pretty good impression of Lazurus right about now. Tip of the cap to these guys and their coach.

*Receivers played against a pretty good secondary who provided tight coverage pretty consistently, but there were some good catches, Jefferson and Hammonds stand out, and this group shows they have bought into their part in blocking downfield.

*Special teams continue to be very consistent if not spectacular at times. Coverage has been strong consistently and we have not had a drop off with our new punter and kicker. Young Raymond did his job of pinning the Tigers deep and flipping the field with a couple of boomers and McPherson's kick off after the penalty when we scored was pretty phenomenal. Even after the face mask penalty LSU still started at their 27, giving them a longer field than expected. This group's value is pretty evident and certainly makes us a more effective team in all three phases.

*Mullen's ability to have us prepared for the weekly challenges and his game planning continues to impress. The fact that we have learned not to panic when we have break downs offensively and defensively is a testament of the belief that is being instilled in the players. It is clear they have bought into him and the coaching staff and what they seek to accomplish. Still more tests to come, but thus far Mullen may be exceeding the early expectations. If you weren't initially enthused with his selection, hopefully he is growing on you.

*Probably the only negative about watching us yesterday was that I forgot to switch over to see the Noles blow a 20 point lead to Captain Coma and the Canes. I guess Willie and the tribe isn't back after the Christmas present from Petrino and the turnover chain is > than the turnover purse/backpack after all.

*A deserved shout out to Vosean Joseph. Always plays hard even if technique and fundamentals have been lacking, but he seems to be getting it and is making more plays less gaffs from what I see. Played through several dings yesterday as well. Good to seethe improvements to go along with the toughness.

*I know we got plenty of dings yesterday, but I don't recall any significant injuries. You have to think our level of fitness is playing a big part in this thus far.

*Cant forget Timmy's induction into the ring of honor. Much deserved for a great Gator and pretty special human being. He's a guy that makes you proud of our team and university.

*The Swamp looked electric on TV. Good to see us on the way back to being one of if not the toughest place to play in college football.

Next up...Vandy. As mentioned earlier, they always seem to give us fits or benefit from us letting down a bit after preceding tough games. However you want to look at it, the game with them is important to keep the momentum going. Their HC is a pretty good defensive guy and they always seem to bring a good effort when they play us. They played Notre Dame close, so they have the ability to surprise us. It will be interesting to see our approach. Again it is the next step and hopefully we don't look beyond them. I know I'm repeating myself, but you have to like our direction. And those characterization so far of what Mullen's offense was going to be? Well, it looks like the guy is making it more about his personnel than a predetermined scheme. Certainly there's still room to grow and improve, but some early fears and preconceptions should be soothed somewhat. Kinda getting the feeling that the best is yet to come, in following seasons if not this one. As always, Go Gators and beat the Commdores!

:chomp:

I just got back from my Army reunion weekend and had to read this. @cover2, GREAT as always.

I am worried about Vandy. If I was a betting man, I would take Vandy and the points. This coaching staff will have to do more teaching this week, than coaching, by keeping their heads on Vandy and not LSU / UGA.

11am game - we always start slow
trap game between two top 5 teams
huge win against # 5 team in the country and everyone is patting us on the back.
 

Detroitgator

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As always, great stuff @cover2 ...

Got back from Gainesville tonight and watched it on TV for first time... the pick six was CBS’s play of the game, but I think Scarlett’s first down on 3rd and 1 with 5 minutes to go keeping that clock eating drive going might have been at least the most under appreciated play of the game
 

RocketCityGator

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"Lighten up Francis"

He looks like "Cousin Eddie" from the "Vacation" movies and he has been known as Cousin Eddie since his stint on the staff years ago. So he will always be Cousin Eddie to me. It is not meant to be offensive so I am sorry it offends you. So I guess that you will call out all of us who use "Butters" or "Hee Haw" or "Old Yeller" or "Muscrat" or "Mustank" or "U. Creyer" or "U. Leyer" when referring to some of the former coaches. But please feel free to block my posts from your viewing pleasure if Cousin Eddie offends you.


Oh horse shizt. Reading your posts, it's very clear that you intend to be "offensive".
 

ChiefGator

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First - as always cover, excellent analysis that I look forward to reading weekly.

A couple of things: the D looks like they are believing in the O, where they haven’t in many years. This, I think, is pushing them to play harder, and longer. They don’t have to be the only unit to score anymore in order to get a W. The O can come out and drive the ball, actually contributing toward the effort.

Next, pardon any negativity this may appear to be, but when Toney was in the wildcat and the ball was hiked over his head, he ran out of bounds 4 yards behind the LOS, 1) why wasn’t this considered a “sack”, and 2) did he forget he was a QB and he could throw it away?
With that said, I really like seeing the ball in his hands because he almost always exceeds my expectations.

I thought the same thing, I bet he thought even with a mistake he could make some positive yardage. And it might have been a penalty as ineligible down field as well.

Now comes a big test, Vandy has almost always given us trouble, so if we can play a complete game and dominate them from the start that will show a lot.
 

ChiefGator

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Great write up as always. I don’t disagree that the best appears to be yet to come but what areas of concern do you see developing that only recruiting can fix?

I don't see any areas that only recruiting can "fix". Since it is college we will need to replace some players every year, and the oline and QB are not were we would desire them to be. Otherwise we look pretty good except in depth in some areas.
 

Gatorbait25

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Outstanding as usual cover2. Reading bits and pieces every Sunday is a real treat. I can confirm along with others that the swamp was truly
remarkable on Saturday. It was definitely a hot one. In some ways the heat reminded me of our 09 game against the vols. Before opining on the game itself I wanted to watch the recording after getting home yesterday. Live I felt like Polite really controlled the ball game for us after the opening drive. In fact I don't believe he started the game. Moon was out there a lot on the first drive . Watching the replay it looked as if Joseph had his best game. I've spoke in the past about his athleticism , and that he was too inconsistent and at times playing out of control . That was the best performance we've had from a backer in quite some time. A job well done to VJ.


Chauncey- I was very critical of him post UK. Not so much for the poor play, but mainly the pregame chatter to the press. It must have
done something to him because we've seen a different player since. A very versatile player that can cover and tackle. Outside of CJ he's probably our best cover guy. Chauncey has a bit of Minkah Fitzpatrick to his game. Very good athlete that can excel at any position in the secondary. He was outstanding on Saturday.

Polite- He's going to start to see more doubles between the tackle and either a TE or a back helping on his side. Grantham does a good job moving him around, but he will still see doubles. In fact when LSU tried it Cece was able to get good pressure and deflect a pass on 3rd and medium. Forcing a punt in the 4th.


Feliepe- Four really outstanding balls from him watching live. Like most QB's he is a rhythm passer, and Dan will continue to help him out with some of the easy throws to the backs and tight end. The corner ball to Hammond was a beauty along with the one to Van on our scoring drive. Great throw there into tight coverage, but might even be a better catch by Jefferson. Two more great throws happened to be incomplete. The first one was the one that got overturned on the sideline to Toney. I thought he was in and that the call would stand, but it looked like he very well may have been out of bounds. Tough break there. On our next drive which was the scoring drive in the 4th , Grimes loses control of a good ball by Franks after coming down to the field. It's certainly not an easy catch, but one that needs to be made.


Overall this was a pretty great win. Dave Aranda in my opinion is the best assistant and DC in the country. I know some might argue
Venables, but I think Aranda's resume is right there and he's a bit younger as well. He does a good job taking away some of the short throws and making life difficult for the QB. It was very fitting to see the kid from New Orleans come up with a big play to rip the heart out of the bayou bengals. Stewart looks to be the next stud Gator safety that we've been blessed with over the years. Thanks for a great read C2. Now it's time for Vandy!
 

Ancient Reptile

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I am not convinced that the out of bounds call was correct. I know that the front/side view appeared to show him out, but Imo that view was deceptive. Had he been out, it would have shown on the view from the sidelines looking into the field. Anyone trained in photo interpretation on this site?
 

Homer

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Nice write up.

Things ain’t perfect but,

Every player who’s been in regularly, has improved from last year.

It’s sweet having decent special teams.

Our defense didn’t run to the ball until the whistle blows in the UK game. That’s when coach started back with his “rentless effort” comments. Against LSU there were numerous tacklers on every play or someone close by if the tackle wasn’t made. Day and night difference. It also helps having Reese and Cee Cee back.

The offense and defense seem to be trusting each other. Players on each side of the ball also.

Purging the team of bad attitude players is still in the works. Some are being taught to be a team player or will be asked to move on. Lemons leaving was good for the team. Still lack leaders but some are starting to surface. Opening with Miami next year will be huge. If some of our key players get in trouble or have attendance issues the suspensions will hurt us against a good team. We need team leaders to keep them out of trouble.

Every part of our team is moving in the right direction. Hopefully recruiting will follow?
 

Gatorbait25

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I am not convinced that the out of bounds call was correct. I know that the front/side view appeared to show him out, but Imo that view was deceptive. Had he been out, it would have shown on the view from the sidelines looking into the field. Anyone trained in photo interpretation on this site?

I thought it was a catch live but I was in the South endzone. Looking at the replay at the stadium I thought it might be overturned,but that
we had a good chance of keeping the play as is. In any event I really am not a fan of punting from the opponents side of the field in a reasonable down and distance. Obviously 4th and 10 is not, so a punt is the right move. That said net 20 doesn't do much for me in my opinion. I would have liked Dan to take a 5 yard penalty there to pin them inside the ten.
 

BostonGator84

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I'd have to go back and look, but wasn't there 1:45 left in the game during the pick-6? And LSU had 1 timeout left? So if he went down, I don't think we would have been able to run out the clock. Taking the points seemed to me like the smart play. But it did run through my mind, Coach Mac yelling at Kelvin Taylor? for scoring when a knee would have sufficed.
 

Since65

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Question about Tedarrell Slayton....who I thought I saw without helmet and leading cheers on the sideline late in the fourth quarter Saturday. Was he not playing in crunch time and if not, why not? Was he not said to be, along with Campbell, a 2018 mainstay on the Dline? Physical freak as in big, strong and exceptionally nimble and athletic? (Or am I confusing him with Conliffe?)

Is he just being outperformed by other guys like Shuler, etc? Or is he playing and I just don't watch the Dline closely enough? Or was he a Mac-special type player that I am misremembering as better than he was ever going to be?
 

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