Florida Gators: 4 Keys for Beating the Georgia Bulldogs
By Terry Lane
Let’s face it, the Florida Gators are desperate for a win over their arch rival Georgia. Head coach Will Muschamp is desperate for a win over the Bulldogs. Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper is desperate for a win. Even Albert the Gator mascot is desperate for a win.
At 3-3, the Gators are coming off a heart-breaking loss to LSU and a demoralizing beatdown at the hands of Missouri. They’re 11 points underdog to the Bulldogs and deservedly so. For many Gator fans, this game seems hopeless. Georgia ranked 11 in the college football playoff poll and definitely have something to play for, as it’s easy to see how the ‘Dawgs could make the playoffs with a winning streak.
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Given all this, the Gators seem dead in the water. And yet, I have some confidence that the Gators can win this game. Why? Well, for starters, I’m a delusion Gator fan. so there’s that. But I also see how this Florida team could turn things around, starting with this game. But it won’t be easy. Here are some things that have to happen for the Gators to win this weekend against the Bulldogs.
Play Strong on First Down
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) works out prior to the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
This applies to both sides of the ball. Georgia won’t have star running back Todd Gurley, meaning freshman Nick Chubb will get the carries in an offense that relies on the running game. Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason is inexperienced and can be pressured. If he faces long yardage snaps on second and third down, the Gators can force Mason into throwing situations and capitalize on his inexperience.
On offense, Roper must find ways for the Gators to move the ball on first down. Giving freshman quarterback Treon Harris short-yardage situations on second and third down will give the Gators more options to explore the playbook and strike at a Georgia defense that is improved from the subpar unit it fielded last year.
Pound the Rock
Since the era of Spurrier, Gator fans are accustomed to big yardage from the passing game. But if they want to see touchdowns on Saturday, they should prepare themselves to see plenty of running. Just like the girl in your group trying to get into the club, the Gator offense lacks “identity.” Muschamp is building a team that relies on strong running and stout defense. But the Gators struggles have often forced them out of their game plan, with the Missouri game being a prime example of where their mistakes forced Florida out of what they want to do.
Throughout the season, the Gators have gotten production from a carousel of running backs, including Matt Jones, Kelvin Taylor, Mack Brown and dynamic freshman Brandon Powell. Muschamp will need to put them all to work — and early — in order to control the game, keep Georgia’s offense off of the field and wear down the Bulldog defenders.
Find The Playmakers
Most of the Gators problems, on both sides of the ball, can be reduced to a simple issue: mistakes. Missed assignments on defense let Alabama get big plays early. A dropped touchdown pass helped seal the Gators fate against LSU. And turnovers and special teams gaffes put the Gators hopelessly behind against Tigers. These self inflicted wounds are highlighted by the fact that at several times this season, the Gators have missed big opportunities.
In order to beat the Bulldogs, the Gators will have to get production from the playmakers. First on that list is receiver Demarcus Robinson, who has had big games but has also hampered the offense with unforced errors. Running back Powell, who is speedy when he gets the ball in space, must also find a way to move the balls for the Gators. Also, a big play or two from punt returner Andre Debose could help the Gator offense be successful by giving them a short field to work with.
Meeting at the QB
Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) breaks up the pass of Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Smith (25) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Gators have a strong defensive line, and in the end, they are the ones that have the best chance to win the game. On run defense, the Gators are second in the SEC and 12th in the nation and will need to hold the line against the powerful Georgia running game. But to secure a victory, the defensive line will need to also help the passing defense by putting pressure on the quarterback Mason.
So far, Mason has performed well in an offensive attack that has relied on Georgia’s run game. But his role is mainly that of “game manager,” and hasn’t thrown for 200 yards yet this season. The Gators have 17 sacks this season. If they can get to Mason and force him into bad throws, it could present an opportunity for cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, III and the rest of the secondary to create turnovers and opportunities for an offense that needs them.
Beating Georgia will take a masterful performance from an underachieving team. But all of the pieces are there for a Gator team that’s both desperate and hungry for a signature win for their coach.