For the third game in a row, the Florida Gators will play against one of the better rushing teams in the country. This time, they'll be tasked with stopping sophomore Michael Dyer and the Auburn Tigers. Dyer is averaging over 100 yards a game, and has eight touchdowns. Auburn as a team, is ranked 27th in the country in rushing and averaging 204 yards per game as a team.
The Gators give up an average of 115 yards per game on the ground, 32nd nationally. Dyer and the Auburn rushing attack is the third (of four, or maybe five, if you count Georgia) potent rushing attack the Gators will face this year.
Maybe the third time is the charm right?
Play No. 1: Michael Dyer 35-yard touchdown run against Mississippi State:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Simple handoff from the quarterback to Dyer. The right side of the offensive line does a very good job of creating a seam for Dyer to run through. From there, it is all about speed and Dyer has enough of that.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Right in the middle of the seam. Very good job blocking by the Auburn offensive line, even the left guard who pulled over to block the edge rusher.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Another reason why Dyer scares me: He is good at making tacklers miss, something the Gators do without any help from the running back.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Another missed tackle, though this one was more about speed, so I'll say a half missed tackle. You know, because it makes me feel better about facing Auburn.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Dyer possesses more than enough speed to get by the safeties. Taking the proper angles to counteract that is critical. Are you listening, Josh Evans?
Play No. 2: Michael Dyer's 45-yard run against Clemson:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
This is basically the same play. The only difference this time is that both of the guards are going to release from the line and run to get the lead blocks out on the right.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Look at the blocking right here. A far less talented back could get major yardage here. Winning the edge is key against Auburn.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Dyer unleashes a massive stiff-arm that is going to spring him for an extra 30 yards. Going to have to watch out for that as well, Mr. Evans.
Play No. 3: Dyer's 55-yard touchdown run against Arkansas:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
You know what's funny? Like every single one of Dyer's touchdown runs that I've seen on video have come out of the shotgun formation and they are run to the right. Hmmm. Makes you think, doesn't it?
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Look at the blocking by the Auburn offensive line again. This time a wide receiver is even getting into the act with two great blocks. He has just completed his block on the cornerback and is now going to block out the safety.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
There is the block on the safety. Dyer uses his speed to win the battle on the edge and is off to the races.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Nobody is going to catch him.
The Gators, as mentioned above, are going to be facing their third big-time running back in as many games. There are no possible excuses for poor preparation now. It is either going to be on the coaches for picking the wrong scheme or the players for not executing the right one. We'll be able to tell rather quickly, if things don't work out, who is to blame.
My gut feeling is that the Gators are going to struggle either early or late against the run. But I'm hoping for the best. Dan Quinn, it is your turn to show us what you've got.