Florida turns its attention to rival Florida State this week after some fine tuning in the win against The Citadel. Florida reached the ten win mark last week, earning a chance to join the 1995-96 and 2006 teams with at least 11 regular season victories. A win also this week would give the Gators there first five-game win streak against the Seminoles since the six game streak from 1981-1986. Thanks to Oklahoma’s big win over Texas Tech last week, the Gators are in even better shape to play for the national championship but to get to the title game, they have to play on edge against the upset-minded Seminoles.
Florida’s secondary has been the most improved unit in the country. A year ago they were picked on and thrown at constantly. Florida has had 20 interceptions this season to stand second in the country and eight of them have come against top 25 opponents. Florida has 42 PBRs (Pass Break Ups) on the season with Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins each with seven apiece. What could be interesting is if Florida plays for the national championship against either Oklahoma or Texas would they be able to get 300 yards passing against Florida? No team has done that all season against UF’s secondary.
Offensively, Percy Harvin was able to keep his touchdown streak going and with Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree held out of the end zone last week, Harvin has the longest one in the country. Percy has scored a touchdown in 13 consecutive games.
Florida continues a great season of ball security with the Ole Miss game being the low light. In five of the eleven games the Gators have played this season they haven’t committed a turnover.
Florida’s run game has been very good the last two months and they lead the country with 12 rushing touchdowns versus ranked opponents. Florida is averaging 7.3 yards per play which is up from last season’s record pace of 7.0 yards per play.
Florida State is coming off a big win on the road at Maryland. With some luck the Noles could be in the ACC title game in Tampa. This is a game that FSU can let it all hang out with nothing to lose. It’s a non-conference game, they are at home, they have improved there record from last year to this year and they seem to be headed in a positive direction. They will be heavy underdogs so there is no pressure on them in a rivalry game, because no one expects them to win. This can be a dangerous formula if Florida is not focused on the task at hand.
FSU is still solid on defense with great speed and a defensive end that is playing as well as anyone in the country. Everette Brown is making himself a name with NFL scouts and he should provide a stiff challenge for the Gator offensive tackles. Florida State’s offense is pretty vanilla as they have been at their best when they can insulate quarterback Christian Ponder. I would bet Jimbo Fisher will have some trick plays early in the game, but their bread and butter has been the zone play in the run game and quick screens or bubble screens in the pass game. Ponder is a lot like Jevan Snead, but not as strong of an arm. Ponder is mobile enough to keep you honest and has a little toughness about him.
Urban Meyer’s team has not lost on the road this season. His team has shown the maturity to go on the road and treat it like a business trip. This week he will really need to motivate, because when the kids see the video they are not going to be impressed with FSU. I know it’s a rivalry game, but UF players will need to be reminded of that so they don’t start thinking about number one Alabama.
Florida’s first team defense has not allowed a touchdown since the LSU game and that’s where they need to set the tone on Saturday. It’s a big game because with a win, it makes the SEC title game a de-facto BCS semi final game. And for all of us who love to see big games that is truly what we want to see.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING:
Florida is third in the country in scoring defense at 12 points per game.
Florida is ninth in the country in total defense.
Florida has scored 47 of 51 times in the red zone.
Florida’s defense has given up just 6 rushing touchdowns all season, fourth best in country.
UF leads the country in turnover margin at +18.
Florida leads the SEC in scoring offense, total offense and rushing offense.
UF has averaged 279 yards rushing per game in their last seven games.
Florida is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season, which would be a school record.
The last fourth quarter incompletion by Tim Tebow was in the Ole Miss game.
The Gator running backs have 13 runs over 30 yards this season, only three in 2007.
The Gator defense has had three interceptions or more in a game four times this season.