Gator Country

Florida Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has had plenty of reasons to smile through his squad's first three games -- especially in the second halves of their SEC contests. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

By Alex Gray

While it’s tough to distinguish which unit for the Gators is most responsible for the team’s patented second-half revivals, it’s hard not to give just the slightest of nods to the Florida defense. After giving up a combined 31 points in the first half of the games against Texas A&M and Tennessee, the unit clamped down to hold A&M scoreless in the second half and allowed just one third quarter score by Tennessee. The astonishing second half turnarounds that have resulted in a grand total of six points for Florida’s last two opponents in the final periods have also been highlighted by increased quarterback pressures and seemingly better coverage from its defensive backs. For a defense that is not at full strength, the high level that they have been able to play at over the past couple of weeks has to be a direct result of what appears to be a tremendous coaching job from Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn, as well as strong input from the Gators’ defensive-minded head coach, Will Muschamp.

This weekend, against upset-minded Kentucky, the Gators will be facing a drop-off in terms of talent compared to what they’ve seen the past two weeks, but will not be overlooking the Wildcats despite beating them 25 consecutive times. On Wednesday Dan Quinn spoke with the media about his team and what has allowed the Gators’ “D” to be so successful this season.

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