Bits & Pieces: Florida vs Georgia

[gatormandan]

Prayers for a quick recovery...

 

[gator1946]

Get better soon cover. The team wont.

 

[Spurdog98]

Good luck and God's speed on your recovery Cover. The assessment, as always, was spot on IMO. I want to believe BN can get it done. How he handles the staffing and offense in the off season will be the final assessment of that for me.

 

[EyeDocGator]

Thanks Cover. Great writeup as usual. Hope your surgery goes well.

Perhaps the fact that the Gators are comprised of almost all Freshmen and Sophomores while the Dawgs have mostly Seniors and Juniors makes a big difference. Between lack of experience and being the first time on a really big national stage, the Gators showed they were not ready for prime time. I'm not completely discouraged. If recruiting continues at this level we should become competitive in the next year or two.

 

[Mr2Bits]

First, best wishes @cover2 for a speedy recovery and get back soon. Prayers your way!!!

Cannot disagree with anything you put out there and I share both your assessment and optimism. Somehow we have to win and get bowl eligible and would like to see 2 more wins. I just feel getting the extra reps with this team, the lack of players that will opt out (NFL), and getting Lagway here will do many things. Hopefully it will turn that part of the page, get them reps, and keep the class intact. Lagway will be a big part of that.

Billy has a lot of work to do with the staff and overall program. But we have to start next week with Arky. Here's to trying to keep the optimism going.

We have the top ranked QB in the SEC, nothing is going to change unless you fix the OL and D!

 

[RocketCityGator]

One thing I'll add. I have not like the Bama OL transfer at all this year. He's to slow and needs to sit. I don't care who his backup is. Move one of the DL backups. Do something. Stop accepting his crappy play.

 

[Mr2Bits]

One thing I'll add. I have not like the Bama OL transfer at all this year. He's too slow and needs to sit. I don't care who his backup is. Move one of the DL backups. Do something. Stop accepting his crappy play.

What’s your take on Marshall?

 

[RocketCityGator]

What’s your take on Marshall?

He jogs very well.

Seriously, my biggest issue with him is his effort. He did have some good plays near the line of scrimmage but frequently gets beat on routes. If we have someone better, let them learn the position.

There was one dwag touchdown where it looked like our entire secondary "jogged" in.

 

[MooseSmack]

As Cocktail Parties go, this Saturday left little good to mull over. 43-20 that wasn’t really that close is tasting more like Early Times and Chek Cola than the top-shelf we were all once accustomed to as another loss burns from the throat all the way down to the pit. What adds to the burn was the wee bit of hope generated by a late eclipse of a 10-point deficit on the road in Columbia two weeks prior that never really amounted to anything after an opening drive TD that looked like this year might be different after all. Turns out it was ‘Fool’s Gold,’ but then most knew that UGA wasn’t #1 for nothing and the Columbia Comeback was comparatively speaking more of an outlier than a trend.

What I didn’t expect was for one pivotal play to completely change the trajectory of the game. I was taught and believed that certain plays have impactful influences on games, but the ultimate outcome is truthfully based on the totality of plays made (or not) on both sides of the ball, including special teams. And Lord knows there were enough that were negatively impactful in all phases to go around. BUT, the failed 4th and inches, the way it was called, shifting from gun to under center, then snapping between Mertz’ legs to Etienne 7 yds deep with the intent to throw a one receiver flat route that was ultimately blown to smithereens by an unblocked defender and ended with Etienne scrambling to be tackled well short of the LOS. It reeked of “I know we desperately need to convert to try and gain momentum to score and keep it close, but I’m not confident that we can just line up and wedge it for 6 inches, so I’m going to pull some low percentage trick play out of my @ss instead!” Conversely, we’d have been better off calling timeout and then punting, barring another shank or block. Point being is that from that point until later in the game, maybe, when the outcome was cast, our countenance fell and it was apparent that the belief that victory was achievable fell beyond belief by the team who’s task it was to achieve.

This falls squarely on Billy’s shoulders. It also, I believe, belies the shaky ground the team is really on despite the good ideas and work Billy is constructing with regard to fixing the toxic culture that he inherited. It’s true that young people, to include college football players, really want and need expectations, rules, and boundaries in their lives to keep them focused and growing in a positive direction. In competitive situations, they also need consistency and success to work hand in hand. There has been some of both, but not in a pattern that suggests ultimate growth and a winning streak or streaks. Thus, especially when youth is being so heavily counted on, doubt can appear and today it was debilitating. And that door, I’m convinced, was opened with that one ill-advised call. And we never recovered.

@Detroitgator commented in the game chat that he hoped that Billy “was thinking about an OC!” My reply was that “he f’n better be doing more than thinking,” and if not, despite any programmatic good, recruiting gains, it will be time sooner than later for him to move on. I’m not sold by any stretch that his offensive philosophy as it stands will be significantly better with an influx of talent that doesn’t include a massive improvement in OL talent, but more importantly, even greater improvement in talent, coaching technique, and EFFORT on the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the secondary and LB groups. Even if we had LSU’s offense today, UGA would have still outscored us. I was initially impressed with Armstrong’s enthusiasm, especially compared to Big Head Todd’s lack there of, but in ensuing games there’s been multiple instances of personnel screw ups (too many players/not enough, not getting calls in, etc.) to go along with no pass rush, LBs getting sealed, cut off after taking poor pursuit angles more akin to HS athletes than coached up collegians, and secondary players who are consistently out of position and/or quit on the play and watch receivers run wild for scores or long gains. And the latter has shown sporadic to no improvement now 8 games into the season. Armstrong is the DC, so I’m looking to him and then ultimately to Billy. We damn sure don’t have a high octane offense, so we’ve got to be much more solid on the defensive side to stay close the rest of the way, much less have a chance to win, even with Arky I’m afraid.

The Special Teams were pretty much an abomination, so it can be framed as the culmination of failures in all three phases of the game. Painful to say, especially against a bitter rival who we recently had the momentum against. @stephenPE made a good point that Kirby came in and made it job one to get the BEST players and he’s done that. It took him a few years, but he’s got them and in his system that features a strong, physical, fundamentally and schematically sound defense, good special teams, and an offense that operates behind arguably the best OL in CFB that runs and throws with equal authority. And we are not yet close and today has cast doubts on whether Billy, as he currently stands, can close that gap. I read an article earlier this week (ESPN) that referenced Stricklin speaking on hiring Billy, after much deliberation as not a “1 or 2 year solution, but a 10 or 15 year solution!” I believe the gist of that was based on anticipated programmatic cultural overhaul, that was in dire need, ultimately leading to success in Ws and Ls and onto division, conference, and national championships. After today, it’s hard to see that far after the offensive failures from mid first quarter until late game when, again, the die was already cast. The inability to slow UGA down, much less stop them consistently only added to the depression.

So where does that leave us? Short term, it leaves us to rebound and salvage something, maybe keep the recruiting class intact, starting with the Razorbacks next week. From there, see if Billy can find a way for us to at least show up in the remaining three. FSU at the end will be very telling. A bitter rival who’s having a banner year (despite what you may think of their schedule) has got to be a game you find a way to do more than just show up. So we’ll see. I think Billy had better take that deep look inward he’s obviously avoided about his expectations of himself and his coaches, both offensively and defensively and including special teams. He’s got to convince the fan base, but moreover his own players that they can do more successfully and consistently than has been accomplished so far, but it won’t be accomplished doing the same things over again. I have already gone long so the first and only change I’ll mention is do something to help the OL in pass pro, like max with two backs, and get creative with your three receivers. When we are protecting with five, it is usually just three as the OTs, especially the Alabama transfer, were absolutely destroyed today. That would be a start. Beyond that, there are multitudes of changes to consider all over the field. But Billy’s got to accept that need first before we can reasonably expect positive changes to occur. I find myself hoping he’ll get better held to account in his Monday presser for starters.

I really wish I had a little sunshine to pump, but it‘s hard to see any after this dismantling and getting kicked down the basement stairs. I do know there’s better days ahead, I’m just not sure when! In the short term, I’m pulling for us to get W #6 this coming Saturday. Next step. Worry about down the road when it gets here, Billy could tell us more, hopefully some good things, in the weeks to come. We’ll see.

Go Gators!


P/S - I’m scheduled for some surgery this coming Friday and doubtful that I will be able to put up an article next Saturday. Forecast is at least a 4 day stay if not longer. Hopefully I can watch at least. Heck, I kinda need a break and I’m sure you all could use one, too

Great read and so true. Gods speed on your recovery from surgery. Sending the healing vibes!

 

[Spurdog98]

What’s your take on Marshall?

Marshall is horrible. Play the next guy.

 

[BeachGator]

Cover, as others have said, great writeup. Now to the important thing….May God be with you during this up coming difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers. God speed, Cover, God speed.

 

[cover2]

About the 4th down call…”I’ve got conviction about the call!”

 

[RocketCityGator]

Ok, I've responded in "Bits and Pieces". Let's see if I can summarize my thoughts.

1. I did not think we would win but I admit to being fooled into thinking that we would play better, be more competitive. That Kool-Aid is getting poured out.
2. Regarding the 4th down trick play. At the time, it didn't bother me too much. But reading C2's thoughts (and others), it shows Billy's lack of confidence in the team. Specifically, I don't think Napier thought the OL could push the dwags off the ball. He was right of course. But it was an awful play call.
3. We have the skill players and a QB to beat Ugly. But to have 2 OL couches and play as bad as we did, particularly at the tackle position, is unacceptable. Fixing the OL has to be the most important thing. OC, ST, etc., yes have to be fixed. But you can't win in the SEC with this kind of OL play. Got to be fixed.
4. When Armstrong was announced, I was not impressed. He looked like he should be playing Pokémon instead of coaching football. And I'm still not impressed. One, he's responsible for plays getting in late and the overall poor execution of the defense. Two, would he scare you if he got in your face about your lack of effort? He wouldn't scare me. An improvement over last year, yes, but that's a low bar. Armstrong is not the answer.
5. We are stuck with Napier for 1 probably 2 more years. I will always hope that he turns things around. But after 1.5+ years, I just don't see it happening. Yes, he's recruiting very well and is changing the culture but his staff is subpar and he's a terrible game day coach. His play calling doesn't seem to account for the quality of the athlete on the other side of the ball. As I said, I know what I will wish for, but 1.5+ years of real performance data says it aint gonna happen.

Again, prayers C2.

 

[Gatormac2112]

He jogs very well.

Seriously, my biggest issue with him is his effort. He did have some good plays near the line of scrimmage but frequently gets beat on routes. If we have someone better, let them learn the position.

There was one dwag touchdown where it looked like our entire secondary "jogged" in.

Yeah I don't know what the hell is wrong with that guy. He was supposed to be our shutdown corner, first round draft potential, but he has been a train wreck.

 

[fischerwood]

As Cocktail Parties go, this Saturday left little good to mull over. 43-20 that wasn’t really that close is tasting more like Early Times and Chek Cola than the top-shelf we were all once accustomed to as another loss burns from the throat all the way down to the pit. What adds to the burn was the wee bit of hope generated by a late eclipse of a 10-point deficit on the road in Columbia two weeks prior that never really amounted to anything after an opening drive TD that looked like this year might be different after all. Turns out it was ‘Fool’s Gold,’ but then most knew that UGA wasn’t #1 for nothing and the Columbia Comeback was comparatively speaking more of an outlier than a trend.

What I didn’t expect was for one pivotal play to completely change the trajectory of the game. I was taught and believed that certain plays have impactful influences on games, but the ultimate outcome is truthfully based on the totality of plays made (or not) on both sides of the ball, including special teams. And Lord knows there were enough that were negatively impactful in all phases to go around. BUT, the failed 4th and inches, the way it was called, shifting from gun to under center, then snapping between Mertz’ legs to Etienne 7 yds deep with the intent to throw a one receiver flat route that was ultimately blown to smithereens by an unblocked defender and ended with Etienne scrambling to be tackled well short of the LOS. It reeked of “I know we desperately need to convert to try and gain momentum to score and keep it close, but I’m not confident that we can just line up and wedge it for 6 inches, so I’m going to pull some low percentage trick play out of my @ss instead!” Conversely, we’d have been better off calling timeout and then punting, barring another shank or block. Point being is that from that point until later in the game, maybe, when the outcome was cast, our countenance fell and it was apparent that the belief that victory was achievable fell beyond belief by the team who’s task it was to achieve.

This falls squarely on Billy’s shoulders. It also, I believe, belies the shaky ground the team is really on despite the good ideas and work Billy is constructing with regard to fixing the toxic culture that he inherited. It’s true that young people, to include college football players, really want and need expectations, rules, and boundaries in their lives to keep them focused and growing in a positive direction. In competitive situations, they also need consistency and success to work hand in hand. There has been some of both, but not in a pattern that suggests ultimate growth and a winning streak or streaks. Thus, especially when youth is being so heavily counted on, doubt can appear and today it was debilitating. And that door, I’m convinced, was opened with that one ill-advised call. And we never recovered.

@Detroitgator commented in the game chat that he hoped that Billy “was thinking about an OC!” My reply was that “he f’n better be doing more than thinking,” and if not, despite any programmatic good, recruiting gains, it will be time sooner than later for him to move on. I’m not sold by any stretch that his offensive philosophy as it stands will be significantly better with an influx of talent that doesn’t include a massive improvement in OL talent, but more importantly, even greater improvement in talent, coaching technique, and EFFORT on the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the secondary and LB groups. Even if we had LSU’s offense today, UGA would have still outscored us. I was initially impressed with Armstrong’s enthusiasm, especially compared to Big Head Todd’s lack there of, but in ensuing games there’s been multiple instances of personnel screw ups (too many players/not enough, not getting calls in, etc.) to go along with no pass rush, LBs getting sealed, cut off after taking poor pursuit angles more akin to HS athletes than coached up collegians, and secondary players who are consistently out of position and/or quit on the play and watch receivers run wild for scores or long gains. And the latter has shown sporadic to no improvement now 8 games into the season. Armstrong is the DC, so I’m looking to him and then ultimately to Billy. We damn sure don’t have a high octane offense, so we’ve got to be much more solid on the defensive side to stay close the rest of the way, much less have a chance to win, even with Arky I’m afraid.

The Special Teams were pretty much an abomination, so it can be framed as the culmination of failures in all three phases of the game. Painful to say, especially against a bitter rival who we recently had the momentum against. @stephenPE made a good point that Kirby came in and made it job one to get the BEST players and he’s done that. It took him a few years, but he’s got them and in his system that features a strong, physical, fundamentally and schematically sound defense, good special teams, and an offense that operates behind arguably the best OL in CFB that runs and throws with equal authority. And we are not yet close and today has cast doubts on whether Billy, as he currently stands, can close that gap. I read an article earlier this week (ESPN) that referenced Stricklin speaking on hiring Billy, after much deliberation as not a “1 or 2 year solution, but a 10 or 15 year solution!” I believe the gist of that was based on anticipated programmatic cultural overhaul, that was in dire need, ultimately leading to success in Ws and Ls and onto division, conference, and national championships. After today, it’s hard to see that far after the offensive failures from mid first quarter until late game when, again, the die was already cast. The inability to slow UGA down, much less stop them consistently only added to the depression.

So where does that leave us? Short term, it leaves us to rebound and salvage something, maybe keep the recruiting class intact, starting with the Razorbacks next week. From there, see if Billy can find a way for us to at least show up in the remaining three. FSU at the end will be very telling. A bitter rival who’s having a banner year (despite what you may think of their schedule) has got to be a game you find a way to do more than just show up. So we’ll see. I think Billy had better take that deep look inward he’s obviously avoided about his expectations of himself and his coaches, both offensively and defensively and including special teams. He’s got to convince the fan base, but moreover his own players that they can do more successfully and consistently than has been accomplished so far, but it won’t be accomplished doing the same things over again. I have already gone long so the first and only change I’ll mention is do something to help the OL in pass pro, like max with two backs, and get creative with your three receivers. When we are protecting with five, it is usually just three as the OTs, especially the Alabama transfer, were absolutely destroyed today. That would be a start. Beyond that, there are multitudes of changes to consider all over the field. But Billy’s got to accept that need first before we can reasonably expect positive changes to occur. I find myself hoping he’ll get better held to account in his Monday presser for starters.

I really wish I had a little sunshine to pump, but it‘s hard to see any after this dismantling and getting kicked down the basement stairs. I do know there’s better days ahead, I’m just not sure when! In the short term, I’m pulling for us to get W #6 this coming Saturday. Next step. Worry about down the road when it gets here, Billy could tell us more, hopefully some good things, in the weeks to come. We’ll see.

Go Gators!


P/S - I’m scheduled for some surgery this coming Friday and doubtful that I will be able to put up an article next Saturday. Forecast is at least a 4 day stay if not longer. Hopefully I can watch at least. Heck, I kinda need a break and I’m sure you all could use one, too

Reminds me of "4th & DUMB back" in 1976...
They Broke our hearts Cover...again...I sure hope i live long enough to come out of this FUNK...

Go Gators...

 

[Altitude Gator]

That's great... I can tell that you've never "led" schit

 

[cover2]

Mertz postgame comments. Really like this guy.

 

[cover2]

Highlights

The 4th Down Play…Mertz called in his press comments saying that they knew they (UGA D Front) would stem (squeeze inside gap) at the snap and Trevor at Wildcat had an RPO. What they didn’t figure was the unaccounted man charging across and forcing Trevor inside and ultimately tackling him 1-2 yds short of the spot. Billy defends his call saying he had “conviction.” Mertz, to his credit and character, supports his coach and explains each game has “trick plays” ready to use if needed. Still feel like it blew up and completely knocked us off the rails to the tune of a quick 14 pt swing from which we never recovered. We had some effective runs, but the overall offensive theme was poor protection and UGA owning the game from the middle of the 1st quarter through the beginning of the 4th. The defense made too few plays and gave up way too many big ones, punctuated by no pressure on their QB, too many big plays given up, and inconsistent to poor effort, especially in the secondary. Broken record, I know.

 

[Alumni Guy]

There’s one play that just sums up Gators football post-Tebow. Jawja has it on our 2, and are going for it on 4th. They, of course, convert on an easy run. I think that TD made it a 3 point score and was basically the proverbial nail in the coffin.

We all knew they would convert, and I am SO TIRED of knowing we won’t step up when we need to. Loser’s mentality, and it gets old.

 

[Okeechobee Joe]

Coach get well soon and do what your doctors tell you. If you can’t do one of your looked forward to game summaries don’t you worry about that. Your fellow Gators are here for you. We’ll be ok and will still be giving Billy hell. While I’m at it God bless him too.