A Preview: Appalachian State Mountaineers at Florida Gators
I know what you’re thinking. The images in your head are those of Appalachian State upsetting Michigan a few years ago. The Mountaineers weren’t a bad team, but weren’t supposed to put up much of a fight against the Wolverines. They came away with the win and were suddenly the talk of the nation. That game alone probably resulted in Dexter Jackson gaining national attention. Enough so that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasted a second-round draft pick on the wide receiver/kick returner who turned out to be deathly afraid of getting tackled. But enough of my disgust for certain personnel moves the Bucs have made in recent years.
This time around, Appalachian State gets a Florida team that is extremely vulnerable. A Gator team that has put up seven or less offensive points three times this season. If it weren’t for an opening kickoff return touchdown by Andre Debose, last week’s loss to South Carolina would have been that much worse. Florida has little to play for other than pride. In a sport with such a high turnover of players, I rarely subscribe to the belief that ending a season strong carries over to the next season. Because of that, the Gators don’t need to do it for 2011; they need to do it to salvage whatever is left of 2010. And yes, that means not overlooking the Mountaineers.
Before you immediately dismiss this FCS opponent, realize this is a good team. A great program historically. They will put up a fight. And I have to admit, I’m more than a little nervous. Appalachian State is consistently one of the better FCS teams. They are a high-ranked opponent with the ability to put points on the board. And that’s where you too should be nervous. Florida has had its struggles scoring throughout the season. A game they could win on talent and ability alone could end up close because of a lack of execution. For most, there is one game left on the schedule – FSU. For those paying attention, there’s Appalachian State.
I’m not saying it will happen and I would actually take the Gators if asked, but we’ve seen it happen before. If there is any season during which Florida could falter against a team of the Mountaineers’ stature, it’s this one.
Your guess is as good as mine about what we’ll see in this game. After a win over Vanderbilt, I’m sure we all expected to see a three-headed quarterback from that point on. While we did see it at times during the loss to South Carolina, it became mostly the John Brantley show. Jordan Reed threw the ball only seven times and Trey Burton only ran it once. Again, I’m not a big supporter of the multiple-QB system, but if it’s all you have working for you, you might as well stick with it. Urban Meyer has said all three quarterbacks will play, but it’s anyone’s guess as to how much.
If I had it my way – and we all know I don’t – I would do my best to establish the running game. Don’t give up on it early if it isn’t working. Get the hard-fought yards, but also work the outside. The Gators beat the Mountaineers in one definite area – athleticism. Chris Rainey and a healthy Jeff Demps should be able to have career days IF the offensive line gives them room to run. But if they don’t get off to a quick start, don’t immediately go to the air. The air hasn’t been kind to Florida this season. The run game may be the key to the final few games.
For the Florida defense, this is a pride game as well. After Marcus Lattimore…wait a second, yes, he just got another carry…ran all over and through the Gator defense, the unit wants to reclaim its dominance. A turnover machine for parts of the season, the Florida defense has the ability to be one of the best in the nation. Unfortunately, new schemes and odd play calling have the defense looking pedestrian when they never should. Giving up too much to a FCS team would be the nail in the coffin. Expect the seniors – led by Ahmad Black – to take the Gators out on a high note. This is the last home game for Black and crew. After some rough outcomes at home, the defense will want to do everything in their power to take back control of The Swamp.
I’ll end with something we don’t say around these parts. We usually leave it out of the discussion because in college football every game is one of these. But when your season has taken a nosedive and you’re just trying to get yourself up off the mat, it’s appropriate. Must win.