Although the final score, 31-17, was close to my prediction, 31-13, the game at Vandy went nothing like I had hoped. I had envisioned a dominating offensive line running the ball often with some effective play action passing leading to a few 10-15 play drives culminating in 2-3 Mike Gillislee rushing TDs. Of course, I hadn't predicted the injuries that were to plague the Gators including playing the game without 3 O-line starters and 2 front 7 starters on the defensive side.
Offense: In the first half, the Gators did manage two long scoring drives (11 plays, 91 yards, TD and 12 plays, 82 yards, FG) but their other four drives in the half went 4 plays, 3 plays, 5 plays and 3 plays with 0 points. The second half offense transformed into a big play style with a 54-yard Solomon Patton run on a fake punt leading to a TD and a 1 play drive that was a 70-yard QB keeper for a TD. (I did not agree with the Fake call but Coach Muschamp has more testicular fortitude than I!) The Gators also settled for two FGs after starting at the Vandy 14 after a fumble recovery and the Vandy 37 after a 62-yard KO return by Andre Debose. Given the injuries and conservative play calling in the 4th quarter, 31 points was... ok.
Defense: In the first half, aside from a second drive TD that was keyed by a flukish looking 37-yard pass (Vandy QB Jordan Rodgers was hit as he threw up a duck that was hauled in), the Gators' defense was getting off the field very well, as evidenced by Vandy's mere 12:31 of possession. Come the second half, Vanderbilt discovered their running game, mixed in some well timed passes and pushed the Gators around for TWO 15 play drives and an 11 play drive. The first 15 play drive ended in a blocked FG. The second ended on downs with over a minute left in the game. And the 11 play drive ended in Vandy's second half touchdown. The Commodores' ended up commanding the ball for a whopping 20:32 in the half!
Special Teams: These guys really shined and may have been the difference in the game! I already mentioned Debose's KO return and the blocked field goal attempt. On top of that, the kicking team converted all attempts; 3 field goals, 1 PAT and even ran a successful PAT play that turned 1 point into 2.
Looking Ahead: #7 South Carolina (and the Ol' Ball Coach) will be coming to town as the teams will be playing what could be the SEC East decider (3:30 PM, CBS). Their star RB, Marcus Lattimore, is gimpy with an injured hip and may not play. On the Florida side, all 5 of the starters who missed the last game will suit up and likely start.
Last year's game against USC was a line of scrimmage battle that USC won, 17-12. USC ran the ball 52 times! That will need to be held in check as LSU was 2 games ago. To complicate matters, the Gamecocks' QB is every bit as mobile as Jeff Driskel. A containment type pass rush and playing disciplined gap control will be essential. If the UF defense can duplicate it's LSU effort, look for a 17-16 victory.
Looking WAY Ahead: Florida's 6th victory matched last year's regular season win total and made them bowl eligible. A win this week will go a very long way in determining what kind of bowl game the Gators will earn.
GO GATORS!
Just Joe
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