Chompin' at the Bit - Vol. 3

By: Blair McLendon 

Week 1 Recap

Coming off of a subpar and underwhelming performance in our season opener, the newly unranked Gators did get the win over UMass 24-7. Clearly I was off in my prediction in how much we would score. I kept thinking the entire game that a joke was being played on us. The offense let us all down... Again. I expected points! It was a tough day for the offensive line, as they struggled holding the line of scrimmage many times causing havoc in our backfield. I wish I could blame the rain on how we played on offense overall, but I can't.

RB Jordan Scarlett - Photo Cred: gatorcountry.com

I thought we saw pretty decent play by QB Luke Del Rio in his first start, making some solid decisions and being efficient when he had time to throw. I would like to see him go through his reads a little longer before making the check down throw. RB Jordan Scarlett played a really good game for us. I am hoping he continues to get the bulk of the carries, as I think he is the back most likely to take it to the crib at any time. We also saw flashes of how good our receiving core could be. Losing WR Dre Massey to a season-ending knee injury does hurt, however we do get electric freshmen WRs Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells back this week. The bottom line is if the O-line doesn't get better, none of this matters because we will not be able to run, nor throw against better teams.

Defense played stingy as always, although they did give up three big plays. Overall, great game as they held UMass to 1/11 on 3rd downs and 187 yards total. Our front seven was everything that I expected. The D-line is ridiculous and have some beasts out there for sure! Then you have two of the best LBs in the country, in Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone. A+ in that department, guys! Now the secondary on the other hand... Kinda shaky at times. Definitely looking forward to CB Teez Tabor coming back this week and shoring up the side opposite Quincy Wilson. Pretty solid play on special teams as well. It feels so good to know we have a kicker again! Thank you, Eddy and thank you, Lord!

 

Week 2 Preview - Kentucky vs. Florida 

This week the Gators take on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, who are coming off of a loss to Southern Miss last week in their opener. The Gators come in looking to extend their current 29 game win streak over the Cats (longest streak in the nation against an annual opponent). Florida leads the all-time series between the schools 49-17.

Offense
Expect an expanded playbook this week. Last week we clearly saw a limited selection in the plays we ran, but with this being an SEC game, you will see a lot more of what we are capable of looking like going forward. Again.. If the O-line doesn't play better, all expectations should be thrown out of the window because we won't win many games. After last week's showing, RB Jordan Scarlett should get the bulk of the carries, but it will be interesting to see how much the other backs will play with this being a conference game where you could benefit from the continuity of featuring one guy, spelling him when needed. It will be nice to see what the receiving core, including TEs, bring this week. Hopefully they step up and make some plays.

Defense
Kentucky likes to pass the ball so this will be a good opportunity to test out how good DBU really is. Again, with Teez back in the lineup we should look a lot better as a defensive unit so I am not concerned. Hopefully we actually force a few turnovers this week. Our front seven will have plenty of opportunities to impose their will on inexperienced Soph. UK QB Drew Barker and he should be under duress a lot. The LB core will be another position group to pay attention to. With LB Daniel McMillian out a few weeks with a high ankle sprain, you will see a couple new faces in Soph. Kylan Johnson and Fr. David Reese and Jeremiah Moon.

Defenders Nick Washington, Teez Tabor, Jarrad Davis -  Photo Cred: gatorcountry.com

Final Prediction: Florida over Kentucky (2-0) (until I see consistency from the offense, I can't even embarrass myself by predicting any more scores)


Enjoy the weekend. Go Gators!