- Jun 12, 2014
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A strange thing happened at BHG last evening. Whether it was redemption or a temporary stay of execution might depend on your perspective concerning embattled coach Billy Napier and the season’s drama, much of it at his hands (and mind) as well as that of AD Scott Stricklin, the latter who appears to know his own fate is bound tightly with the heretofore stumbling HC. But for a night at least, Florida and the Gators looked…competent, even if it was in ways sort of old school, relying on the kicking game for both scoring and keeping LSU facing a long field much of the game, having a QB stay strictly in the pocket and distribute the ball very deftly and effectively, and a defense that grew stronger as the game progressed, eventually stopping the Tigers and their QB Garrett Nussmier, squaring the season record at 5-5 and putting the Gators a step closer to bowl eligibility.
Now, do I think Billy is magically cured? Nope. Not cured, but maybe better in a John Fetterman positive response to a stroke kind of way. Call me skeptical but one game alone is an anomaly and until he can back it up with another against a competent opponent (Ole Miss anyone?) it will remain as such. But it was great to end a 5 game losing streak to the Tigers and have the defense actually rising instead of wilting as the game progressed. I mentioned in another thread about the strength and conditioning and concerns about us getting pushed around on the LOS…well let me tell you, as the game went on, it was our D front that was doing the pushing and effectively closed the door on Nussmier and the Tigers’ O and any ideas of a comeback. And for good measure, the OL stepped up and protected DJ as well as opening a lane for a late rushing TD to finally put the Tigers on ice and secure a much needed 27-16 victory.
* Some surprising stats: Total Plays - LSU 92, Florida 43! Time of Possession - LSU 41:43, Florida 18:17! Total Yards - LSU 392, Florida 339. Final Score - Florida 27, LSU 16!
* Big tip of the cap to the D. Bent a little early but didn’t break and got stronger as the game wore on. Heck, they survived 92 snaps against them by the Tigers and only allowed one TD. Tyreak Sapp was a man along with several other defenders and to see the unit not just survive but grow stronger as the game wore on brought back memories of past Gator defenses that were the backbones and hallmarks of some great teams.
* Kicking game, as mentioned, was big. Crawshaw was his usual reliable self and it’s not surprising that the announcers mentioned that he’s a finalist for the top punter award and Smack was big with two long FGs and his KOs. Reliability and consistency from these two was important in the win last night.
* If Billy didn’t do but one thing right, it was making sure DJ didn’t run the ball, staying in the pocket and making most of the throws he needed to make for us to win the game. It also took some emphasis on the OL to provide adequate protection, which they did by allowing NO Sacks! Whether great planning or dumb luck with a little help from LSU, it was a welcome departure from what many of us had come to expect.
For a week at least, we’ve got something other than the bitter taste of an SEC @ss-kicking in our mouth. It feels better, but it’s also a reminder of what we’ve been missing out on for so long now. Next week sets up an interesting scenario, a game against a rising SEC opponent whose current HC is considered a possible if not favored replacement for our beleaguered HC. Talk about theatre of the bizarre! But these aren’t usual football times these days, especially for the Gators. Next week will definitely be “must see TV” regardless of where you sit on the current state of the program!
Go Gators!
** And at the risk of being a total @ss, here’s a little musical tribute to Brian Kelly…
One of the best analogies I've heard in a while.
