Game Preview: Florida Gators @ Kentucky Wildcats – 6:00
Is this the defining game for
Florida
? It’s hard to tell, but after last week’s win that wasn’t enough for most people, it sure seems that way. If the Gators come out and do anything similar to what they did to
Kentucky
last season, suddenly faith is restored and the #1 team is truly the #1 team. If the offense struggles and just does what it needs to do and nothing more, then the questions will keep coming. Anyway, here are 10 things I’d like to see today…
1. A convincing win. Last week I wanted a blowout. It didn’t happen, but it’s time to move on. That game is in the rearview mirror. So this week, I’m not calling for an absolute annihilation. I don’t need a 58-point win like last season. Something in the 35-7 range would be good. 45-17? Sure. Just get out there and get it done. It doesn’t need to flashy, but it damn sure can’t be ugly either.
2. Less Tim Tebow. That sounds blasphemous, but Tebow shouldn’t be carrying to ball 20+ times a game. He shouldn’t. Florida has too many weapons to be putting Tebow in that situation. There are other options. Use them. Which brings me to…
3. PLAY EMMANUEL MOODY! There’s news Tebow wasn’t feeling well and traveled to Kentucky on a plane with Major Wright and Joe Haden in order to pay special attention to the players with flu-like symptoms. It appears as if it’s not serious, but let’s use the other “power” back. It’s time to get Moody involved. 10-12 carries. Blocking in the backfield. Set up the outside runs by the speed backs by pounding away with Moody down the middle.
4. A receiver stepping up. Deonte Thompson isn’t 100%. Riley Cooper still struggles with foot problems. We might not see Carl Moore all season. So give one of the other receivers a shot. Let’s see Frankie Hammond show the speed he did in fall practice. Get the ball to Omarius Hines over the middle. Keep throwing to David Nelson and let him make plays. Basically, stop complaining about a lack of depth at receiver and use the ones you have. It’ll be much harder to work these guys into the first-team offense a month from now. It’s time today.
5. Stop the blitz. The offensive line has been less than spectacular this season, but part of it has to do with blitzing defenses. The linemen may have their assignments, but there’s very rarely anyone in the backfield to block blitzing defenders. Something needs to change to give Tebow more time than he had against Tennessee.
6. Stay focused. You never know what can happen when you go on the road. Never. Stranger things have happened than a conference road loss. The Gators need to stay focused from the second they enter that stadium until the final whistle. Florida is the #1 team in the nation. It’s time to take that ranking on the road and come home with a convincing win.
7. Blitz. This is a good defense. This is a great defense. Charlie Strong has created a disciplined unit that thrives on the sure tackle and the turnover. Now let’s unleash them. Bring the heat and force Kentucky into mistakes. Playing it safe is all good and well, but Florida has the talent to bring the blitz and make something happen.
8. Big hits. A repeat from last week, but where’s the intensity? The biggest hits we’ve seen this season have been from Tebow on a defender, Janoris Jenkins on a teammate, and Steve Addazio on an unsuspecting Riley Cooper. Let’s see some excitement and some hits. Run the Wildcats over.
9. Special teams. A kick return. A punt return. A block. Anything. One of Florida’s biggest strengths needs to be seen.
10. The starters on the field. There are a number of players hurt or under the weather. There are a number of various reports about who has gotten better and who has not. I want to see a game with everyone going full speed and contributing. Get on the field and make it happen.