What baffles me is that clearly Brown isnt going to mske it through more than 2 maybe 3 reads/progressions. Why the heck go empty and not give some help with the pass rush? Move the pocket and just send 3 out.
With no OL you still need to run to maybe buy an extra second for the QB on a pass. im just not sure what people want Billy to do? If Brown throws a pick because he has guys in his face every time, the same folks would be bellyaching that we never should have put a (at the time) one possession game in the hands of a freshman QB against such a good defense.
There are options in the passing game to negate a pass rush. Wide receiver screens and slants and running back screens. Also have him roll out of the pocket. How many times did we do that? I’m telling you, lots of folks are blaming a lack of experience as an excuse, when you have to look no further than the game preparation from our coaching staff.
1 catch for Ricky was a huge miss for UF. Missed opportunity for 1,000 yards. Went to Wilson early for his : catches and then shut down. Billy has to stop his sideways passing game. Teams are too fast for those plays in SEC and so were FSU and Utah. Need to throw downfield to keep Defemse honest. Not draw them closer to LOS.
Mertz probably led the country in completed passes of less than five yards. Why Pearsall and Wilson weren't included in any plays of this type is beyond me.
Of course, it's never ONE thing. It's never just the play calling. It's never just the inexperience. But when plays are called the guys on the field still need to execute. A number of times this season we have had pretty good plays called and execution cost us. Other times, there has been bone-headed play calling. Add it all up and well, 5-7.
we were running the ball well, but our studs got hurt; combine that with FSU making adjustments on defense (as one expects they would), and their teeing off on the qb every play knowing the OL was terrible; all this spelled doom in 2nd half...any play called didn't work because the fsu defense just went balls out on us.
At 5 wins, there was no reason to be conservative. Unless you want to keep it close for a moral victory
Brown is a freakin outfielder in baseball, let him heave a couple. The play calling and schemes for this team are mind boggling. Conservative is not the right word.
We could not force fumbles or interceptions. Of course you need to be near the runner, receiver or ball for that to occur.
That's a direct result of our DB and Safeties being somewhat confused all year long. That is just one of many failures we had on the back end that needs to be fixed. And... it's not the player's fault they are confused.
While true, we also ran on virtually every first down with very little to show for it. So, fsu knew when we were going to pass because we were always in 2nd and long and usually 3rd and long. Even on first down when we tried to pass they were expecting run so they had linebackers running to fill gaps and when no back came thru, they just ran in and smeared our QB. As long as Napier continues the predictable first down run, or have no RBs in the backfield, defenses are going to make life miserable for our QBs. Also, it takes too long for our passing game to develop for our porous OL to old up long enough to have a deep passing game.
One more win and the extra bowl game it would have brought would have gotten him to the mark, as well. I was counting yards from him and was disappointed he didn't get there.
Loved having Ricky as a Gator these past 2 years. Great skills and on and off field demeanor. Really liked his text to Max, "1 is always open"..... I know he did'nt get the thousand yard season but he plays with confidence, and I respect that. Thanks for being a GATOR Ricky. Best wishes in the League. GO GATORS!!!!
IMO Getting Pearsall his 1000 yds should have been a priority. At least give him 5-6 screens to have a chance. Guys that bust their butts all year long deserve it.
Agree the offensive line was a bit exposed, but they were a mash unit. Need help at this position group, hopefully the Transfer Portal and another year of maturation sees an improved group.
