Having watched this game on television, what made the biggest impression on me can be summed up in two words... Kristina Akra! Apparently she's a former Gator & Heat dancer. I'll leave the googling to the readers.
Okay, I know it's hard to complain after a 39-0 shutout, which is pretty close to the 41-3 score last week, but I definitely feel like the team took a step backwards. I would be feeling much better if this had been game #1.
The defense was exposed a little more this week against UAB. The Gators had a heckuva time staying on side in the first quarter. I would have expected that in week one but not this week. They were bailed out on two calls that likely saved 10 points: the first was a holding call on UAB's first drive that stalled them out near field goal range and the second was of course the touchdown that was called back for an illegal shift. I feel like overall the defensive line still got a good bit of pressure and did well to stop the run. The secondary... well, let's just say that the two starting freshman looked like two starting freshman. It'll be interesting to see the defensive line next week when tackle Shariff Floyd returns from his two-game suspension.
The offense... maybe they should pretend that they are only allowed to score a touchdown from 20 yards or more away. Three short field goals in the first half against this team really isn't acceptable. With the schedule coming up, it's hard enough getting into the red zone but when you get there you need 7s not 3s. Again, it didn't much matter in this game but I'm trying to apply this to future SEC games. 4-12 on third-down conversions was a big problem as well. I was very excited to see Trey Burton so involved this week. I know he was injured during the game last week but watching Mr. Do Everything in action is really special; from running the dive option to trucking over some poor DB who must've been exhausted from earlier trying to keep up with Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. I love watching those guys run. Chris Rainey scares me a little because when he's spinning like a gyroscope the ball gets a little loose. Ironically enough, his fumble took place when he was carrying the ball high and tight. The offensive line kept Brantley pretty clean, except when he was blasted on the first play of the game (the flea flicker). It was cool to see Charlie Weis open up the playbook a little just to give Tennessee a few things to prepare for.
The special teams was again very good. Another huge runback to start the game, plenty of field goals and even a punt or two! The only thing that bothered me a little was none of UAB's 6 punts were returned; not even the 47 yarder. Pretty minor but it would be nice to save a few yards there.
Okay, that's all of my nitpicking for this week. Bring on Tennessee!
Just Joe
I did not get to see the game due to television geographic restrictions (I live in the great state of Texas) and didn't get to see many highlights on ESPN as they were too busy showing too many clips from a very close game between two bad teams that played poorly (U of M vs. ND). My question is about to QB situation. I see that Burton got in the mix against UAB. Do you think Brantley is actually getting a fair shake in developing his skills? That system last year of switching these guys out every other play was pretty awful with respect to Brantley- he seems like he might actually be a good quarterback if given the time to get some consistency going without being pulled for the rah rah every other play. Whaddayasay Joe?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Deprived in the Desert. :-)
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm sorry you had to miss the game. Second, Brantley is definitely getting his fair shake this season. Burton was only in at quarterback for 3 plays or so, and they were goal line plays at that. On the last play, he kept the ball on the dive option and practically skipped in from about 2 yards out. But Charlie Weis's offense is tailor-made for Brantley's drop back skills. At this point it's just a shame that Brantley will only have one year in the system. I may not be a huge fan of Weis's arrogance but he can definitely put points up on the board!
I hope you got to see the Gators versus the Fightin' Mannings this past weekend. Death, taxes and squashing Tennessee.
Joe