Checking in on the early-season temperatures in Gainesville, Fla. … 

HOT

Defensive turnovers. Despite the secondary allowing monstrous numbers in the last two games, the Gators’ defense has been the best in the SEC at forcing turnovers. Through just three games, the Gators have caused 12 turnovers on defense – seven fumble recoveries and five interceptions. Recently against Alabama, it was the turnovers by Alabama that kept Florida in the game as long as they did. The Gators’ offense scored all 21 points off turnovers, including a 47-yard fumble return for a touchdown by safety Keanu Neal. It’s been the opportunistic defense of the Gators that is arguably the team’s biggest bright spot so far this season.

WARM

Neiron Ball. Previously thought of as just another guy to add depth, the senior linebacker continues to make big plays for the Gators’ defense this season and has arguably been their most impactful linebacker. Ball has racked up just 15 tackles through three games, but he’s recorded two sacks, two quarterback hurries and has forced two fumble recoveries. Against Alabama, Ball forced the fumble that Neal took all the way back for a score and was the player who deflected Blake Sims’ pass up in the air, which was eventually intercepted by Gators linebacker Antonio Morrison. The Gators scored on the ensuing offensive drive.

COLD

Jeff Driskel. Calling his game against Alabama “terrible” would probably be going easy on the junior quarterback. Thanks to some turnovers by Alabama, Driskel managed to score two touchdowns in the short field, but there wasn’t much else too positive for him against the Crimson Tide. He finished just 9-of-28 on his passes and threw for only 93 yards and two interceptions. It was the second consecutive game in which he looked very uncomfortable. Once again, he was inaccurate downfield and even had trouble hitting open receivers with any consistency.

FROZEN

Gators’ secondary. Even with Driskel’s terrible numbers, the secondary perhaps performed worse this past weekend. Thanks to more communication breakdowns by the defensive backs and just an overwhelming game from star wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Gators surrendered two scoring plays through the air of 79 yards or more en route to allowing 445 passing yards from quarterback Blake Sims. Vernon Hargreaves can’t be all over the field at the same time, so if the other defensive backs don’t figure out how to solve these issues soon, the Gators’ defense will suffer greatly against some of the more high-powered SEC offenses.