Previewing Florida at South Carolina: Checking in on the Gators' Defense
What is there left to say about the Gators defense? It's probably the best in the nation. Florida is first in pass efficiency defense, second in pass defense, first in scoring defense, second in total defense, and thirteenth in rushing defense. This is the best defense we'll play all year, and the way our offense is playing, it's hard for me to see us moving the ball well on these guys. Let's hope our coaches find some inspiration between now and Saturday.
Can we protect the ball? The Gators turnover margin rating has been devalued somewhat by the fact that their offense turns it over more than in years past. Don't be fooled. Aggressive play and turnovers are the hallmark of the Charlie Strong approach, and this defense is still one of the best around when it comes to creating turnovers. If we put the ball on the ground or if Stephen Garcia throws interceptions, we're toast. I will say that I have some confidence in this part of our game, so hopefully our guys can prove me right.
Can we run the ball? Will we, even if we can? It's not impossible to run the ball against Florida. Certainly, the Gators aren't reliving the 1996 Fiesta Bowl; their run defense is good. But considering that a handful of teams have been able to average around four ypc as well as that you're running some major risks throwing the ball too much, running the ball might be at least worth a shot. Sadly, I'm not at all confident that our coaching staff is willing to commit to doing that for more than a few first-half plays. It's a shame, because we have the best stable of running backs that we've had here in years.
0 recs |
6 comments
|
Comments
Why don't we ever stick to the run?
I really don’t like Saunders speaking out like that (shows internal problems) but I agree with what he said. Why does this team abandon the run for large stretches of time? I get that Garcia is a much better passer, but come on. Do they have that little faith in this offensive line?
--Robert
A Towers Alumnus
by a gamecock fan on Nov 9, 2009 4:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I agree 100%.
This team is capable of moving the ball consistently if they stick to the run and short passing game. That’s what we did against UGA, Ole Miss, etc. Ever since we discovered Alshon, though, all we want to do is throw it long as soon as we get close enough for Garcia to throw the fade. Don’t get me wrong: I love Alshon and Garcia’s progress. But that’s just one wrinkle, and it was never going to be our bread and butter.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.
This game brought to you by:

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina
by The Feathered Warrior on Nov 9, 2009 4:41 PM EST reply actions
Sounds like I might have to be stopping by your tailgate, FW.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.
You've got the right idea.
--Robert
A Towers Alumnus
by a gamecock fan on Nov 9, 2009 7:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Charlie Strong
It baffles me that we still have him as our DC. He must be the worst interview in history to have not secured a head coaching job by now. His field resume is beyond solid. Through 9 games this season, the Gators have only allowed 8 TDs. Of those, 2 were pick-6s scored against the offense and 2 more came after the Gator offense turned it over. On top of that, Brandon Spikes – the senior defensive captain missed nearly half the games with injuries and suspension from attempting to blind a guy.
I surely don’t expect a blowout in this one though – SOS will have added incentive to keep Corch Meyers from leading the Gators to an undefeated season, which is about the only thing Spurrier didn’t accomplish in Gainesville. I expect yet another defensive struggle, more sacks on Tebow, and more unimaginative calling by the Gators’ OC.

by 













