- Oct 5, 2017
- 2,306
- 6,270
On the way to the game I was discussing my pre-game thoughts with my group and I made a two main predictions:
Side note, I have not gone to a concession stand during a game in years. I went to refill our refillable cup yesterday and on my walk from the stand to our seats we had our two play TD drive. Maybe I should go to concession stands more.
Offense
As previously mentioned we desired to get the downfield passing game early and often. Emory started off with a nice, but terribly underthrown 32-yard completion to Trent Whittemore. The next drive ended with the jump pass floater to Fraziars. He had a few more big throws throughout the day including hitting Dameon Pierce down the middle in stride for 61 yards and a TD. He had the same route earlier in the game, but poor ball placement made Wright have to turnaround and that small bit of slowing down is the difference in Wright being stopped and Pierce getting TD. Jones finished with a career high 273 yards by design and it could've been better with more accuracy. I can't tell if he is improved or Vandy is that bad. Who am I kidding? Vandy is that bad. But maybe, just maybe this helps his confidence and we see an improved EJ going forward.
Let's discuss AR15 because I am seeing a lot of judgment against him because of his limited snaps in this game. So, I want to take a look and would love to hear what objectively he's doing wrong that Emory is doing better.
AR15's first play was a throwback screen that AR15 should not have thrown. Although he was getting nailed when releasing the ball, he needs to recognize the situation and live to fight the next down. His second play was a screen to Shorter for 9. Then a screen to Copeland where Copeland danced and it went nowhere. On third down, they called a QB draw that he took for 8 yards and a first down...except there an illegal formation penalty back the team up. I believe it was called "encroachment on the offense". Can't tell on the broadcast because it was poorly shot. Missed the first screen and didn't show a replay and then this. On third down, Richardson immediately has pressure in his face, but gets the ball out which bounces in the direction of Copeland. I know, I know, many will say that is AR15 looking like a freshman, but I would say even Tom Brady will do that when a pocket collapses that fast. Can't tell what the routes were, but looked like they all went beyond the sticks. So, both his incompletions were while he was getting hit.
Next drive, first play is a screen to Lingard for 9. On the next first down he completes a pass while getting hit to Copeland for 8 on a hitch. On the next first down he ran a read option for 3 yards. Then Lingard for 2 and on third and 5 we called the predictable QB draw that went for 1 yard after a free LB got to Richardson. He then got two on a QB run on first down on the next drive. Bowman then ran for a first down where Richardson did something I've seen him do before I like. He doesn't block, but runs forward getting into the defenses way delaying their pursuit to the ball. He was 4-6 for 25 yards and asked to run conservatively to end the game. It was clear there was maybe one downfield shot called for him, possibly the second incompletions where he got hit while throwing when the pocket collapsed quickly. Goldkamp tweeted that maybe Dan didn't want to take shots when up big. I replied (and of course didn't get a response) that two years ago, when up by a greater score Dan had EJ throwing a bomb into the 5 in the south endzone. Maybe Dan decided to not do that or maybe with just calling a bunch of screens he gets the reaction that I've seen by some, AR looks like a freshman. The question is that if the same plays are called, does EJ look the same?
Malik Davis was out, but the running backs did what they were asked to do. Pierce only averaged 1.7 yards per carry, but with two TD short yardage TD's that is deceiving. He also had at least one big run called back due to penalty. It was nice to see Bowman and Lingard get time. Both look like they will step up and possibly be an upgrade in explosiveness next season when Davis and Pierce are gone. Wright continues to show why he shouldn't be forgotten about in the backfield as well with some nice and patient runs. A combined 127 yards receiving by the running back was nice.
Defense
Let's get this out of the way, the shutout was deceiving. Vandy missed 3 FG's and replay saved a TD. Against competent teams, at least 3 of those 4 drives are TD's. It should've been 21-13 at the half. We had several third down stops due to drops or bad throws unpressured.
It would be easy to complain about all the bad of the defense in this game. Instead I will look at some of the positives. Obviously, it's possibly the worst team we will face. So I am going to look at some of the techniques that translate from game to game. The freshmen corners did get beat some, but on a few occasions they bodied receivers out of bounds on their routes. This shows they are starting to realize the importance of positioning and by getting inside levels with the sideline to their backs it creates difficult throws. At least twice balls were caught out of bounds due to this. Also, Helm and Marshall are developing each week and getting most of this game, despite the opponent, will help them.
I don't like seeing our safety making 15 tackles, but I think there is some context. Torrence in his 15 had 1.5 tackles for loss. On a few occasions, I noticed him coming downhill with a head of steam and making a big stop. It has been a while since we have seen a Gators safety doing that. These young members of the secondary do have issues, part of it is scheme, part is youth. However, watching them grow is something to look forward to building for the future.
Extra Points
Next week noon/11 am local kickoff in Death Valley. I imagine that LSU fans will be less amped. Both because of their record and because of the early start. Throw in you are missing arguably your two best players and this is a game UF should win. I am not sure when the Takes will be done next week as I will not be back in Florida until 9:00pm and am not sure if the computer is coming with me to Nawlins. Took the later flight based on the odds at the time the game would be a later one. Any recommendations for things to do in New Orleans? I'll have Saturday night and Sunday during the day.
Go Gators!
- We would take a lot of shots downfield because it is Vandy and this way there can be the whole "I told you we don't have a downfield passing game issues" attitude from some fans and Dan.
- People would overreact in the positive and I pointed to two specific examples; callers into Steve Russell's post-game show saying we should retain Muschamp after our performance against E Kentucky in 2014 and callers saying we should hire Randy Shannon after blowing out UAB in 2017.
Side note, I have not gone to a concession stand during a game in years. I went to refill our refillable cup yesterday and on my walk from the stand to our seats we had our two play TD drive. Maybe I should go to concession stands more.
Offense
As previously mentioned we desired to get the downfield passing game early and often. Emory started off with a nice, but terribly underthrown 32-yard completion to Trent Whittemore. The next drive ended with the jump pass floater to Fraziars. He had a few more big throws throughout the day including hitting Dameon Pierce down the middle in stride for 61 yards and a TD. He had the same route earlier in the game, but poor ball placement made Wright have to turnaround and that small bit of slowing down is the difference in Wright being stopped and Pierce getting TD. Jones finished with a career high 273 yards by design and it could've been better with more accuracy. I can't tell if he is improved or Vandy is that bad. Who am I kidding? Vandy is that bad. But maybe, just maybe this helps his confidence and we see an improved EJ going forward.
Let's discuss AR15 because I am seeing a lot of judgment against him because of his limited snaps in this game. So, I want to take a look and would love to hear what objectively he's doing wrong that Emory is doing better.
AR15's first play was a throwback screen that AR15 should not have thrown. Although he was getting nailed when releasing the ball, he needs to recognize the situation and live to fight the next down. His second play was a screen to Shorter for 9. Then a screen to Copeland where Copeland danced and it went nowhere. On third down, they called a QB draw that he took for 8 yards and a first down...except there an illegal formation penalty back the team up. I believe it was called "encroachment on the offense". Can't tell on the broadcast because it was poorly shot. Missed the first screen and didn't show a replay and then this. On third down, Richardson immediately has pressure in his face, but gets the ball out which bounces in the direction of Copeland. I know, I know, many will say that is AR15 looking like a freshman, but I would say even Tom Brady will do that when a pocket collapses that fast. Can't tell what the routes were, but looked like they all went beyond the sticks. So, both his incompletions were while he was getting hit.
Next drive, first play is a screen to Lingard for 9. On the next first down he completes a pass while getting hit to Copeland for 8 on a hitch. On the next first down he ran a read option for 3 yards. Then Lingard for 2 and on third and 5 we called the predictable QB draw that went for 1 yard after a free LB got to Richardson. He then got two on a QB run on first down on the next drive. Bowman then ran for a first down where Richardson did something I've seen him do before I like. He doesn't block, but runs forward getting into the defenses way delaying their pursuit to the ball. He was 4-6 for 25 yards and asked to run conservatively to end the game. It was clear there was maybe one downfield shot called for him, possibly the second incompletions where he got hit while throwing when the pocket collapsed quickly. Goldkamp tweeted that maybe Dan didn't want to take shots when up big. I replied (and of course didn't get a response) that two years ago, when up by a greater score Dan had EJ throwing a bomb into the 5 in the south endzone. Maybe Dan decided to not do that or maybe with just calling a bunch of screens he gets the reaction that I've seen by some, AR looks like a freshman. The question is that if the same plays are called, does EJ look the same?
Malik Davis was out, but the running backs did what they were asked to do. Pierce only averaged 1.7 yards per carry, but with two TD short yardage TD's that is deceiving. He also had at least one big run called back due to penalty. It was nice to see Bowman and Lingard get time. Both look like they will step up and possibly be an upgrade in explosiveness next season when Davis and Pierce are gone. Wright continues to show why he shouldn't be forgotten about in the backfield as well with some nice and patient runs. A combined 127 yards receiving by the running back was nice.
Defense
Let's get this out of the way, the shutout was deceiving. Vandy missed 3 FG's and replay saved a TD. Against competent teams, at least 3 of those 4 drives are TD's. It should've been 21-13 at the half. We had several third down stops due to drops or bad throws unpressured.
It would be easy to complain about all the bad of the defense in this game. Instead I will look at some of the positives. Obviously, it's possibly the worst team we will face. So I am going to look at some of the techniques that translate from game to game. The freshmen corners did get beat some, but on a few occasions they bodied receivers out of bounds on their routes. This shows they are starting to realize the importance of positioning and by getting inside levels with the sideline to their backs it creates difficult throws. At least twice balls were caught out of bounds due to this. Also, Helm and Marshall are developing each week and getting most of this game, despite the opponent, will help them.
I don't like seeing our safety making 15 tackles, but I think there is some context. Torrence in his 15 had 1.5 tackles for loss. On a few occasions, I noticed him coming downhill with a head of steam and making a big stop. It has been a while since we have seen a Gators safety doing that. These young members of the secondary do have issues, part of it is scheme, part is youth. However, watching them grow is something to look forward to building for the future.
Extra Points
- There are legitimately Gators fans who believe having a #1 offense in the SEC means EJ is not limited and are overreacting to Vandy.
- I liked the throwbacks, curious to what we wear in Red Stick next week.
- Facing LSU without Stingley or Boutte will help.
- FSU might get bowl eligible. Tennessee might upset someone left on the schedule, they are on a tear since losing in Gainesville.
- Yesterday had several incredible finishes; Ole Miss over Arky, OU over Texas, Iowa over PSU, ND over Va. Tech, Michigan over Nebraska, and A&M over Bama. Lots of choking.
Next week noon/11 am local kickoff in Death Valley. I imagine that LSU fans will be less amped. Both because of their record and because of the early start. Throw in you are missing arguably your two best players and this is a game UF should win. I am not sure when the Takes will be done next week as I will not be back in Florida until 9:00pm and am not sure if the computer is coming with me to Nawlins. Took the later flight based on the odds at the time the game would be a later one. Any recommendations for things to do in New Orleans? I'll have Saturday night and Sunday during the day.
Go Gators!
