- Jun 12, 2014
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Getting this up a little late after seeing it live at BHG. First one I've made in a few years since giving up my season tickets. The fact that it was a nooner worked in my favor and I enjoyed the trip down with c2 Jr. and two of my best friends. I'll have to admit that things didn't look too cheerful in the first half as the Cocks looked very efficient against us offensively on their first two scoring drives. They seemed to convert every third down, which were usually short yardage, and we were missing tackles to help them out. We couldn't cover the TE once again and just like that we were in a big hole to begin the game. Franks was still Franks and the O was sputtering in rhythm with the D. Started to look like the funk we have been under hadn't been washed off. Then lo and behold, we found the switch in the second half and were somehow able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and though it wasn't perfect, we got off the schnide (for the time being at least).
The crowd, which was sparse to start the game, provided some much needed noise as they filtered in and I heard Mullen compliment their energy on the SEC network. Let's be clear, we didn't just upend a top 10 team and we didn't look real good in the first half on the way to stopping our recent streak, but we showed some good things on both sides of the ball that should help as we prepare for Idaho and the Nole$ moving forward. 9-3 and a decent bowl are still out there and that is as good or even better than most expected at the start of the season. Here are some other thoughts and specifics:
*Got to start with Franks. First half he was what has become his usual self. Passes off target for the most part, either behind or beyond the receivers, laid one on the ground (luckily recovered it) while pulling the ball from the back on what was likely an RPO. Short hopped a bubble screen on a third and very long which led to some boos, probably more so for the call, but here was your sign that Mullen bound and determined that Franks wasn't going to F it up for us. Not much rhythm to that point. Passing was better in the second half and we were effective with play action after going under center and gashing the Cocks straight ahead between the tackles on the ground. His scores on the ground were marred by his immature shushing motion to our fans and the alleged mouthing of STFU as he did so. I believe one of our receivers came and interrupted this childish display. Feleipe, if you're listening, you need to understand that you aren't at WHS anymore and not the darling of Gainesville like you were in Crawfordville. You don't like the fans getting on your @ss when you play like crap and don't improve? Then find a way to up your game or accept that the stage is too big and move on. We are passionate and deprived. We want and expect better.
*Toney got some more touches and certainly made the most of them. He's a water bug if if ever there's been one. He has a knack of finding his way into space out of a crowd and making something good happen. Liked him in the Widcat. His muffed punt notwithstanding (which was our lone turnover I believe), the youngster had a big day and his TD reception which showed a big burst to split the secondary defenders was big. This is what we want and need for him and kudos to the offensive staff for upping his touches.
*The ground game was an obvious salvation yesterday. 367 on the day with Scarlett and Perine both rushing for over a hundred. Pierce had a couple of nice carries as well even though his last one was an option that got blown up. We looked real good running straight ahead or with a counter with the QB under center and the OL base blocking. G scheming the guards is something we seem to do well as opposed to the lateral steps required in the zone scheme out of the shotgun, but even that was ok today against USCe's front. Mullen seemed determined to minimize Franks' impact or at least lighten his responsibilities in the air and threw it on the backs and OL. They responded in a huge way and I hope we see more under the center runs and play actions.
*The front seven got pushed around early as the Cocks were effective against us with the run and the pass. We struggled early to get pressure on their QB and our coverage theme was keep the ball in front of you, which they exploited to keep the sticks moving. As mentioned earlier, we couldn't cover the TE. On one of their TD passes, Joseph reduced as if to take the TE, then let him run by for an easy reception while staying put to watch the RB. I believe he should have had first threat (TE) at that point when he bumped, so something is not clicking with him. This can't continue to be a liability in our man coverage schemes, especially when we face the Noles.
*I mentioned us finding the switch in the second half on O, but our D picked up as well. Tackling and coverage got better and we found some pressure for their QB. One big play late was a hurry that led to a short hopped pass on third down, forcing a punt when they needed to convert to try and drive. Big time when we needed it. Henderson's late pick to kill their last opportunity was also a big moment. We seemed to regain the "want to" and it couldn't have come at a better time.
*Special teams were a little sub par with McPherson missing a FG and coverage giving up a return by Debo (who is a great player and deserving of his accolades). Get better Freddie, we need you back on the return team! Townsend was pretty good on the punts and uncorked one almost to Alachua. He also remained free of the personal fouls this week. Probably a wash, but the missed FG looked for a while like it might be a factor in the outcome.
*Many are probably not pleased with the soft coverage and lack of pressure Grantham seems to be stuck on. I think it is in most part to try and protect our secondary, which is very shakey at times. We find ourselves playing guys who are either struggling with technique or requirements of the coverage calls. We have a mixture of youth and some who just aren't ready for SEC prime time, and may never be. Getting Henderson back was big, but the fact remains that this is a weak spot and the conundrum is do you keep them soft so we minimize the chances of getting burned over the top or do we sell out and expect them to lock up downfield? Grantham is clearly in the nutcracker where this is concerned and the LB's inabilities in coverage are a mitigating factor. Growth and better talent will be the eventual cure I believe. Until the, it will be a guessing game.
*Mullen's compliment of the crowd might look like crawfishing from his comments last week, but he was right that they brought some juice and helped energize the team in the second half. This was also the first time I heard Tom Petty after "We are the boys" live and despite mixed reviews I enjoyed it, especially when the Cock's band started playing and the crowd sang louder and drowned them out! Even though the stadium wasn't full (and maybe never will be again save a few games here and there), the crowd did their part. A good show for the recruits who visited as well.
Next step...Idaho. Just how respectable they are remains to be seen. A win and stay healthy should be the minimum order of the day, though a blow out with time to rest the starters and get the reserves some time on the field (maybe an Emery Jones sighting) would be great. But just get it done and then on to the Nole$ in the regular season finale. One last jab...it was great to send Muschamp home with the L, wasn't it? Onward and upward. Go Gators!
***A nice conclusion to the trip was a stop at Texas Roadhouse in Lake City for a nice steak and a Blue Moon and good conversational recap of the game. The way they all ought to end!
****Forgot to mention initially, but the 90 yard drive and score late was BIG. We haven't had a response like that in a while. I'm taking it as a good sign until proven otherwise. A winner grinds production like that out when it has to, not just when it wants to. Consistency in determination is as important as consistency in effort and execution.
*****Im not a big band guy, but the halftime show was fantastic with the patriotic theme (and a rendition of Amazing Grace as part). Hats off to the Pride of the Sunsine, they made me proud to be an American as well as a Gator!
******Nice tribute to Mick for his career as the voice of the Gators. One of the best in the business.
The crowd, which was sparse to start the game, provided some much needed noise as they filtered in and I heard Mullen compliment their energy on the SEC network. Let's be clear, we didn't just upend a top 10 team and we didn't look real good in the first half on the way to stopping our recent streak, but we showed some good things on both sides of the ball that should help as we prepare for Idaho and the Nole$ moving forward. 9-3 and a decent bowl are still out there and that is as good or even better than most expected at the start of the season. Here are some other thoughts and specifics:
*Got to start with Franks. First half he was what has become his usual self. Passes off target for the most part, either behind or beyond the receivers, laid one on the ground (luckily recovered it) while pulling the ball from the back on what was likely an RPO. Short hopped a bubble screen on a third and very long which led to some boos, probably more so for the call, but here was your sign that Mullen bound and determined that Franks wasn't going to F it up for us. Not much rhythm to that point. Passing was better in the second half and we were effective with play action after going under center and gashing the Cocks straight ahead between the tackles on the ground. His scores on the ground were marred by his immature shushing motion to our fans and the alleged mouthing of STFU as he did so. I believe one of our receivers came and interrupted this childish display. Feleipe, if you're listening, you need to understand that you aren't at WHS anymore and not the darling of Gainesville like you were in Crawfordville. You don't like the fans getting on your @ss when you play like crap and don't improve? Then find a way to up your game or accept that the stage is too big and move on. We are passionate and deprived. We want and expect better.
*Toney got some more touches and certainly made the most of them. He's a water bug if if ever there's been one. He has a knack of finding his way into space out of a crowd and making something good happen. Liked him in the Widcat. His muffed punt notwithstanding (which was our lone turnover I believe), the youngster had a big day and his TD reception which showed a big burst to split the secondary defenders was big. This is what we want and need for him and kudos to the offensive staff for upping his touches.
*The ground game was an obvious salvation yesterday. 367 on the day with Scarlett and Perine both rushing for over a hundred. Pierce had a couple of nice carries as well even though his last one was an option that got blown up. We looked real good running straight ahead or with a counter with the QB under center and the OL base blocking. G scheming the guards is something we seem to do well as opposed to the lateral steps required in the zone scheme out of the shotgun, but even that was ok today against USCe's front. Mullen seemed determined to minimize Franks' impact or at least lighten his responsibilities in the air and threw it on the backs and OL. They responded in a huge way and I hope we see more under the center runs and play actions.
*The front seven got pushed around early as the Cocks were effective against us with the run and the pass. We struggled early to get pressure on their QB and our coverage theme was keep the ball in front of you, which they exploited to keep the sticks moving. As mentioned earlier, we couldn't cover the TE. On one of their TD passes, Joseph reduced as if to take the TE, then let him run by for an easy reception while staying put to watch the RB. I believe he should have had first threat (TE) at that point when he bumped, so something is not clicking with him. This can't continue to be a liability in our man coverage schemes, especially when we face the Noles.
*I mentioned us finding the switch in the second half on O, but our D picked up as well. Tackling and coverage got better and we found some pressure for their QB. One big play late was a hurry that led to a short hopped pass on third down, forcing a punt when they needed to convert to try and drive. Big time when we needed it. Henderson's late pick to kill their last opportunity was also a big moment. We seemed to regain the "want to" and it couldn't have come at a better time.
*Special teams were a little sub par with McPherson missing a FG and coverage giving up a return by Debo (who is a great player and deserving of his accolades). Get better Freddie, we need you back on the return team! Townsend was pretty good on the punts and uncorked one almost to Alachua. He also remained free of the personal fouls this week. Probably a wash, but the missed FG looked for a while like it might be a factor in the outcome.
*Many are probably not pleased with the soft coverage and lack of pressure Grantham seems to be stuck on. I think it is in most part to try and protect our secondary, which is very shakey at times. We find ourselves playing guys who are either struggling with technique or requirements of the coverage calls. We have a mixture of youth and some who just aren't ready for SEC prime time, and may never be. Getting Henderson back was big, but the fact remains that this is a weak spot and the conundrum is do you keep them soft so we minimize the chances of getting burned over the top or do we sell out and expect them to lock up downfield? Grantham is clearly in the nutcracker where this is concerned and the LB's inabilities in coverage are a mitigating factor. Growth and better talent will be the eventual cure I believe. Until the, it will be a guessing game.
*Mullen's compliment of the crowd might look like crawfishing from his comments last week, but he was right that they brought some juice and helped energize the team in the second half. This was also the first time I heard Tom Petty after "We are the boys" live and despite mixed reviews I enjoyed it, especially when the Cock's band started playing and the crowd sang louder and drowned them out! Even though the stadium wasn't full (and maybe never will be again save a few games here and there), the crowd did their part. A good show for the recruits who visited as well.
Next step...Idaho. Just how respectable they are remains to be seen. A win and stay healthy should be the minimum order of the day, though a blow out with time to rest the starters and get the reserves some time on the field (maybe an Emery Jones sighting) would be great. But just get it done and then on to the Nole$ in the regular season finale. One last jab...it was great to send Muschamp home with the L, wasn't it? Onward and upward. Go Gators!
***A nice conclusion to the trip was a stop at Texas Roadhouse in Lake City for a nice steak and a Blue Moon and good conversational recap of the game. The way they all ought to end!
****Forgot to mention initially, but the 90 yard drive and score late was BIG. We haven't had a response like that in a while. I'm taking it as a good sign until proven otherwise. A winner grinds production like that out when it has to, not just when it wants to. Consistency in determination is as important as consistency in effort and execution.
*****Im not a big band guy, but the halftime show was fantastic with the patriotic theme (and a rendition of Amazing Grace as part). Hats off to the Pride of the Sunsine, they made me proud to be an American as well as a Gator!
******Nice tribute to Mick for his career as the voice of the Gators. One of the best in the business.
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