Bits & Pieces: Florida vs. Florida State

cover2

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For the first time in 10 years the Gators defeated F$U in the Swamp. The 40-17 score, with Florida easily covering the 17 point spread, wasn't even that close as the Gators scored early and often and jumped out to a 20-7 lead. The Nole$ scored on their first possession as they took advantage of a couple of coverage lapses that got them into easy scoring position. Afterward, the defense cleaned up their *HUTA coverage and the game was essentially in hand in the third quarter. In the end, the Gators were simply too much for the Odell Haggins-led version of the Nole$ and any idea that he would be their new messiah was laid to rest (but don't underestimate the fiscal acumen of "the school out west").

Of course it will always be a little disappointing to not be in the national championship or even conference championship conversation, but consecutive 10 win seasons in the midst of a rebuild shouldn't be dismissed. For a little while, it should be nice to enjoy the progress made and a second consecutive dominating regular season finale over a fierce rival without the parade of "yeah, buts." There's plenty of time for the continuing thorough dissection after the new year. In the meantime, lets look a some of the stories within the story from Saturday night at BHG:

*Depending on who you ask, we're either in great shape or potential turmoil with our QB situation. Trask has been nothing short of amazing this season and EJ certainly shows promise. The question is whether EJ will stay with Trask set for another season. Few have been pleased with Mullen's random use and if there's fault it might be that he's tried to keep everyone happy while his eye is toward the future. What usually happens is that no one's happy and this is likely true if you were to poll the fans. My opinion is you've got to ride the horse that got you where you're at and let the future take care of itself.

*Seemed like every receiver got to touch the ball. Swain and Jefferson had a great Senior day as each had two scoring grabs. Toney put on quite a show and reminded us of the dimension he adds to the offense. Pitts may have some of the best hands a TE could possess, but he seemed to be periodically hallucinating, thinking he was actually an OL as he essentially blocked no one. This deficiency has to be cleaned up at some point if he's to be the complete player he needs to be. Other than that, little to complain about from this embarrassment of riches.

*With the exception of the poor coverages that led to F$U's first score (and a couple of others that weren't capitalized on) and a long TD run by Akers, the D was pretty much lights out. Greenard and the DL were strong and solid and the LB's led by Reese and Miller had a good performance. In all, a strong performance which is what you expect in this game.

*HUTA = Head Up Their @ss coverage. Henderson didn't help himself in terms of future employment and as referenced, the Nole$ missed Terry behind our coverage several times. This was the only low point and luckily didn't hurt us.

*"Move back, You suck!" I'm not really a fan of this type thing, but given the undisciplined play by F$U, it was certainly warranted and hilarious to boot.

*The quick glimpse of the new facilities gives hope for the future. Looks to be a really nice layout on the horizon. It's about time.

*Santa, if I can't have McElwain as the Nole$ next coach, I'll settle for Odell. The organizational skills and class (or lack thereof) that was on display was encouraging :)

Really good season. Great is still out there. Now all we need to do is land in a good bowl and put on a good performance. Auburn might have helped us in that regard. Here's looking to a great new year with the rebuild proceeding. Go Gators!

:chomp:

*Apologies for the brevity. My only excuse is that we were late in the night getting home after a really great trip. Crowd was good and the Nole$ failed to show. I like it!

*Adding a little here, but the last time I checked in the 4th quarter, F$U had been flagged 13 times (several PF and unsportsmanlike) to our 5. Remember when we were always among the most-penalized in the nation? Glad to not be in that group.

*The Nole$ rabble was a no-show, as it looked like they had more band members than fans. Front runners for sure and a bunch of hypocrites. The nerve of turning on Taggart and the program after lauding his hiring as ground-breaking in terms of better relating to the players and changing the culture. News flash...their culture still sucks and they still sit on a throne of lies (hey, it's the Christmas season).
 
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Gator Fever

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I don't see any change next season at QB without an injury especially considering the state of the running game with the O line.
 

Concrete Helmet

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I'm still amazed by Trask ability to go to the right receiver 95% of the time. What worries me a little is that he and the senior receivers know each other like the backs of their hands and those guys will be gone after this season.

I know some people like to complain about Swains non existent punt returns but I think few realize how much we are going to miss him when he's gone....dude has made a ton of plays for us over the last 4 years.
 

Concrete Helmet

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BTW I know it was mostly target practice but I am pleased with EJ's passing progression.....hell he even looked like he is finally over jitters coming into the game(remember he had a hard time handling the ball last year)I know a lot of posters didn't like Mullen pulling Trask for plays earlier this season BUT there is no denying EJ has made improvements.
 

Swamp Donkey

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I know some people like to complain about Swains non existent punt returns but I think few realize how much we are going to miss him when he's gone....dude has made a ton of plays for us over the last 4 years.
Swain was our best receiver IMO. No offense to Jefferson who was very solid.

if we didn't have Jefferson and Grimes transfer in I still think we would have been just fine with Swain and Hammond.

I agree next year looks shaky. Basically Copeland (ughhhh such bad decisions at times and inconsistent hands) and Rick Wells.
 

Gator By Marriage

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I'm still amazed by Trask ability to go to the right receiver 95% of the time. What worries me a little is that he and the senior receivers know each other like the backs of their hands and those guys will be gone after this season.

I know some people like to complain about Swains non existent punt returns but I think few realize how much we are going to miss him when he's gone....dude has made a ton of plays for us over the last 4 years.
I’m a big Swain fan. Remarkably consistent player. His muff (which ended up being cancelled by a penalty) was one of the few mistakes I can remember him making.
 

Gatorup!

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RE McElwain to FSU: "A year after enduring a miserable 1-11 season, Central Michigan is going to the MAC championship game. CMU, in its first season with former Florida coach Jim McElwain running the program, clinched the MAC West title by destroying Toledo 49-7 on Friday. "

He couldn't take the heat in Gainseville, doubt he would do much better in Tallahassee.
 

Concrete Helmet

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Swain was our best receiver IMO. No offense to Jefferson who was very solid.

if we didn't have Jefferson and Grimes transfer in I still think we would have been just fine with Swain and Hammond.

I agree next year looks shaky. Basically Copeland (ughhhh such bad decisions at times and inconsistent hands) and Rick Wells.
I think from a technical view Jefferson was the best route runner and such however Swain and Hammond were the guys who "just get open"...
I like Grimes for his physicality and athletic ability and hope he stays because I think he needs another year to polish route running and stop relying on his strength and speed to get open...he could be a superstar if he puts it all together.
 

Gator By Marriage

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RE McElwain to FSU: "A year after enduring a miserable 1-11 season, Central Michigan is going to the MAC championship game. CMU, in its first season with former Florida coach Jim McElwain running the program, clinched the MAC West title by destroying Toledo 49-7 on Friday. "

He couldn't take the heat in Gainseville, doubt he would do much better in Tallahassee.
I can’t wait to see which P5 program doesn’t realize he is Fools Gold and hires him.
 

MertzJay26

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Swain was our best receiver IMO. No offense to Jefferson who was very solid.

if we didn't have Jefferson and Grimes transfer in I still think we would have been just fine with Swain and Hammond.

I agree next year looks shaky. Basically Copeland (ughhhh such bad decisions at times and inconsistent hands) and Rick Wells.

Cope
Grimes (hopefully)
Pitts
Toney

I think we’ll be okay personally
 

lizardbreath

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Swain was our best receiver IMO. No offense to Jefferson who was very solid.

if we didn't have Jefferson and Grimes transfer in I still think we would have been just fine with Swain and Hammond.

I agree next year looks shaky. Basically Copeland (ughhhh such bad decisions at times and inconsistent hands) and Rick Wells.

I'm hoping Grimes comes back and that Copeland matures into his considerable physical talent. Pitts is a monster and Toney is Toney, so the slate isn't totally blank. Now if DM can pull another rabbit out of his hat with a strong transfer or two, plus some decent development of players now on-hand, we COULD be pleasantly surprised.
 

Swamp Donkey

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Cope
Grimes (hopefully)
Pitts
Toney

I think we’ll be okay personally
I cant see Grimes returning. He is going to be a combine freak.

Toney cant remember the plays apparently.

Pitts is a TE.

Wells is it IMO. Not a bad thing, he looks good in every spring game just hasnt been able to climb the ladder.

Cope..... ugh.
 

MertzJay26

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I cant see Grimes returning. He is going to be a combine freak.

Toney cant remember the plays apparently.

Pitts is a TE.

Wells is it IMO. Not a bad thing, he looks good in every spring game just hasnt been able to climb the ladder.

Cope..... ugh.

You may be right about Grimes, but I hope not.

As for the others, there’s potential. Another offseason for Cope should do him well.

And Pitts is hardly a TE lol, and regardless he’s one of the best receiving options in the country next year.
 

JDW

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Pitts Toney grimes and cope with marks and Weston...add Frazier’s ZIP And possibly a guy like Heath and Pouncey and we’d be fine
 

T REX

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C2, I expected a win but a much closer battle. Glad to be wrong. Now, we beat UM and FSU in the same year. That HAS to translate into recruiting...right?
 

Slevin

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Don’t see grimes going in the first 3-4 rounds. Although he has 1st round talent, I think he comes back
 

ThreatMatrix

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Cope might be the stupidest player on the field but fortunately it's football and he'll figure it out. I'm lighting candles for Grimes to return. Kadarius "Crazy Legs" Toney - what a show he put on.
I don't think I've had that much fun watching a game in years. Knowing the outcome and just watching the beat down. Can't wait to watch it on replay.
 

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