The Defense: Florida Gators 39 – UAB Blazers 0
You’ve read about the offensive performance in the 39-0 win over UAB,now on to how the Florida defensedid.
On November 18, 2006, Florida defeated Western Carolina 62-0. It was the last time the Gators’ defenseshut out an opponent. In the nearly five years since then, Florida has won twonational titles, gone 13-1 three times, and seen a coaching change. That lastone brought some changes to the defense, which was expected the minute Will Muschamp was announced as the nexthead coach. So far, so good. After a 39-0 win over UAB, Florida’s defense hasnow accumulated the following impressive statistics: 3 total points allowed,349 total yards allowed, 3.2 yards per play allowed, only three third-downconversions allowed in 23 attempts, and only allowed opposing offenses into thered zone twice. Again, so far, so good.
The biggest story of the defensive line early in the 2011season has been the absence of defensive end/tackle Sharrif Floyd. The all-world recruit had a bumpy start to hisFlorida career, but started to come on toward the end of the 2010 season.Expected to be a key part of the Gators’ defense this season, Floyd missed thefirst two games for “violating” NCAArules. If he had to miss any games, these are the two you would probably want,but his absence was more evident against UAB than it was against FAU. Againstthe Owls, the defensive line totaled six and a half tackles for loss. Againstthe Blazers, two. Against FAU, two sacks. Against UAB, none. That’s not to sayFloyd makes all the difference in the world, but he certainly will make some.This is a very talented defensive line that needs to stop the run and putpressure on the quarterback. With the players the Gators have on the roster,pressure should come easily against lesser opponents. Against SEC offensivelines it will be harder to come by. Floyd’s return could spark something.Scratch that; Floyd’s return needs to spark something. The defensive line hasplayed well, but has yet to be dominant. Sooner or later, they will need to be.
The linebackers were in a similar situation as the defensiveline and finished with only one tackle for loss after totaling three againstFAU. The Gators were led by Jon Bosticwho had five total tackles and is quickly becoming a leader on the field.Bostic is a hard hitter who nearly destroyed a Blazer or two, but they droppedpasses right before getting to him (which was very good for them, very good).Tackle numbers aren’t all that impressive yet for the linebackers, but that’sbecause Florida was still in a heavy rotation. Due to that, you won’t seeanyone with 10+ tackles just yet, but you will get to see plenty of field timefor the backups. Two to continue to watch are Darrin Kitchens and MichaelTaylor who have looked good in limited time. Overall, the linebackers arevisible again and that’s a great thing.
At times, coverage was a little soft and allowed UAB toconvert some nice plays. It was a bend, don’t break zone being run by theGators’ secondary that allowed the Blazers to put a nice play or two together;however, Florida only allowed 141 yards and didn’t allow a pass completion oflonger than 24 yards (not counting the UAB touchdown that was called back dueto penalty). The secondary is playing good enough, but still needs all of thepositions locked down. The starters in this one (yes, there were five) were Matt Elam, Josh Evans, Cody Riggs, Marcus Roberson and De’Ante Saunders. Elam and Robersonseem to be the mainstays and both played well. Elam forced a fumble andRoberson recovered one – the Gators only forced turnover so far this season –but the other positions are still up in the air. A lot of players have had goodmoments, but a lot have also had struggles. On the plus side, the struggles havebeen minimal. The coaching staff will surely be watching tape all weekend todetermine who will get the most time against Tennessee.
Like the offense, the defense is a work in progress and sofar we should all choose to be happy. After two games, the Gators have given upthree points. After two in 2010, that was 26 points. In 2009, nine. 2008, 13.2007, 34 (including 31 to Troy).2006, 7. You get the point. And just in case you don’t, the last time Floridaallowed three or less total points in their first two games: 1933 after a 28-0win over Stetson and a 31-0 victoryover Sewanee (Side Historical Note: The Gators would post shut outs in their nexttwo games that season as well).
Offense and defensedown. Special teams and final thoughts to come.