The Florida Gators appeared to be on their way to a disastrous 9-0 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers this past Saturday. A loss that would have likely destined this team to approach their previous 4-8 mark and most certainly would have cost head coach Will Muschamp his job. The coach could see his immediate demise, knew his team needed a spark, and he finally made a change to his stagnant offense.
That change came immediately after a defensive turnover brought the team back to life. Muschamp decided to bench junior Jeff Driskel and bring n freshmen Treon Harris at QB. The switch immediately brought life to a lethargic and lackadaisical offense and led to a quick touchdown.
Harris was able to hit Matt Jones on a wheel route to convert a critical third down. A much mullioned offensive line finally imposed their will and allowed Jones to run it down the Volunteer’s throats for a touchdown. Once the defense finally got some support from the offense, they buckled down and completely shut Tennessee down. Florida was able to add a field goal, from Austin Hardin of all people, a kicker who has struggled with almost all of his kicks for the last two seasons.
The Gators were able to step up and make the plays they needed to pull it out and win the game 10-9. They extended their winning streak against Tennessee and saved Muschamp’s job, at least for now.
Gators resolve will continue to be tested
This was a much different Gators team than we saw give up a school worst 672 yards against Alabama. The Gators coaches made a couple changes in the secondary and focused their attention on the communication of their defensive unit. They had two weeks to shore up the communication issues and appeared to make a huge improvement even in a hostile environment.
The improved coverage also assisted in the six sacks the Gators were able to get on Tennessee QB Justin Worley. Florida completely stuffed the running game, holding the Vols to 29 yards, and forcing them to be one dimensional. They pinned their ears back and were in Worley’s face all day causing him to throw two interceptions, including the game winner in the final minute.
The overall performance resulted in the Gators defense holding the Vols to just 233 yards of total offense, a 439 yard improvement over two weeks ago against the Crimson Tide. Tennesee is a young team, but they are improved on offense, so this is a big step in the right direction.
It would have been easy for this Gators team to fold up under intense scrutiny the past two weeks, but they did the opposite. After a sluggish start they showed the will to win and came together when it mattered most. They will now face additional adversity this week.
LSU is already coming in angry after a 34-7 thumping at Auburn, but now the Gators will have to deal with the absence of freshmen QB Treon Harris. Harris, who was expected to get the start this week, missed practice while being investigated for sexual assault. The school took quick action and suspended him, and while he is now reinstated, it was too late for this game.
The team will now have to rally back around Jeff Driskel and try to overcome this when the Tigers come to town on Saturday. Feelings may be hurt after the offense showed so much approval of the QB switch last week, but Driskel just needs to put that past him and try to overcome his own adversity. He has been called out by fans, teammates, and alumni. It’s on him to play better, be more accurate with the football, be willing to move the chains with his legs, and try to get this offense into the endzone.
The rest of the team needs to continue to improve their play as well. The offensive line will continue to have to come together. The running game will have to rush with furious intensity. The receiver can’t be dropping balls and stalling drives far too soon.
The defense began the improvement and progression last week, this week the offense needs to improve their side of the ball. Will Grier returned to practice on Sunday and he needs to be ready to play as well. He was a highly touted recruit and the team likely has tremendous confidence in him as well. If they are forced to call his name on Saturday, he needs to be ready to go. The whole team needs to be ready to go.
LSU is going to be desperate, but the Gators need to play just as desperate. Their whole season is on the line in every game going forward. All of their preseason goals are still right in front of them in a wide open SEC East. LSU, Missouri, and Georgia need to be played one game at a time and the Tigers are coming to town first.
Last week was a great step in the right direction. The Gators dealt with adversity head on and came out on top. This week is another frenzy and their will be tons of distractions. They need to tune all of that out like they did with the negative press the past two weeks and come together and get focused again. This team is no stranger to adversity the past few seasons, they were able to overcome last week and will need to continue to do so to have the success they are starving for.
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Main Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
