By: Nick Marcinko -- December 1, 2024 Eight fumbles and eight sacks; that was the storyline from Florida’s 31-11 win over in-state rival Florida State in week 14. It wasn’t smooth sailing for either offense inside Doak Campbell Stadium, but the Gators simply made less mistakes on Saturday night. Gators cruise past Seminoles behind dominant defensive effort | GatorCountry.com
Should have been 9 sacks. Our #7 got called for holding down field but they didn't show a replay on the call. The f$u QB is pretty good at throwing the ball. Glad he didn't always have the opportunity.
The DL didn't seem to miss a beat after Banks was injured. Nice to see some of the younger defensive linemen make an impact, especially freshman D' Antre Robinson #35 Jack Pyburn: 39 Tyreak Sapp: 38 Desmond Watson: 32 D’Antre Robinson: 28 TJ Searcy: 28 Cam’Ron Jackson: 27 Kamran James: 24 George Gumbs: 23 LJ McCray: 21 Caleb Banks: 15 Brien Taylor Jr: 13 Michai Boireau: 10 Joey Slackman: 9
The defense is rolling along and everything seems to be clicking, from the players' skill and determinations to the schemes and play-calling. Sure, we bend but don't break on the defensive side of the ball, especially against teams like LSU and Ole Miss that have powerfully efficient offenses. However, given the injuries there, and the DC having to play guys with less time and experience, lends itself to a bunch of bend-but-don't break yards given up to the more prolific offensive teams. I think the young Gators that filled in have been playing lights-out, and some of that has to be schemes, play designs and play-calls. But let's not forget the Strength & Conditioning aspect of their prowess on the field. They all look physically fit and well conditioned. I have to believe that we finally have the S&C that the Gators' football program has needed for a while. The deserve a shout-out too. Ron Roberts and Austin Armstrong have been a good combination for our defense. Together they have changed that entire side of the game. All the other position coaches been doing their part as well. The D-line has made HUGE improvements, and that D-line is almost all on Chatman's coaching skills. What a welcome addition to the defense. With one more year with these coaches in their system, and a healthy defensive roster, I can see us less bend-y and more break-y as in breaking the will of the opposing offenses, much like they did in their last game against the noles. They were overmatched and looked lost against our defense for much of the night... loved that. This is the first time in quite a while that I feel like our defense is playing top tier SEC quality defense, and that is a beautiful thing to behold. I feel like we can play against anyone in the country... I just hope we take this new-found defense and win one more game this year. The players... the program... the coaches... the university... and Gator Nation need this one last win. Suddenly 8-5 seems like an accomplishment, especially after these last 3 years of futility. Great article, ET... thanks for posting it. Go Gators!