- Jun 12, 2014
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What did we actually see on Saturday in the Gator's 45-0 victory over game, but outmanned UT-Martin? A slow start with a relatively solid overall game that featured the shock troops in the 4th quarter. Better play from Franks and slightly better play IMO from the OL which allowed for a better ground game than was witnessed against Miami. But let's face it, UT-Martin's D front wasn't Miami's. There's still work to be done. On the defensive side, tackling overall was much better, but we still have some technical issues with the LBs. DL was very solid once more and looked to feature some depth. DB play was better. Short of FG/KO, Special teams didn't play much of a factor, but they didn't have to. In short, we weren't treated to a 70-something to nothing smear, but we took care of business, made some progress, and should be ready for our first conference test against UK. Let's look a little deeper at what transpired in Hawgtown yesterday:
*I have to start with Franks. I am admittedly very critical of his leadership skills and his overall presence as the Gator's QB, but despite the quality of the opponent, I was pleased with his physical performance and proud of the conduct that I could see on the television. I don't recall a lot of mugging for the cameras or other self-aggrandizement that is often at the forefront. I think he's still a hotdog, but I can take him without the relish and other trimmings. I thought he commanded the pocket and showed a lot of patience (hats off to the OL in pass pro). He scanned the field and seemed to go through his progressions pretty well. He ran well when he had to. He was accurate passing the ball. In all, a very solid performance. He should be set to put back-to-back games together. But he is Franks and I remain cautiously optimistic. **Edit** BTW there is no QB controversy. Trask made one great throw and then backed it up with a terrible one. Jones ran better than he passed. Nothing was on display that would make you think Franks wasn't the clear #1.
*A lot of receivers were involved last evening, confirming them as one of the deepest and talented groups we've had in quite some time. Jefferson, Cleve, and Grimes are weapons and Hammonds is about as solid and consistent as we have on the roster. He might not always look spectacular, but he is always reliable. It was also great to see the debut of Jacob Copeland. The glimpse we had was encouraging and confirms some of the great things his teammates had to say about his talent. The laser he caught from Trask was impressive. When Franks has time, these guys can really turn a secondary inside out.
*As stated, the OL was a little better blocking the run, but they still lack a consistent and dominating push. They'll need to take some forward steps against UK. Pass pro was pretty good. Depth remains a concern. Watching the two's in the 4th quarter didn't seem to reveal many diamonds in the rough. Mostly looked like more "not ready for prime time players." The task remains.
*I think we've got three pretty solid backs. It'll be interesting to see how healthy they remain behind the OL. Perine is the legitimate #1, but I'd like to see him get behind his pads a little more. These guys will have to have the OL get better to give us what we will need against better teams.
*The DL remains a team strength with some depth to boot. They might not have duplicated the 10 sacks they had against Miami, but they stuffed the run and contained the QB. Interior line play remains such an important component for a better D and until our LBs play more consistently, the DL's play will be supremely important. They look up to the mark thus far.
*LB play remains inconsistent. We continue to take poor pursuit angles and get lost in coverages (e.g. open wheel route during a blitz). Reese looked decent on the fill, but overall this group looks young and moderately talented. When we play teams with good OL that can neutralize our DL in spells, this group will have to be better than they have been so far.
*DBs looked pretty good in coverage minus a couple of times we let receivers get behind us (Henderson saved us on one of these). They looked to have tackled much better and a couple of the youngsters got their feet wet (Elam et al). I seem to recall a couple of the kids supporting the run and cleaning up that was encouraging. This group is a beneficiary of our DL play as well.
*Pierce was back home Friday before last and told one of my colleagues that Mullen stayed knee-deep in their @sses after the Miami performance. It showed last evening. I felt like he was embarrassed after Miami (and he should have been) and the play this week looked like all were more focused.
*In other SEC news, Jimbo Fisher barely missed going 0-2 on Saturday when F$U narrowly escaped with a 1 point overtime win against Louisiana-Monroe. Had the Nole$ failed, Fisher would have been tagged with the loss since it is his fault for their struggles after he left them talentless. Taggart saved him with a commanding victory over the powerhouse from the bayou country. Luckily, the 37 fans that stormed field after UL-M's missed PAT caused no damage and security was able to quickly restore order.
*The Vols...damn.
*Havent heard Toney's status, but hope it's not serious. He got waylayed when the defender split his two lead blockers and came down hard on his wrist/shoulder. Not aware of any other significant injuries. The team looks to continue to benefit from our S&C and nutrition programs. See Tallahassee for reference.
I'm not sure what to expect from Kentucky as I have yet to watch them. I'm sure they'll bring their best. I'm more worried about what we bring. I guess you can consider us to be on a bit of an uptick, but I'm not wholly convinced of how well we can maintain our consistency. That's the mark of a good team in my mind. Not satisfied with what we've done, but concerned with what we have to do for the next team in front of us. Ideally, we show up tougher and more consistent with our assignments and our toughness. Franks progression will have a large impact. I recall having said this before only to be disappointed. I don't want to be disappointed. Maybe this is the year we grow in a straight line and not a zig zag? We'll know better soon.
Go Gators!
*I have to start with Franks. I am admittedly very critical of his leadership skills and his overall presence as the Gator's QB, but despite the quality of the opponent, I was pleased with his physical performance and proud of the conduct that I could see on the television. I don't recall a lot of mugging for the cameras or other self-aggrandizement that is often at the forefront. I think he's still a hotdog, but I can take him without the relish and other trimmings. I thought he commanded the pocket and showed a lot of patience (hats off to the OL in pass pro). He scanned the field and seemed to go through his progressions pretty well. He ran well when he had to. He was accurate passing the ball. In all, a very solid performance. He should be set to put back-to-back games together. But he is Franks and I remain cautiously optimistic. **Edit** BTW there is no QB controversy. Trask made one great throw and then backed it up with a terrible one. Jones ran better than he passed. Nothing was on display that would make you think Franks wasn't the clear #1.
*A lot of receivers were involved last evening, confirming them as one of the deepest and talented groups we've had in quite some time. Jefferson, Cleve, and Grimes are weapons and Hammonds is about as solid and consistent as we have on the roster. He might not always look spectacular, but he is always reliable. It was also great to see the debut of Jacob Copeland. The glimpse we had was encouraging and confirms some of the great things his teammates had to say about his talent. The laser he caught from Trask was impressive. When Franks has time, these guys can really turn a secondary inside out.
*As stated, the OL was a little better blocking the run, but they still lack a consistent and dominating push. They'll need to take some forward steps against UK. Pass pro was pretty good. Depth remains a concern. Watching the two's in the 4th quarter didn't seem to reveal many diamonds in the rough. Mostly looked like more "not ready for prime time players." The task remains.
*I think we've got three pretty solid backs. It'll be interesting to see how healthy they remain behind the OL. Perine is the legitimate #1, but I'd like to see him get behind his pads a little more. These guys will have to have the OL get better to give us what we will need against better teams.
*The DL remains a team strength with some depth to boot. They might not have duplicated the 10 sacks they had against Miami, but they stuffed the run and contained the QB. Interior line play remains such an important component for a better D and until our LBs play more consistently, the DL's play will be supremely important. They look up to the mark thus far.
*LB play remains inconsistent. We continue to take poor pursuit angles and get lost in coverages (e.g. open wheel route during a blitz). Reese looked decent on the fill, but overall this group looks young and moderately talented. When we play teams with good OL that can neutralize our DL in spells, this group will have to be better than they have been so far.
*DBs looked pretty good in coverage minus a couple of times we let receivers get behind us (Henderson saved us on one of these). They looked to have tackled much better and a couple of the youngsters got their feet wet (Elam et al). I seem to recall a couple of the kids supporting the run and cleaning up that was encouraging. This group is a beneficiary of our DL play as well.
*Pierce was back home Friday before last and told one of my colleagues that Mullen stayed knee-deep in their @sses after the Miami performance. It showed last evening. I felt like he was embarrassed after Miami (and he should have been) and the play this week looked like all were more focused.
*In other SEC news, Jimbo Fisher barely missed going 0-2 on Saturday when F$U narrowly escaped with a 1 point overtime win against Louisiana-Monroe. Had the Nole$ failed, Fisher would have been tagged with the loss since it is his fault for their struggles after he left them talentless. Taggart saved him with a commanding victory over the powerhouse from the bayou country. Luckily, the 37 fans that stormed field after UL-M's missed PAT caused no damage and security was able to quickly restore order.
*The Vols...damn.
*Havent heard Toney's status, but hope it's not serious. He got waylayed when the defender split his two lead blockers and came down hard on his wrist/shoulder. Not aware of any other significant injuries. The team looks to continue to benefit from our S&C and nutrition programs. See Tallahassee for reference.
I'm not sure what to expect from Kentucky as I have yet to watch them. I'm sure they'll bring their best. I'm more worried about what we bring. I guess you can consider us to be on a bit of an uptick, but I'm not wholly convinced of how well we can maintain our consistency. That's the mark of a good team in my mind. Not satisfied with what we've done, but concerned with what we have to do for the next team in front of us. Ideally, we show up tougher and more consistent with our assignments and our toughness. Franks progression will have a large impact. I recall having said this before only to be disappointed. I don't want to be disappointed. Maybe this is the year we grow in a straight line and not a zig zag? We'll know better soon.
Go Gators!
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. Wonder what F$U thinks?
