Florida Gators Must Show Big Improvement to Avoid Blowout
By Tim Letcher
@TimLetcher
Kim Klement, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Florida Gators got a scare last weekend. If they play the same way this Saturday, the final score could be what’s scary.
Playing at home last weekend, the Gators needed three overtimes, including a lucky break at the end of the first extra stanza, to beat the Kentucky Wildcats 36-30 at the Swamp. It was by no means a vintage Florida effort, but Will Muschamp and his team were able to pull out the victory, which is ultimately the goal for every team.
However, Kentucky was able to expose some of Florida’s weaknesses. The Wildcats got pressure on Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel, using various rushing and blitzing schemes. Kentucky also exposed the Gators’ pass defense, as UK quarterback Patrick Towles threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns in the game. For the record, Florida did intercept Towles three times, although two of those were tipped balls that were likely not the fault of the quarterback.
Now, the Gators face a big step up in class as they visit Tuscaloosa on Saturday to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nick Saban and his team are ranked third in the country, and despite not yet settling on a quarterback, the Tide are seen as one of the top contenders for the SEC title.
If Florida puts forth an effort like they did against Kentucky, Alabama will have an easy time in the game. If the Gators want to stay in the game, they must shore up their protection of Driskel and fix their issues in the secondary. And if Florida can get pressure on Alabama quarterbacks Blake Sims and Jake Coker, it would also help the cause.
After seeing Florida last weekend, it’s hard to imagine them beating Alabama this weekend, unless Muschamp and his team show dramatic improvement.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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