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Report card: Gators’ defense earns strong marks, offense remains average
By Drew Laing
Published:
OFFENSE: C+
As great as the comeback win was for Treon Harris and the Gators offense, that still doesn’t change the fact that this unit was essentially useless for three whole quarters. Quarterback Jeff Driskel couldn’t get anything going on offense (again) and he also threw three interceptions. The only time Florida seemed to move the ball with No. 6 under center was on the zone read plays.
It wasn’t until Harris entered the game that Florida was able to get some production on offense. More importantly, the insertion of Harris at starting quarterback really opened things up for Matt Jones and the Gators’ running game. The offensive performance wasn’t pretty, but the quarterback switch was enough to the job done. and there’s hope if Harris is the quarterback moving forward.
DEFENSE: A
If the offense was terrible for the Gators, then the defense was outstanding. The defense kept Florida in the game, limiting Tennessee to just 28 rushing yards on 29 carries and made some big stops in the red zone. Tennessee had four opportunities in the red zone and came away with three field goals and a turnover. After two consecutive weeks of getting torched on defense, the Gators finally got back to the stingy defense they’ve been known for the past few seasons. Plus, the pass rush also came alive in this game, thanks to an overwhelmed Tennessee offensive line. Florida recorded six sacks, doubling their season total prior to yesterday’s game.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B+
While Treon Harris and the defense may dominate yesterday’s game headlines, it was Austin Hardin who delivered perhaps the most clutch of moments for the Gators. The place kicker nailed a 49-yard field goal with around six minutes left in the fourth quarter to put Florida up 10-9. He had missed his previous six kicks, including a potential game-winning field goal against Kentucky that was shanked horribly left. Punter Kyle Christy again had several opportunities to make an impact. He had some strong punts in the beginning, but also shortchanged some pooch punts later in the game, missing out on opportunities to pin the Vols deep in their zone.
COACHING: B
Will Muschamp lives to see another day. Things were looking more gloom and doom for the Gators until Treon Harris sparked that fourth quarter comeback, but Muschamp and the Gators get B grade. The penalties were slightly down today at just five penalties for 45 yards and give Muschamp credit for not being stubborn and making a switch at quarterback. It was the move that won them the game.
OVERALL: B-
The Gators won this game 10-9, extending their winning streak over the Vols to 10 games, but it certainly wasn’t pretty. As usual, it was the defense that kept the team in what amounted to a largely unwatchable game. As exciting as Harris’ playing time was for fans, there’s no telling how he’ll respond if given the opportunity to start in the future (see LSU QB Brandon Harris against Auburn). But a win is a win and the Gators definitely feel better about their season moving forward with a home matchup against LSU facing them next week.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
