Florida went to Nashville over the weekend and returned home with the SEC East championship. This Gator football team is starting to look a lot like that 1996 Florida national championship team with their explosive offense, consistently good defense and exceptional special teams.
Florida has had a remarkable five game stretch that has captured the attention of everyone around the country. A month ago Urban Meyer told everyone he really like this team, and I think now we all know why. Florida still has some major obstacles to get to where they want to be, but the first goal has been achieved and that is the trip to Atlanta to play for the Southeastern Conference championship.
Against Vanderbilt we saw what happens when a team decides to try and take away Florida’s tailbacks in the run game. That opened things up for Tim Tebow, who was very effective running the option, showing the kind of power and speed we saw in 2007. Vandy was the first team Florida has faced whose game plan was to make Tebow beat them with his legs and he responded with 88 yards and two touchdowns. Tebow was also very sharp out of the gate in the passing game. Behind good protection of the offensive line he completed 5-5 and a touchdown in the first quarter. Florida’s offense came out very sharp and made sure this was not going to be an upset night in Nashville.
Defensively the Gators continued their dominance in the first half by shutting out the Commodores. I continue to be impressed with Florida’s “no-name” defensive tackles. Terron Sanders and Lawrence Marsh have provided Brandon Spikes with room to roam and that is why he is making so many plays on defense this season. UF has allowed just two touchdowns in the first half the entire season. That’s good coaching and preparation on the defensive side of the ball. Vandy’s offense has struggled all season and the Gators made sure they never got untracked. The key to winning on the road is three and outs and UF started strong once again.
Florida blocked two more punts against Vanderbilt giving them five for the year and tying the 2006 team for most blocked punts under Urban Meyer. The fact that Carlos Dunlap got two is impressive. Meyer did not think this was a great week to block punts because of the rugby style kick is tough to get to. But the effort and pride on special teams showed that no matter what style a team punts with, the Gators can get one. UF has now blocked seven punts under Urban Meyer on an opposing team’s first possession. That can swing momentum in the Gators favor and energize it’s football team.
RANDOM THOUGHTS: Percy Harvin’s fumble at the goal line was a terrible call. I cannot believe instant replay did not over rule the call on the field. Heck, I thought it was a touchdown, at worst he was down. Maybe they felt sorry for Vanderbilt, but it was the wrong call. It was obvious to me Florida was trying to keep Percy Harvin’s touchdown streak alive … Dan Mullen did a nice job of spreading the wealth on offense. The Gators’ ability to get everybody involved in the offense will make UF impossible to defend over the next month … Ryan Stamper had a real active night, and Dustin Doe seems to be quicker after the surgery, giving the Gators quality play at the linebacker spot … UF averaged 7.2 yards per play … The catch by Aaron Hernandez at the goal line was a terrific throw and reception … South Carolina will provide a good test this week for two reasons. First, the Gamecocks might have the best defense that UF will face all season and secondly, Spurrier will coach them hard this week. I don’t think they can win, but the Gators must continue to focus on one game at time and take care of the football. Florida is playing so well that really the only way they can lose is if they help the opponents by turning the ball over and making silly mistakes. The key versus South Carolina is to avoid self inflicted wounds and stay motivated for a big game this week.
FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS:
UF’s defense is fourth in the nation in scoring defense and 17th in the country versus the pass.
Florida has outscored its opponents 80-0 in the first quarter of the last four games.
UF is fourth in the nation in turnover margin at +13.
Only five teams have punted less this season than the Florida Gators.
The Gators have only trailed in one game this season.
Florida is winning by an average margin of 31 points per game.
Over the last month Florida has averaged 51.3 points per game.
Florida’s offense has had just four 3 and outs in the last 19 quarters.
14 of the last 15 trips into the red zone have resulted in touchdowns for the Gator offense.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Steve Spurrier has done a nice job with the Gamecocks. I had left them for dead following a tough losses to Vanderbilt and Georgia. South Carolina has hung in there and there only loss came late in the fourth quarter to LSU. They have a tough defense and an improving passing game on offense. The mobility of Stephen Garcia will help them against Florida … UF has not been a great four man pressure team this year, so I expect some blitzes for Charlie Strong’s unit. South Carolina only gives up 15.6 points per game, which is very good. They are a tough defense to drive consistently on, so I expect a big challenge for the offense this week … Kenny McKinley is a terrific receiver and Cook is a tough match-up at tight end. I think both teams will be motivated and Florida cannot revert to its Ole Miss personality or it could be a tough game. It would be hard for me to see that happening with this team and Florida should be able to grind out a big victory.