Theater of Operations, Florida Vs. Kentucky: Reviewing The Gators' Defensive Performance
by FlaGators on Sep 27, 2011 11:45 AM EDT
in Florida Football Analysis
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PrintAs expected, the Florida Gators defense dominated the Kentucky Wildcats' offense. But that isn't really saying all that much: As explained in our preview of the Kentucky offense last week, only a few teams have less proficient offenses in the whole of college football.
That being said, the Gators defense didn't quite play as well as I expected. Though they seemed to pick up the intensity as the game went on, the Gators surrendered 299 yards of offense and 16 first-downs. The defense did collect four turnovers, which was one more than they had created all season, which led to 24 points.
"To win football games, you need to get turnovers,’’ Elam said. "He is eventually going to throw me the ball if I just stay patient. Quarterbacks always make mistakes, overthrowing balls, tipped balls, things like that.
I couldn't agree more.
Play No. 1: Ronald Powell and Jon Bostic team up for a first quarter sack:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Jon Bostic, coming from the linebacker position, and Ronald Powell, coming from the Buck position (this time standing near the line), team up to get the sack here. It is worth noting that this is more or less a coverage sack.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Bostic, after holding for a second or two, now starts his rush. Meanwhile, Powell is now engaged with his blocker. This is where Morgan Newton begins to realize he is in trouble, as the downfield coverage by the Gators defense is fantastic.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Bostic is now leaping up to try and defend against the pump fake, while Powell has beaten his blocker and has begun to tackle Newton.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Dominique Easley is lying on the ground, Sharrif Floyd is still pushing, Jaye Howard is close, and Jelani Jenkins is about to swarm the pile as well. They have him at this point.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Just a great all-out effort by the defense. The coverage was great. The pressure on the quarterback was great. Just a great play.
Play No. 2: Jon Bostic's sack, Jaye Howard's ensuing catch and touchdown:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Jon Bostic is blitzing here, and nobody picks him up on Newton's blind side.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Almost there...
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Bostic has hit Newton and the ball (circled in red) is up in the air. Jaye Howard is the defender at the Kentucky 5. He is ready to make a catch and scamper five yards to pay dirt.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Jaye Howard has his hands on the ball...
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
...touchdown, Jaye Howard.
Play No. 3: Michael Taylor's interception:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Because it is fourth down, the Gators are going to rush four and drop five players into coverage. That leaves only two linebackers in the middle of the field. Playing at the first down line is smart positioning.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
This is when the ball should have been thrown; luckily for the Gators, it wasn't when it was thrown. If the ball is thrown right now, it is a first down, providing the receiver catches it.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
The throw is now in the air. Newton throws the ball late (surprising, due to the pressure), but he also either doesn't see Michael Taylor or he expected him to move. Which, uh, doesn't happen.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Look at the positioning: by the time Taylor makes the catch, the receiver is directly behind him. This is a horrible throw by Newton. Taylor also returns the ball 30 yards to the Kentucky forty-five yard line.
As stated above, the Gators didn't play as well as I expected them to. I don't think this defense played well enough to beat a top offense. But it didn't play a top offense, played more than well enough to dominate, and, perhaps most importantly, stayed healthy. With Alabama coming up, that is priority number one.
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They play better and better each game...
That’s all you can ask for. From no turnovers against FAU to missing 5 INTs against UT to sacks, picks, and defensive TDs against UK. I’m pleased! If they keep playing exponentially better each game, they can do serious damage against Bama and LSU!
by GoGators82 on Sep 27, 2011 1:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
There are still a couple of areas to work on...
…namely consistent play from DBs not named Matt Elam and Marcus Roberson, but I agree. Solid improvement the unit is showing. Bama will be a great test against the run.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
You think Roberson has played well?
I haven’t seen it.
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He dropped another INT
against UK
but like John Madden always said, that’s why he’s not a wide receiver.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
But he gets beat too often, bites on the double move every time, and when he is in man coverage thus far, he can’t make the cuts.
He is playing with bad hip movement. Either that or he is slow as dirt.
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Sounds like a spot on description of Riggs so far.
Which is disappointing because I really expected him to take a step forward. Still early though.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 2:36 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Exactly.
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He's also a true freshman
All star DB’s in the SEC get shaped and tempered by the fires, they don’t pop out fully formed. Gotta give it time.
I witnessed the Kentucky - Western Kentucky derpfest of '11 and survived to tell the tale
Age has nothing to do with it. I was merely pointing out that Roberson has, in fact, played poorly thus far. Despite some observations to the contrary.
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I was cutting the guy some slack
I haven’t been overly impressed with any of the corners, I miss Jeremy Brown, but I am not sure he is really that much better than these guys. Obviously Muschamp sees something in Roberson, enough to put him on the far side, where he is on more of an island than the near side.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
Might be time to change that. We’ll know more after two weeks though.
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It's all relative.
Has he actually been better than Riggs? Maybe not, but Riggs is supposed to be better than a true freshman, especially by now.
I haven’t noticed Pop Saunders much, which is generally a good thing when you’re talking about DBs.
Because if it's about Brantley going in the ocean, the answer is "No."
Always a good thing.
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I think he's played exceptionally well.
Remember how Haden looked as a true freshman early? Roberson has been better so far. He’s had a few times he’s been confused, but that is mostly due to the constant switching between cover zone and man. He’s still very much learning, but has been more consistent than any other CB so far. I don’t think he’s been an All-SEC pick, but for being 4 games into his career, I’ll more than take it. He and Elam are the only 2 that should be put down as starters in pen so far.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 2:35 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions 1 recs
You and I are going to have to just agree to disagree.
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Nope.
You’re wrong.
/don’t you know how this works by now?
//kidding
///but seriously, I’m right
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 2:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Fine. But I maintain that the translation was lost years ago.
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Consistency
The only two ways Roberson is consistent are: consistently penalized and consistently out of position. He has shown a lot of promise and may be further along than Hayden/Jenkins/etc. but the point is good for a freshman doesn’t make you good. He’s got a ways to go but he looks like he’ll be very good in a few years. Unfortunately that wont help much this year. But totally agree that Elam had been good.
by GatorJustin on Sep 27, 2011 4:48 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Well said.
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If that's the case than the entire set of CBs is in big trouble because he's been the best of the bunch.
Maybe I’m watching him differently, but I wouldn’t come close to saying consistently out of position. Again, maybe I’m seeing it differently, but if he’s struggling that much than I’d hate to think what you all think of Watkins, Riggs, etc. By the sounds of it, this is by far the worst unit on the team if Roberson is that far off of playing well.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Least Experienced
Worst is rough but least experienced I would agree with. My point is the secondary (specifically the corners) are playing young and while they may be good next year and beyond they aren’t there right now. But like I said on another post, I think penalties/discipline/secondary are our biggest problems. However, I still think we are a top 10 team. I also don’t think bama or lsu has the passing offense to really exploit it like an Arkansas would.
by GatorJustin on Sep 27, 2011 7:11 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
I can agree with that.
Just know I woke up feeling a little more confident than I do now!
Kidding. But seriously, you are right on that. They are the least experienced. It’s a shame Brown can’t get on the field and a shame that Riggs hasn’t taken the next step. Maybe he has a great season ahead of him, but I really thought he would take a leap forward to start this season.
Like you said, the QBs aren’t much to worry about, but the CBs still has to step up their game. They have to let McCarron be McCarron and not look like an All-SEC QB against them.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
One positive about our secondary is they tackle well (knocks on wood). Could really help with a team like Bama or LSU. I think we have a great shot at splitting the next two games. We always play LSU close and they can be beat with playmakers, which we have.
by GatorJustin on Sep 27, 2011 8:06 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m also an armchair qb so my opinion is probably a little bit more informed than my dog’s so who knows, I could be totally wrong. Muschamp seems encouraged with their play.
by GatorJustin on Sep 27, 2011 8:15 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
They have to let McCarron be McCarron and not look like an All-SEC QB against them.
Here’s hoping the DL helps out.
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Riggs hasn’t nearly been as good as I had hoped he was. Watkins has been a pleasant surprise.
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My arm hurts
I have been doing so many.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
our run game is excellent too.
But with our lighter backs I’m not sure how well it will work against a stout defense like bama’s
by kujo24 on Sep 27, 2011 2:18 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
This game was about cleaning up mistakes
and what I was most impressed with was the lack of penalties. So Bravo Coach Boom you hopefully accomplished what you set out to do against UK and that was clean up the mistakes from the previous games.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
By itself, cleaning up the penalties I really don't care too much about
However, doing so while still nabbing turnovers is damned impressive.
I witnessed the Kentucky - Western Kentucky derpfest of '11 and survived to tell the tale
You're like a minature budda
That totally completed my point.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
Yeah, yeah
but what about the really important question: what uniform combination do we trot out?
The all blues might get the nod. They do look fantastic under the lights.
Because if it's about Brantley going in the ocean, the answer is "No."
Against Bama...
1966 throwbacks. Hey, it worked once.
Definitely NOT the pro combat helmet from 2 seasons ago.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 2:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If it is the all orange, I’m tempted to say that I want all the coaches fired and all players (except for Matt Elam) to never be allowed to play for Florida again.
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At last we agree
If you want to pull out the orange for the UAB, FAU, and Furman’s of the world just once a season, fine, I can live with it even if I don’t like it. Don’t damn do it for a real game.
I witnessed the Kentucky - Western Kentucky derpfest of '11 and survived to tell the tale
This is Pulitzer material. Fantastic.
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Blue tops/white bottoms
Don’t mess with a good thing!
by GatorJustin on Sep 27, 2011 4:51 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Exactly. Works for me.
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No orange jerseys please.
Just the orange Workaholics background that has been on this site all day is enough for me.
by The Bull Gator on Sep 27, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I noticed that as well. They’ve also added words that show us where the subject lines and comment section are in the reply box.
Like we didn’t already know that and/or new posters couldn’t figure that through common sense.
Ugh. SB Nation would be better off getting rid of the subject line anyway and make it in use only for pictures, gifs…etc. That way you can minimize it if needed. Which is the only use for it anyway.
Editor at Alligator Army - The Florida Gators Blog
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Coat has been hanged
don’t ever expect to change his opinion on those Orange tops.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
"Real game"
What does that mean, though?
by Andy Hutchins on Sep 28, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually like the orange jerseys.
But I’m brash like that. I wouldn’t dare bring them out for this game, though.
Blue/blue is my favorite, but we have a deceptively poor record in them (if you give any credence to such silliness). Blue/white is always good.
Because if it's about Brantley going in the ocean, the answer is "No."
I like the Orange tops too
I’d never pair them with orange bottoms, but I don’t think we use them for this game either. I like the option to use those against, say Kentucky and other lower tiered teams.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
I say Kentucky because their colors are similar to Florida's
with the exception of Orange, so wearing Orange against UK makes sense. Which is why I was kind of shocked we didn’t see the orange pants this past Saturday.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
All Blues!
This is reminiscent of the 90s when the OHBC was in charge. He seemed to trot those out for the big games quite frequently. part of the reason I love them so much.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Everyone just relax, all right? Believe me, if there's one thing Charlie Weis knows, it's quarter-pounders, I mean quarterbacks.
Coach Boom: I don't know, Cheesey.
Cheeseburger Charlie: Guess what, I do. I know that one day Brantley is gonna to get picked in the top of a draft, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And they will tour the countryside and those who doubted won't be invited.
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