Theater of Operations, Florida Vs. LSU: Reviewing The Gators' Defensive Performance

You know how they say that history always repeats itself? Well, if that's true, then let me be the first to say that this is 2007 all over again ... only without the offense. I see a lot of similarities (read: issues) between this defense and the defense that was in Gainesville back in 2007.

The secondary looks young (as it was in 2007) and, as a result, they look lost out on the field: A general lack of communication, not knowing where to be on the field, bad angles by tacklers, not finishing tackles. Does that sound like 2007 to you? The defensive line isn't getting nearly enough pressure on the quarterback to make up for the mistakes being made in the secondary, either.

LSU took serious advantage of all this while it were dismantling the Gators on Saturday.

Play No. 1: Jarrett Lee's 46-yard touchdown pass to Rueben Randle:

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Cody Riggs, who is playing Randle one-on-one, makes a critical miscalculation on the play. You can't really see in on the film (unless you watch the replay, which isn't available in the highlights), but he turns the wrong way. This is something that the coaches will point out to him in during film study, and, hopefully, it won't happen again.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Because he rotates to the outside (instead of inside), Riggs is in a terrible position on this play: A yard behind the receiver, and even worse, on the outside shoulder. This is not good, especially considering Lee drops the throw in on Randle's inside shoulder.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Lee has improved his throwing immensely, and on this play, Riggs had no chance. An easy touchdown for LSU.

Play No. 2: Spencer Ware's eight-yard touchdown run:

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Spencer Ware (AKA "Trent Richardson Lite") is just going to take the handoff and run straight up the middle. That's a play that is fairly easy to stop. Usually, anyway.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

You'd think that with two linebackers (top two yellow circles) in on the play and a safety (Matt Elam, bottom yellow circle) in run support, the Gators would have this play covered well. But that isn't how we roll this year.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Missed tackle No. 1.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Missed tackle No. 2.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

Missed tackle No. 3. Touchdown, LSU. Again.

A bonus photo, just because it saved the Gators four points:

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

You know, I think that this excessive celebration rule isn't a very good one. These kids are in college, where most kids are supposed to have fun. And now these athletes aren't even allowed to celebrate. Shame on the NCAA.

In just those two plays, I see a week's worth of practice time needed. The coaches are going to have their hands full this week with Auburn and Mike Dyer coming up. Good luck to them.

For more video from Florida's 41-11 loss to LSU, head to ESPN and CBS Sports.