Started By
Message
Observation of the Game
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:10 am
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:10 am
Hot & muggy day...typical September game.
UT used trick throw back play to Dobbs to score their first TD and that started their surge. Our OL really did well considering the youth and Grier had time but pocket collapsed and he usually was scrambling before throwing. UT used blitzes only when it wasnt entirely expected it seemed.
Once they had 14-7 lead we faced uphill battle to run. UT surprised me by their ability to shake tackles and our ability to tackle was subpar. We did force them into two FGs which was huge. 20-7 early in 3rd qt was still very doable...but we havent shown the skillset to throw long and connect...so we had to dig and claw. We got it to 20-14 and they were roaring back to score another TD and then Butch brain farted and didnt go for two.
Grier up to the end of the 3rd qt had not shown consistent accuracy and #75 Halter (I think) almost got him killed when he played matador and # 9 Barnett really put the wood on Grier. I was afraid Grier wouldnt get up.
He had several hits that had him stretching his back. In the 4th qt Grier lit up UT and the 4th downs etc etc. Jake McGee made clutch plays and Callaway/DRob kept drives alive.
Exhaustion played a big part of revival, we were gassed and UT had been parked on eastern sidelines in the heat.
This game served notice that we are for real and not to be taken lightly. Ole Miss is the target now and a win over them will propel us in the media and the polls.
A) OL did an overall great job considering experience I think Ivey will be All SEC soon. Fred Johnson I noticed absent late in the game? Hope he is ok. Riles, a converted DL had his breakdowns...but overall did well. Tyler Jordan played some when Riles left game for a series.
B) QB position is solid now...but we still have to realize "good" Grier late in the game and "bad" Grier early on is a learning curve. This game will probably be turning point for Grier and he is only going to get better.
C) WRs & TEs I already mentioned. We need a few Callaways.
D) Special teams was ok...but special teams coach HAS to sit Powell down and let him know he better have the space to bring out kicks in the end zone. We started out twice buried by our goal posts when penalty was accessed on one return and who was the guilty party with the block in the back? Pittman.
E) DL was awesome except for missed tackles on Dobbs...which isnt fair cause DL dont have the speed to normally chase QB 200 feet...we were hot n cold with LB play and suffered when Morrison was out. He and Hargreaves have been playing hurt....trust me the pros take notice of that valuable commodity.
F) As good as Keanu Neal and Marcus Maye played, they were guilty of not wrapping up tackles at times. It really hurt us when Dobbs was running . I dont know if it was the heat or how many times they had to chase UT allover the field...but our secondary didnt perform at an A level...more like C+.
Coaching was B- and what I like about McElwain is the even keel he sails on...laughs and doesnt even seem serious about anything. He is fast becoming media favorite for his off the cuff remarks...like selling popcorn etc etc It cannot be lost on the players that even though he wont tolerate shite...he is a down to earth coach and makes fun of himself a lot. Football should be fun.
Ole Miss and 5-0 here we come!
UT used trick throw back play to Dobbs to score their first TD and that started their surge. Our OL really did well considering the youth and Grier had time but pocket collapsed and he usually was scrambling before throwing. UT used blitzes only when it wasnt entirely expected it seemed.
Once they had 14-7 lead we faced uphill battle to run. UT surprised me by their ability to shake tackles and our ability to tackle was subpar. We did force them into two FGs which was huge. 20-7 early in 3rd qt was still very doable...but we havent shown the skillset to throw long and connect...so we had to dig and claw. We got it to 20-14 and they were roaring back to score another TD and then Butch brain farted and didnt go for two.
Grier up to the end of the 3rd qt had not shown consistent accuracy and #75 Halter (I think) almost got him killed when he played matador and # 9 Barnett really put the wood on Grier. I was afraid Grier wouldnt get up.
He had several hits that had him stretching his back. In the 4th qt Grier lit up UT and the 4th downs etc etc. Jake McGee made clutch plays and Callaway/DRob kept drives alive.
Exhaustion played a big part of revival, we were gassed and UT had been parked on eastern sidelines in the heat.
This game served notice that we are for real and not to be taken lightly. Ole Miss is the target now and a win over them will propel us in the media and the polls.
A) OL did an overall great job considering experience I think Ivey will be All SEC soon. Fred Johnson I noticed absent late in the game? Hope he is ok. Riles, a converted DL had his breakdowns...but overall did well. Tyler Jordan played some when Riles left game for a series.
B) QB position is solid now...but we still have to realize "good" Grier late in the game and "bad" Grier early on is a learning curve. This game will probably be turning point for Grier and he is only going to get better.
C) WRs & TEs I already mentioned. We need a few Callaways.
D) Special teams was ok...but special teams coach HAS to sit Powell down and let him know he better have the space to bring out kicks in the end zone. We started out twice buried by our goal posts when penalty was accessed on one return and who was the guilty party with the block in the back? Pittman.
E) DL was awesome except for missed tackles on Dobbs...which isnt fair cause DL dont have the speed to normally chase QB 200 feet...we were hot n cold with LB play and suffered when Morrison was out. He and Hargreaves have been playing hurt....trust me the pros take notice of that valuable commodity.
F) As good as Keanu Neal and Marcus Maye played, they were guilty of not wrapping up tackles at times. It really hurt us when Dobbs was running . I dont know if it was the heat or how many times they had to chase UT allover the field...but our secondary didnt perform at an A level...more like C+.
Coaching was B- and what I like about McElwain is the even keel he sails on...laughs and doesnt even seem serious about anything. He is fast becoming media favorite for his off the cuff remarks...like selling popcorn etc etc It cannot be lost on the players that even though he wont tolerate shite...he is a down to earth coach and makes fun of himself a lot. Football should be fun.
Ole Miss and 5-0 here we come!
4
Posted on 9/27/15 at 6:50 am to reel_gator8
Grier can obviously improve, but that's part of it, given his inexperience. I still liked what he brings to the table overall.
I loved McGee against UT yesterday...really did a fantastic job.
I almost went off on JM on that freeze
, but I like what he's bringing to this program. You can tell he's at ease doing what he does, something I just didn't feel with Muschamp while here.
Pumped for the OM game next week.
I loved McGee against UT yesterday...really did a fantastic job.
quote:
Coaching was B- and what I like about McElwain is the even keel he sails on...laughs and doesnt even seem serious about anything. He is fast becoming media favorite for his off the cuff remarks...like selling popcorn etc etc It cannot be lost on the players that even though he wont tolerate shite...he is a down to earth coach and makes fun of himself a lot. Football should be fun.
I almost went off on JM on that freeze
, but I like what he's bringing to this program. You can tell he's at ease doing what he does, something I just didn't feel with Muschamp while here. Pumped for the OM game next week.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 9:13 am to reel_gator8
I don't think we'll face a better team running the football until we play LSU and UGA.
That gives the defense a few weeks to improve their tackling.
I also agree Powell needs to work on special teams decision making, but I think you're a bit too hard on him.
Powell made several clutch plays, including 2 4th down catches, the TD to pull us within 6, and the block to free Calloway down the sideline for the game winner.
That gives the defense a few weeks to improve their tackling.
I also agree Powell needs to work on special teams decision making, but I think you're a bit too hard on him.
Powell made several clutch plays, including 2 4th down catches, the TD to pull us within 6, and the block to free Calloway down the sideline for the game winner.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 10:20 am to reel_gator8
For me, this year is all about building a foundation for future success. As long as I'm seeing that I'm content with whatever happens this year with wins and losses.
In my eyes, so far so good.
In my eyes, so far so good.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 10:32 am to boXerrumble
Naw....that isnt being hard on Powell top explain to him its extremely important to have decent field position on kick returns. Even when he has brought the ball out, the majority of time its inside our 25.
I agree with the assessment of LSU/UGA. We faced a determined team in UT that wanted so badly to break the streak. LSU wont have that hot piss in them...but UGA will want to avenge last years stomping. We can beat both of them...even with two of the best RBs in the country by stacking the line and gang tackling...get penetration and stop both backs before they have a chance to get a head of steam. Once we show command of the line of scrimmage they will have let QB try to pick 1st downs. I like our odds then.
Injuries are another concern...we had a bunch of guys go down and to their credit most returned to play. Bullard, Morrison, Sherit etc etc. HC Mac acted in his presser that we are ok health wise...but he is going to play it close to the vest. Playing in the Swamp is our trump card and gives us a good chance to bring the monster down ala Rob Zombie song.
I agree with the assessment of LSU/UGA. We faced a determined team in UT that wanted so badly to break the streak. LSU wont have that hot piss in them...but UGA will want to avenge last years stomping. We can beat both of them...even with two of the best RBs in the country by stacking the line and gang tackling...get penetration and stop both backs before they have a chance to get a head of steam. Once we show command of the line of scrimmage they will have let QB try to pick 1st downs. I like our odds then.
Injuries are another concern...we had a bunch of guys go down and to their credit most returned to play. Bullard, Morrison, Sherit etc etc. HC Mac acted in his presser that we are ok health wise...but he is going to play it close to the vest. Playing in the Swamp is our trump card and gives us a good chance to bring the monster down ala Rob Zombie song.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 11:45 am to Gator5220
while I agree somewhat. imho it was critical that we stay in the upper half of the sec east by beating uk, ut, USC and vandy. we are half way there and with a win over mizzou, that is possible at this point, there is no reason not to battle ug for the east championship. in a rebuilding year, this would be huge for recruiting. go gators
Posted on 9/27/15 at 2:12 pm to UFMatt
Of the three biggest games remaining before FSU. Ole Miss is the one I feel most confident in us winning simply because of match ups. I don't think they can run very well on us and our DB group is healthy and has been awesome the last two games(minus Washington and Harris, keep them on the bench please).
I'd rank by order of challenge to us. Ole Miss may throw you off but my feeling is Missouri is a trap game at Missouri between two insane opponents and that will be a very hard game to get up for.
LSU(hardest game...at LSU, and we struggle tackling Fournette may get 200+)
Georgia
Missouri
Ole Miss
FSU
Vandy
South Carolina
FAU
Our schedule is simply daunting. Already faced 3 teams likely to bowl. These kids will have to fight tooth and nail for 9 wins. It's possible though.
I'd rank by order of challenge to us. Ole Miss may throw you off but my feeling is Missouri is a trap game at Missouri between two insane opponents and that will be a very hard game to get up for.
LSU(hardest game...at LSU, and we struggle tackling Fournette may get 200+)
Georgia
Missouri
Ole Miss
FSU
Vandy
South Carolina
FAU
Our schedule is simply daunting. Already faced 3 teams likely to bowl. These kids will have to fight tooth and nail for 9 wins. It's possible though.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:10 pm to Gatorbait2008
Agree about Mizzou. the girls school is a win folks, mark it down. The east is going to start dominating the SEC again and UF is going to restore natural order in the state of Florida. Imagine all those recruits at the game and what they saw/heard yesterday. We will have a lot of recruits in the Swamp for Ole Missy and for the girls school.
The girls school used to have a lot of recruits for the Miamuh game but thats not even on the radar anymore, the Clemson game is away...who the hell can they promote for game that recruits want to see?
The girls school used to have a lot of recruits for the Miamuh game but thats not even on the radar anymore, the Clemson game is away...who the hell can they promote for game that recruits want to see?
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:30 pm to reel_gator8
Key is Saturday vs. Ole Miss and @ LSU
To seriously compete for the East title, we must win one of those 2 games vs. the West.
Do that, take care of business vs. Mizzou, and its likely the East will be decided in Jacksonville vs. UGA.
To seriously compete for the East title, we must win one of those 2 games vs. the West.
Do that, take care of business vs. Mizzou, and its likely the East will be decided in Jacksonville vs. UGA.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:51 pm to boXerrumble
quote:
I also agree Powell needs to work on special teams decision making, but I think you're a bit too hard on him.
Powell made several clutch plays, including 2 4th down catches, the TD to pull us within 6, and the block to free Calloway down the sideline for the game winner.
Powell was pretty bad against UK, but he willed us to win in the 4th Q. He was a beast, and key to both of our late TDs.
And he did that while cramping.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 5:06 pm to austingator
Powell played great yesterday. Can't blame a kid for trying to make something happen on kickoffs.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 6:09 pm to boXerrumble
quote:
boXerrumble
Mark Ole Missy as win. Just feel that our defense will be all over Kelly. Mizzou is tricky but we have revenge in mind for last year. LSU will be tough but doable by gang tackling LF.
I could see us losing to UGA, they should beat Bama this saturday with everyone amped. Vandy and USC are Ws. The girls school is a W.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:44 pm to reel_gator8
A lot of the problems should be fixable. Not taking the touch back on kick offs seems to put us in bad fiel position.Grier needs to make better decisions , hopefully that will come with experience.
I think the coaching staff needs to make better adjustments. We seem to pass the ball on first down every time in the second half but one of our best scoring drives before the end was when we ran Taylor multiple time. The coaches need to find some kinda running game. It seem like it took the defense a while to adjust to Dobbs running when that seems to be his strength. We got to tackle better on defense . Seem like the players where trying to get hard hits and not worried about rapping up .
I think the coaching staff needs to make better adjustments. We seem to pass the ball on first down every time in the second half but one of our best scoring drives before the end was when we ran Taylor multiple time. The coaches need to find some kinda running game. It seem like it took the defense a while to adjust to Dobbs running when that seems to be his strength. We got to tackle better on defense . Seem like the players where trying to get hard hits and not worried about rapping up .
Posted on 9/27/15 at 9:27 pm to tjv305
Our tackling was getting to me a bit in the game especially Dobbs escaping a sack on the last drive before their field goal.
Grier has got to stop throwing off his back foot I counted over 10 passes where he was literally leaning back when throwing or throwing where his feet were pretty much side by side.
Cronkrite and Scarlett didn't play which I thought was weird especially with how well Cronkrite has run the ball.
Did anyone else notice that TN 2nd field goal attempt after the timeout was moved about halfway to the middle when the kick prior was on the far right hash line. If they kept the ball where it was supposed to be he misses by 4 yards.
Grier has got to stop throwing off his back foot I counted over 10 passes where he was literally leaning back when throwing or throwing where his feet were pretty much side by side.
Cronkrite and Scarlett didn't play which I thought was weird especially with how well Cronkrite has run the ball.
Did anyone else notice that TN 2nd field goal attempt after the timeout was moved about halfway to the middle when the kick prior was on the far right hash line. If they kept the ball where it was supposed to be he misses by 4 yards.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 10:30 pm to gatorbait_007
Fullwood didnt play much, Worton played some but didnt run good route on a third down pass that hit his helmut. I am just tired of WRs not named DRob, Callaway or Powell taking space....but if you watch the game closely you will see the coaches are using at least 2 TEs on most plays and dont need to use non productive players. I never want to see # 9 again after he almost had our return guy killed on a runaway tackler he didnt block. Watch and you will see he doesnt even TRY to block. He also had a block in the back flag on another return. Scout team perhaps?
Most of Griers problems were first half related and I think he was too amped playing in his first ever BIG SEC game. At least he is trying to make plays. He settled down in second half.
Run game has to improve or Grier will get murdered with blitzs.
CeCe Jefferson played a lot and had his most snaps. He and # 14 MacCallister can stay fresh and a lot of times when its a passing down Jefferson just takes the place of a LB....so they are both on the field.
We are going to need a few good LB recruits in 2016 as we are thin there. McMillian (# 13) played a lot of snaps because we had to protect Morrison and spell him and Davis....he just looks light in his pockets and someone needs to get that kid some pizza.
In my estimation we are going to be a lot better in 2016 experience and talent wise...but we will have to travel to some west team, Knoxvegas, Nashvegas and Tallyban. We will have UK, LSU, Mizzou and USC at home.
Most of Griers problems were first half related and I think he was too amped playing in his first ever BIG SEC game. At least he is trying to make plays. He settled down in second half.
Run game has to improve or Grier will get murdered with blitzs.
CeCe Jefferson played a lot and had his most snaps. He and # 14 MacCallister can stay fresh and a lot of times when its a passing down Jefferson just takes the place of a LB....so they are both on the field.
We are going to need a few good LB recruits in 2016 as we are thin there. McMillian (# 13) played a lot of snaps because we had to protect Morrison and spell him and Davis....he just looks light in his pockets and someone needs to get that kid some pizza.
In my estimation we are going to be a lot better in 2016 experience and talent wise...but we will have to travel to some west team, Knoxvegas, Nashvegas and Tallyban. We will have UK, LSU, Mizzou and USC at home.
Posted on 9/28/15 at 7:53 am to reel_gator8
Agree that #9 Latroy Pittman does not ever really need to see the field again.
Although there were a ridiculous amount of missed tackles, I think some credit needs to be given to UT's skill players and Dobbs, who are quite impressive with their speed and strength. UF put a lot of big hits on people but they were able to keep on running.
Jarrad Davis is playing out of his mind right now, and Antonio morrison you can see is getting healthier as the season goes along, but UF badly needs Jeremi Powell and Alex Anzalone to come back healthy, because the LB unit behind them just isn't very good. McMillan has talent, but just looks lost out there sometimes, and it makes him move slower. If this unit isn't healthier by the LSU/UGA game, UF may be in trouble.
Marcus Maye had 13 tackles and Keanu Neal had 14. They may be the best safeties in the league right now against the run. They've been pretty good against the pass too, but have been caught out of position a few times (a problem from last year) but nothing game breaking right now except for the WR trick play and the Jump pass trick play. (both great calls by UT)
The DL is beastly right now. They had UT contained all day, just let Dobbs get away a few times. Bullard is just a beast and is unblockable. Bryan Cox Jr. is only an average pass rusher but he is excellent against the run. Bryan, Ivie, and Brantley have all played great at DT - UF is solid there for a couple of years now, and Cece Jefferson and Alex McCallister have been excellent rushing the passer. Cece is just so strong, I see him at least 3 or 4 plays a game just carrying OL into the backfield like sacks of grain.
I think the offensive rotation is set now - we saw it in the 4th quarter:
QB; Grier
RB: Taylor
WR: Callaway
WR: Robinson
Slot: Powell
TE: McGee
LT: Ivey/Sharpe
LG: Thurman
C: Dillard
RG: Riles/Jordan
RT: Halter/Johnson
The #2 options right now at the skill positions are:
RB: Cronkrite
WR: Worton
WR: Fulwood
Slot: Showers
TE: Goolsby/Lewis (if he gets healthy will probably be #2)
A big drop off from the first unit at WR, so that unit absolutely needs to stay healthy.
I'm optimistic about this team now because of the fight they showed all game, even when things weren't going right. That makes me feel that UF can be in every game. And if Grier continues to play like this, his leadership and toughness will influence the rest of the team in a positive way.
Although there were a ridiculous amount of missed tackles, I think some credit needs to be given to UT's skill players and Dobbs, who are quite impressive with their speed and strength. UF put a lot of big hits on people but they were able to keep on running.
Jarrad Davis is playing out of his mind right now, and Antonio morrison you can see is getting healthier as the season goes along, but UF badly needs Jeremi Powell and Alex Anzalone to come back healthy, because the LB unit behind them just isn't very good. McMillan has talent, but just looks lost out there sometimes, and it makes him move slower. If this unit isn't healthier by the LSU/UGA game, UF may be in trouble.
Marcus Maye had 13 tackles and Keanu Neal had 14. They may be the best safeties in the league right now against the run. They've been pretty good against the pass too, but have been caught out of position a few times (a problem from last year) but nothing game breaking right now except for the WR trick play and the Jump pass trick play. (both great calls by UT)
The DL is beastly right now. They had UT contained all day, just let Dobbs get away a few times. Bullard is just a beast and is unblockable. Bryan Cox Jr. is only an average pass rusher but he is excellent against the run. Bryan, Ivie, and Brantley have all played great at DT - UF is solid there for a couple of years now, and Cece Jefferson and Alex McCallister have been excellent rushing the passer. Cece is just so strong, I see him at least 3 or 4 plays a game just carrying OL into the backfield like sacks of grain.
I think the offensive rotation is set now - we saw it in the 4th quarter:
QB; Grier
RB: Taylor
WR: Callaway
WR: Robinson
Slot: Powell
TE: McGee
LT: Ivey/Sharpe
LG: Thurman
C: Dillard
RG: Riles/Jordan
RT: Halter/Johnson
The #2 options right now at the skill positions are:
RB: Cronkrite
WR: Worton
WR: Fulwood
Slot: Showers
TE: Goolsby/Lewis (if he gets healthy will probably be #2)
A big drop off from the first unit at WR, so that unit absolutely needs to stay healthy.
I'm optimistic about this team now because of the fight they showed all game, even when things weren't going right. That makes me feel that UF can be in every game. And if Grier continues to play like this, his leadership and toughness will influence the rest of the team in a positive way.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News