Bits & Pieces: Florida vs. Alabama

I was wrong. At work, bantering with some of my colleagues who are Bulldogs, my response to “What’s your prediction?” was that I thought Bama might be a couple of scores better than us. Seemed reasonable, seeing as how Emory would start and Richardson was questionable along with our usual defensive concerns. Turns out Bama was maybe only a missed PAT better than us (if you believed in our potential chances in OT). Or maybe they were just better out of the gate, building a 21-3 first quarter lead and leaving us with a big deficit and only three quarters to find something, some way to get back into it against a very formidable opponent who was having their way with us, particularly through the air against a shaky secondary?

In the end, we found a way to claw back into it. 258 rushing yards, quite the reversal of previous Gator offenses, and a defensive effort that limited the Tide to 10 points through the remaining three quarters left us with a chance. And we almost pulled it off, showing some improvements from the first two warmups. But it was not to be. We were better tonight than I thought we could be, but still not quite good enough to beat Bama. Close, but no cigar.

*Most certainly, the biggest story postgame, especially among Gator fans, will be “Why didn’t we play AR?” Mullen all but told us he wouldn’t, referring to his hamstring aggravation, though many have posted of his pregame acrobatic routine continuing as usual Was the injury legit or was it Dan just being stubborn? Whichever, I can’t say that Emory was awful. His pick was and no passing TDs is certainly cause for concern, but he does deserve credit for his leadership of the rushing offense that totaled 258 yds (80 by him) and put four TDs on the board against a Bama D that is usually tough against the rush. Down the road, however, I believe we will be forced to throw the ball and Emory did nothing to make me think he can provide that threat when needed. So, no participation trophies will be forthcoming.

*The OL deserves a shout for their part in the run game. They moved some furniture this afternoon despite allowing a couple of nulls, one very important one that was compounded by Mullen’s play call. They are at their best in my opinion when they G and combo. Pass pro was okay. They allowed a couple of sacks and some pressures, but I’m not sure Bama’s secondary didn’t have a little something to do with that. Emory’s mobility likely helped as well. They can certainly improve, but their progress this year is notable, comparatively speaking. I’m hoping DeLance’s injury isn’t significant.

*We actually have TEs. After being MIA in the first two games, Zipperer and Gamble combined for 9 receptions and 83 yards (6 other receivers shared the other 8 receptions). I was also pleased to see a couple of nice blocks by the TEs, one in particular by Gamble on a G that helped spring Wright for a nice gain. These guys aren’t as flashy or dangerous as Pitts, but they have important roles in this year’s offense.

*We’ve got three pretty good backs (four if you count Emory ;)). The power that Davis is showing to go along with the quick acceleration that has been his forte is impressive. I can also appreciate his attention to ball security, even if I hold my breath on each touch (old coaches are not ever wholly forgiving of fumbles). Wright is certainly dependable and will be the guy next year. Pierce was maybe not at his best today, even though he had some tough sledding, but he can usually smell the end zone. Wish we could have converted the PAT. Not sure it was a winning call, but not surprised since we are quite one-dimensional these days. That was a black spot on an otherwise really good performance against a solid D.

*Defensively, our front, led by Carter, continues with strong play. Holding Bama to 91 rushing yards was a big effort. Dexter and Cox made a couple of TV plays and behind them, Grandpa Moon and Diabate were around the football. Our secondary remains a concern. Strangely, they didn’t seem to be out of position on every play, but good grief they take quite possibly the worst angles to the ball I’ve ever seen. It seemed like every throw into the flats resulted in a DB getting outrun to and up the sideline. We also let too many receivers run free in the secondary. I was shocked that Saban didn’t run more tempo. That has been our Kryptonite. We can be a decent defensive team if these guys ever tighten up their fundamentals and responsibilities, but we’ve been waiting on that going on four years now…

*My fears related to our kickers, though not where a needed FG was concerned, were confirmed. I personally think that missed PAT was very significant. Had it been made and we eventually went to OT, there’s no guarantee that we’d have won, but it forced us to go for two and we don’t exactly have the luxury of a passing attack that would keep Bama from loading up for the run on that final PAT. While on Special Teams, I’d also like to register my displeasure with the botched fair catch. Even though we drove the length to score, that crap is pee wee league and the coach in charge of that operation needs his hide tanned. That was embarrassing and reflects poorly on attention to detail.

*BHG looked like it was loud and rocking. Attendance was announced as a sellout with 88,000+ and the TV guys commented on how hard it was to hear. Bama showed the effect in a couple of instances, so much better than the cardboard fans and canned noise. Looked very much like normal. Take that, Joe.

While I am happy with aspects of our play and even some of the coaching…Damn a moral victory. At some point you’ve got to realize that if you THINK you can beat Bama and they KNOW they can beat you, the outcome is usually sealed. I’m a big believer that some of a team’s confidence comes from outside the capsule. The fans and how they feel, what they project, along with that of the media plays a part. Those two entities are influenced by the coaches, in particular the HBC, and the development of skills and strategies that are imparted. I don’t think Dan’s plan was terrible, in fact he almost pulled it off. It would have been better, I believe, if Richardson had been a part. What message did that send to the fans and what was the confidence level imparted? And that will dominate many discussions for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, turn the page. The Creamsicles are up next. Go Gators!