Last night's performance was the greatest validation that Napier IS the right coach for Florida and we all need to rally around and support him.
Going into last night - the past week consisted of "the sky and walls were falling" and claustrophobic thoughts were surrounding the Gator program. They put their heart and soul into the LSU game - especially with so many players and coaches having personal ties to Louisiana and to come up short was gut wretching. Then there was the pile on of recruiting decommits, all backed by a constant barrage of negativity by a vocal subsegment of the fan base who felt justified and entitled to keep rehashing the same point over and over to the detriment of the program's future of achieving Gator success now and tomorrow.
With this backdrop - it would've been no surprise and even expected to see this team fold last night (we've seen this playbook with the last 3 coaching change seasons). Having lost 3 in a row - they were playing on the road vs. the #9 team in the country, at night, in cold weather at a location that is the furthest outpost from Gainesville. The team was starting 3rd stringers at key positions and relying on true freshman to continue to take on more responsibility than what should be expected at this point in the season. This had all the makings of a 45-3 blowout that would've further shrank the closing walls.
Instead....
PRAISES:
> The team played inspired football - with the full intent to win. There was no quit. They responded after adversity. Were they perfect - no - far from it. were some consistent issues this season continue to persist - absolutely... However there is no singular doubt that this team is committed to play for Coach Napier and their teammates. This team gave it their all.
> Mertz - you know he was wearing #15 as he was channeling his Tebow Toughness yet again - and when he laid that can of whoop-A on Missouri - you just knew we were going to be victorious in the end. Tough way to go - but for someone unfairly maligned and labeled before stepping on campus - he has earned the respect of Gator Nation and will be a great leader and mentor for DJ next season. Wishing you the most speedy of recovery and a personal thanks for your contributions this season. Truly inspiring and deserves all accolades and recognition.
> Cam Jackson roach job on #7 rb. - the highlight of the Gator D - reminded of Spikes on Moreno and with Princely immediately getting the stop the next play - it felt momentum was there all the way until 4 & 17.
> Smack - came through in the clutch - so happy for him to convert on a game winning opportunity. (if he misses - game over)
> Max Brown - standing O... it was like watching Trask vs. KY - he gave Florida a new dynamic (and a taste of what DJ can do in this offense) The read options, his poise and confidence - back to back plays with K.Jackson - 4th down and going up top. Gave us every chance to win.
> The offensive line - after George's injury - looked more athletic and cohesive than first part of the game.
> Offensive scripted plays (beginning of game) continue to be strength - SC, GA, Ark (after strip TD - immediately responded w/TD), LSU and MO... The offense is producing and putting up the points for some time now.
> Thought Florida played faster than Missouri - Etienne, Pearsall, Trey - all looked quicker and had many explosive plays in game (20+ yds).
> Florida won middle 8 - 7-3.
> Thought the time management at the end of both halves was appropriate. First half was a balance between needing a first down (Missouri had all 3 TO's - if too aggressive). When LJ broke the run - they became aggressive - tough intentional grounding prevented FG opp. For the 4th quarter - the goal was to bleed the clock and the 3rd down call was to at least try to move the ball off the left hash... can't blame coaches for a player going out of bounds on wide side of field.
POSTULATES:
The defensive game plan is a continued source of justifiable consternation. There are decisions that would've been better made at a G5 or lower program to learn and gain experience from and unfortunately UF is not a place to be a training ground for.
Opening Defensive Drives - all P5 teams have scored on their opening drive except Vandy. To celebrate that Missouri only got 3 is a yardstick that needs to be moved.
Lack of TO's generated. - This was the difference in the game - Missouri got 2, Florida 0 and Missouri capitalized with points on those TO's. The lack of TO's has been a season long struggle and it becomes embedded psychologically that one can't be generated. There were a few opportunities for INT's or fumbles - but they get tipped instead of caught or the ball bounces right back to the opposition.
I believe the lack of rush/blitz/pressure is due to the depth and youth issues on the front 7 - especially at the LB position. Usually it's the LB that is the plus 1 and there is just no one with the dynamicsm to exploit. The line is young - they are still learning technique, haven't physically grown to disarm their offensive counterpart and there isn't a NFL prospect in the first 3 rounds to game plan against.
While going out of bounds at the end gave Missouri an extra TO - it did not impact the clock. Instead, a far worse outcome happened - Missouri was able to utilize it for composure and come up with the game changing play of 4 & 17. The only thing a prevent defense prevents is a win and always appreciate aggressive attack ... at the end of the day the stop was not made... where I had more issue was the D not adapting the next 3 plays to make the FG try a chip shot instead of a long one.
Hidden aspect that impacted the game - our Special Teams return unit - Not sure why Pearsall was so far back for their punter when after the first punt it was clear he couldn't kick it more than 30 yds. The extra 10-15 yards each kick without making any adjustments - pinned Florida back in the first half and gave a shorter field for Missouri - which they took advantage with scoring.
Do opposing FG K ever miss - feel like they are making over 90% of their K's against us
Physical errors - one can live with... Mental ones - drive everyone batty. The false starts, the TO's used on offense. No situation as worse than the start of the 4th quarter - where coming out of the break - a delay of game and a time out used on offense. Just can't happen. The funny thing is - when this team is snapping the ball with 10+seconds - there's tempo and success. When they bleed the clock without purpose - it becomes stagnant and unorganized.
The safety play has regressed as the season has wore on. I believe there are physical injuries that are more serious than reported as missed tackles and contact has changed the later in the season we've gone. I'm excited for them to heal in the offseason , add needed muscle and weight to endure the physical weekly pounding absorbed in this league.
I was abhorred and disgusted by the distasteful comments the board made regarding Travis' gruesome injury. Wonder if the almighty upstairs inflicted some retribution to Gator Nation - as certainly we wouldn't want anyone to be injured. Would rather beat everyone with a full deck than wish injury on others - including our rivals. Plus the victory is sweeter and not hollow when you beat the opponents best.
In closing - Billy is here for another couple of seasons - do your best to support and encourage all Gators. There will be needed changes in due time. Recruits - come to Florida where there is an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage, for a coach that will develop you today and tomorrow and be that difference maker celebrated forever instead of just another #.
Biggest game of the season is next - in the battle of backups. Have a great Thanksgiving and make sure you're ready to give FSU the most hostile environment they will play in all season.
Go Gators!!!
Going into last night - the past week consisted of "the sky and walls were falling" and claustrophobic thoughts were surrounding the Gator program. They put their heart and soul into the LSU game - especially with so many players and coaches having personal ties to Louisiana and to come up short was gut wretching. Then there was the pile on of recruiting decommits, all backed by a constant barrage of negativity by a vocal subsegment of the fan base who felt justified and entitled to keep rehashing the same point over and over to the detriment of the program's future of achieving Gator success now and tomorrow.
With this backdrop - it would've been no surprise and even expected to see this team fold last night (we've seen this playbook with the last 3 coaching change seasons). Having lost 3 in a row - they were playing on the road vs. the #9 team in the country, at night, in cold weather at a location that is the furthest outpost from Gainesville. The team was starting 3rd stringers at key positions and relying on true freshman to continue to take on more responsibility than what should be expected at this point in the season. This had all the makings of a 45-3 blowout that would've further shrank the closing walls.
Instead....
PRAISES:
> The team played inspired football - with the full intent to win. There was no quit. They responded after adversity. Were they perfect - no - far from it. were some consistent issues this season continue to persist - absolutely... However there is no singular doubt that this team is committed to play for Coach Napier and their teammates. This team gave it their all.
> Mertz - you know he was wearing #15 as he was channeling his Tebow Toughness yet again - and when he laid that can of whoop-A on Missouri - you just knew we were going to be victorious in the end. Tough way to go - but for someone unfairly maligned and labeled before stepping on campus - he has earned the respect of Gator Nation and will be a great leader and mentor for DJ next season. Wishing you the most speedy of recovery and a personal thanks for your contributions this season. Truly inspiring and deserves all accolades and recognition.
> Cam Jackson roach job on #7 rb. - the highlight of the Gator D - reminded of Spikes on Moreno and with Princely immediately getting the stop the next play - it felt momentum was there all the way until 4 & 17.
> Smack - came through in the clutch - so happy for him to convert on a game winning opportunity. (if he misses - game over)
> Max Brown - standing O... it was like watching Trask vs. KY - he gave Florida a new dynamic (and a taste of what DJ can do in this offense) The read options, his poise and confidence - back to back plays with K.Jackson - 4th down and going up top. Gave us every chance to win.
> The offensive line - after George's injury - looked more athletic and cohesive than first part of the game.
> Offensive scripted plays (beginning of game) continue to be strength - SC, GA, Ark (after strip TD - immediately responded w/TD), LSU and MO... The offense is producing and putting up the points for some time now.
> Thought Florida played faster than Missouri - Etienne, Pearsall, Trey - all looked quicker and had many explosive plays in game (20+ yds).
> Florida won middle 8 - 7-3.
> Thought the time management at the end of both halves was appropriate. First half was a balance between needing a first down (Missouri had all 3 TO's - if too aggressive). When LJ broke the run - they became aggressive - tough intentional grounding prevented FG opp. For the 4th quarter - the goal was to bleed the clock and the 3rd down call was to at least try to move the ball off the left hash... can't blame coaches for a player going out of bounds on wide side of field.
POSTULATES:
The defensive game plan is a continued source of justifiable consternation. There are decisions that would've been better made at a G5 or lower program to learn and gain experience from and unfortunately UF is not a place to be a training ground for.
Opening Defensive Drives - all P5 teams have scored on their opening drive except Vandy. To celebrate that Missouri only got 3 is a yardstick that needs to be moved.
Lack of TO's generated. - This was the difference in the game - Missouri got 2, Florida 0 and Missouri capitalized with points on those TO's. The lack of TO's has been a season long struggle and it becomes embedded psychologically that one can't be generated. There were a few opportunities for INT's or fumbles - but they get tipped instead of caught or the ball bounces right back to the opposition.
I believe the lack of rush/blitz/pressure is due to the depth and youth issues on the front 7 - especially at the LB position. Usually it's the LB that is the plus 1 and there is just no one with the dynamicsm to exploit. The line is young - they are still learning technique, haven't physically grown to disarm their offensive counterpart and there isn't a NFL prospect in the first 3 rounds to game plan against.
While going out of bounds at the end gave Missouri an extra TO - it did not impact the clock. Instead, a far worse outcome happened - Missouri was able to utilize it for composure and come up with the game changing play of 4 & 17. The only thing a prevent defense prevents is a win and always appreciate aggressive attack ... at the end of the day the stop was not made... where I had more issue was the D not adapting the next 3 plays to make the FG try a chip shot instead of a long one.
Hidden aspect that impacted the game - our Special Teams return unit - Not sure why Pearsall was so far back for their punter when after the first punt it was clear he couldn't kick it more than 30 yds. The extra 10-15 yards each kick without making any adjustments - pinned Florida back in the first half and gave a shorter field for Missouri - which they took advantage with scoring.
Do opposing FG K ever miss - feel like they are making over 90% of their K's against us
Physical errors - one can live with... Mental ones - drive everyone batty. The false starts, the TO's used on offense. No situation as worse than the start of the 4th quarter - where coming out of the break - a delay of game and a time out used on offense. Just can't happen. The funny thing is - when this team is snapping the ball with 10+seconds - there's tempo and success. When they bleed the clock without purpose - it becomes stagnant and unorganized.
The safety play has regressed as the season has wore on. I believe there are physical injuries that are more serious than reported as missed tackles and contact has changed the later in the season we've gone. I'm excited for them to heal in the offseason , add needed muscle and weight to endure the physical weekly pounding absorbed in this league.
I was abhorred and disgusted by the distasteful comments the board made regarding Travis' gruesome injury. Wonder if the almighty upstairs inflicted some retribution to Gator Nation - as certainly we wouldn't want anyone to be injured. Would rather beat everyone with a full deck than wish injury on others - including our rivals. Plus the victory is sweeter and not hollow when you beat the opponents best.
In closing - Billy is here for another couple of seasons - do your best to support and encourage all Gators. There will be needed changes in due time. Recruits - come to Florida where there is an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage, for a coach that will develop you today and tomorrow and be that difference maker celebrated forever instead of just another #.
Biggest game of the season is next - in the battle of backups. Have a great Thanksgiving and make sure you're ready to give FSU the most hostile environment they will play in all season.
Go Gators!!!
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