The sun is orange and the sky is blue – at least for a few days.
It’s greater to be a Florida Gator than it was a week ago. Florida might not be fully back, but the Gators aren’t dead. They are not a doormat. They are not below-average. They are decent.
By Matt Zemek
They have a higher ceiling than previously observed. They can make something of their season. They can rise to a greater height and, with continued development throughout the roster, make some legitimate noise in the SEC East. This is not where Florida expects to be, because the expectations are and should be much higher in Gainesville. This is not where Florida wants to be, because losing to Kentucky means the Gators remain behind schedule in terms of their 2018 aspirations. However, an emphatic thumping of Tennessee in Knoxville, silencing Neyland Stadium, gives Gator fans everywhere one of the sweet tastes any season can bring. With September not yet over and the season still rich with possibilities, Florida is not consigned to mediocrity. No, the Gators showed against the Vols that they can legitimately become a force – not on the level of Georgia, but possibly on the level of South Carolina and Kentucky, which would give this team a shot at finishing second in the division and getting a good bowl at the end of 12 games.
Let’s see if Florida can keep the momentum going against Mississippi State. Consolidating last week’s gains would represent an important growth point for the 2018 Gators.
1 – DELIGHT ON THE D-LINE
The cornerstone of a winning Florida performance in this game will come from the Gators’ defensive line. They saw on film study how thoroughly Kentucky’s defensive front pounded and outworked Mississippi State’s offensive line. The Gators – with power and speed – can overwhelm the men assigned to protect quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Mississippi State might have a crafty quarterback and a clever coach, Joe Moorhead, but Kentucky showed that no plan will work when an offensive line gets demolished. Florida will win this game if its defensive line demolishes MSU’s offensive front.
2 – DO IT YOURSELF
The Gators can always use takeaways and short fields with their offense not being in high gear. They pounced on Tennessee mistakes to grab a big first-quarter lead and set the tone they wanted for last Saturday’s game in Knoxville. Florida would love to replicate that formula against Mississippi State, but let’s be realistic: Is that going to happen on a relentlessly consistent basis? Obviously, a defense needs to be opportunistic and claw out a ball when the chance presents itself, then pouncing on the fumble. Obviously, a defense needs to get hands in passing lanes or execute a tip drill when the moment arises, but if the opponent plays a clean game, can Florida’s offense excel without short fields? Dan Mullen has to impart that point to his offense. Will UF be ready if this scenario emerges on Saturday?
3 – EXPECT ADJUSTMENTS
The Mississippi State offense will try to protect Nick Fitzgerald after the quarterback was blasted by Kentucky. How will MSU adjust? Mullen and his defensive staff need to have their players ready to anticipate what the Bulldogs will do in response to the Kentucky debacle.
Be the first to comment