Where was this team for the first 7 games?

We were a wet paper bag on defense against even the weakest. Not so much now. But we would still surely struggle against the strongest we have played.

 

Or for the conspiracy folks, what if his whole reason for leaving Georgia for us was to sow dissent?

 

That's quite a stretch.
We lost the Ky game due to gifting the Cats 14 pts on 2 terrible QB decisions. Nothing else was even close.
Thankfully, things have improved since then.

 

I really respect your post. Your points are valid. Looking back I believe that the Gator coaching staff and the team had a big learning curve to get over. This learning curve does not get accomplished in a spring practice and the first six games of a season. It takes time to get everyone on the same page and to get malcontents out of the way.

I personally believe that the coaching staff learned enough in the first six games on who were the ballers and who were not. They coached up the players when and were needed and finally turned them loose at the TAM game. What we are seeing now is a team that is growing in confidence and doin what you requested. The coaches cut the leashes and let the Gator D loose.

 

Yes, AR was rough Saturday. I see no way he is ready for the NFL.

 

One thing I did notice is that Kitna seems to be really good at hitting those seam passes up the middle. He did it on Saturday and he did it successfully in the other game he came in when AR got hurt.

 

To me this is one of the most impressive turn arounds. Historically, we have been one of if not THEE most penalized team in the SEC. Didn't matter who the coach was. So I like this trend.

 

I noticed our offensive line blowing holes in their defense line big enough to give ETN an 85 yard TD scamper.

 

Kitna?
Has he played any meaningful snaps before this last game?
I think he was in for one play when AR got dinged weeks ago. He may be a good guy but he has had zero to do with the results this year.

 

Or the fact that we have played more press and been more aggressive on 3rd down the last 6 quarters.

 

Where was this team for the first 7 games?

Under construction.

 

We played two poor offenses in a row. We played a&m without their starting quarterback and the next week they put up 10 against auburn. South Carolina was down to their 3rd string tailback.

 

Leadrship on the field.
This was a talented D that a year ago was so micromanaged, they couldn't line up wihout watching the sideline.
They are coming into their own.

 

It’s a big ten 6 and 4. What I mean by that is all homecoming opponents for the opv games than stole a couple from weak conference teams.

 

Pat Dooley will be plagiarizing this list.

 

and playing top 10-15 teams

 

My wife says the same thing . She much rather work with guys .

 

Damn that was a scolding!!!

 

You said Vandy first yet gave us a game plan for FSU.

 

How is it a stretch? The sample size is large. The production difference is consistent and massive. Early season RB rotation sacrificed hundreds of yards. The YPC differential speaks for itself. And getting 2-4 more per carry = first downs = more plays = more yards.