I am astounded at the leap forward the Gators took after the bye week in beating LSU 14-6 in The Swamp. The score may not sound very impressive but after allowing a long opening drive that yielded a field goal, the Gators defense was smothering. The offense struggled early but managed enough points to get the win.
In the first half, QB Jeff Driskel seemed to regress by taking sack after sack even when having plenty of time to, as my cousin texted me, "THROW THE BALL AWAY!!!!!" The Gators did well in possessing the ball in the first half (17:05 to 12:55) but had no points to show for it. LSU's second scoring chance came at the end of the half after Driskel had another chance to throw a ball away but after escaping the pocket, fumbled the ball over to the Tigers at the FL 7 yard line. The Gators defense stood tall and made a huge stop, holding LSU to just 3 points. A TD there would have been a blow to morale; big difference being a TD away from the lead and being 2 scores from a tie. By the way, I think it says alot about how LSU felt about UF's run defense that LSU attempted 2 passes in that series. 4 three-and outs can have that effect. In the past, 2 runs get them in the end zone.
In the second half, the story was the offensive line, RB Mike Gillislee's tough running and... DEFENSE! Let's start with the offense. The Gators attempted only 4 passes in the entire 2nd half. The final attempt came in the second series and set up a 12-yard TD run for Gillislee with over 5 minutes remaing in the 3rd quarter. With a 7-6 lead, Florida ran the ball on the next 25 plays... consecutively... in a row... back-to-back!!! With those 25 rushes spread over three series, it's amazing that LSU had the ball for even 9:50. Early in the 4th Gillislee ended all scoring when he ran for another 12-yard TD to put the Gators up by 8.
Second half defense allowed very short drives that ended in punts except for what was indubitably the play of the game. LSU was trying to answer UF's first score when they completed a beautiful pass play to Odell Beckham good for 56 yards. Enter Gators safety Matt Elam who chased down Beckham and stripped the ball from the receiver as he was making the tackle! The Gators took over inside their own 20 but LSU's last, credible gasp was thwarted. (See the play here, at 1:34.)
A few quick stats:
Total plays LSU 50 UF 70!
Run plays LSU 25 UF 58!!!
3rd downs LSU 1/13 UF 7/14
No recap would be complete without mentioning the outstanding punting performance put on by Kyle Christy. Particularly in the first half when field position was hard to come by, Christy either flipped field position or pinned the Tigers inside their own 10. I'm sure his game will be overlooked by most, but in a defensive battle, punting can be the difference.
I am also compelled to mention the early, dumb penalties that the Gators still seem prone to. (I know, I know, "...penalties to which the Gators still seem prone.")
After a HUGE win like this, my first thought is "it's awesome to be back in the national spotlight." Who doesn't love having their favorite team discussed by the national "talking heads" of TV and radio? You know, aside from coaches. My second thought is, "Don't listen to the hype. Don't let up." And "don't get cocky." OK, that's 3 thoughts but they are simultaneous. At Vandy this week shouldn't pose many problems but even as fans we shouldn't get caught looking ahead 2 weeks to the showdown with (3) South Carolina. I'd like to see the Gators dominate the line of scrimmage again and this time run some play action. Did you here the commentator call for it during the Gators' run fest on LSU? For the record, I called for it, well, hoped for it BEFORE the game last week. I also mentioned three ways to keep from being ball controlled. The Gators were successful in all three. Week #4 But who's counting?
I'm thinking 31-13 this week.
GO GATORS!
Just Joe
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