Florida football: Are the Gators where they should be after Week 2?
I know it has only been two games, but as we head into SEC competition lets take a few moments to see if Florida football is where it should be at this time of year.
As always there was a lot of anticipation for this season to start.
After the year they had last season and starting off pre-season ranked No. 8, the expectations are high.
Florida football rivalry
Week 0 started off the season against the Miami Hurricanes. After all the hype of the off-season, the record-breaking spring game the time had come to play a real game.
They went into Camping World Stadium in Orlando looking to go hard at Miami and get bragging rights for the state.
They won the game, but there seem to be some questions left. Franks’ start was not what many wanted to see. Truth is he went for 17 of 27 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. That’s not a bad day for any quarterback.
Could he improve? Of course, you can always improve and that’s how you grow.
The defense, on the other hand, had one of the best nights ever with a record 10 sacks in the game.
They had a bit of problem with the tackling but nothing that can not be fixed. Special teams, as well, was right where you would want them for game one.
UT-Martin and a step up
After a week off it was time to get back to work for Florida football.
This week they took on the University of Tennessee-Martin at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The season home opener and a night filled with future Gators on hand to watch the game, it was everything we wanted to see.
Florida Gators Football
The Gators offense was in high gear, and the improvement of Franks was evident as he was perfect on his first 15 attempts.
He finished with 25 of 27 for 270 yards and two touchdowns. That’s 524 yards and four TD’s on the year already. To me, you can not expect much more than that in the first two weeks for the passing game.
Same goes for the running game, in week two Lamical Perine ran 10 times for 51 yards. A total for the year as a group, they have run for 281 yards on 66 attempts. That a 4.3 average which is not a bad average at all.
The running game is the area on offense they may need to get going. They have ample talent, they have just been focused on the passing attack more the first two weeks.
The defense was at it again recording five sacks on the night. They look great as they also recorded a shutout. One of the only problems come in the form of injuries.
Unfortunately, that is just part of the game and really not a fixable thing.
Are they where they should be?
A simple answer, yes they are.
We have seen they have had great numbers in almost all categories. The offense and the defense both look good, special teams is rolling along nicely.
The first two weeks of the college football season should be to get ready for SEC play, and it was. They got the kinks out, Feleipe Franks is looking like an NFL quarterback, and the defense is, well another great Florida football defense.
Are they running at top speed? By no means as they will be getting even better. Players will get healthy and the play will always increase during SEC play.
But as far as after week two, Florida football is right where they need to be.