Pre-Game Discussion: Charlotte at #25 FLORIDA

Aside form resting injured, I like the idea of treating it like a normal game for a half and first series of 2nd half, then handing it over to 2nd/3rd string with a good lead. Keep starters head in the game and continue to get better.

Whoever is QB2 gets most of remainder after 1st series of 2nd half. Starters still remain engaged in a leadership role by supporting and coaching 2nd string.

If there is any lack of intensity in practice, leaders need to step up this week and call them out.

A good week to develop some maturity and get over the UT celebration fast! Come out intense.

Some staff will have an opportunity to look ahead on UK scouting and game planning.

 

These games are always interesting to me. Charlotte, unlike McNeese, is an FBS school although obviously not anywhere near the level of UF even in this rebuilding year. I see the line at 28 which is probably fair.

What makes it interesting to me is that Charlotte is obviously in it for the dollars and I do not think they expect it to be competitive. Typically in these games you see the underdog just defense against the big play - lots of deep cover packages etc which we saw with McNeese state. My point is that it is usually not a good barometer of the favored team (obviously) and in some ways it precludes you from working on some items you may want to work on. For example, I think Florida needs to work on offensive scheme and routes particularly in the passing game. This is hard to do when a softer team is trying to take that away from you. If Charlotte tries to play the way a comparable team should (load the box and force GM to throw) then there is a great opportunity to work on this. If however, they want to take away big passing play opportunities and make UF take the shorter passes and runs to keep it from being embarrassing then we have to take what they give.

In that scenario I would love to see some true quick slants called - like one step up and slant instead of the longer developing plays. I think our screen game is improved but who cares about that. Shorter and faster strikes in the middle of the field would be a nice improvement. This would also be a great chance to work on the bunch set routes. Get some options to the receivers to hitch, cut, etc which relies on the QB making the same reads.

Running-wise nothing tricky needs to be done. Run your occasional sweep but really focus on a power running scheme where you just pound them down. Ideally we can get Etienne and Johnson some touches and then pull them. Get more touches to other players and rest up otherwise. I do think there is opportunity to occasionally get Mertz some safe designed roll outs and/or middle field draws where he has an opportunity to safely run. He is no AR but he can move and just showing that potential threat would go a long way on film. Just keep future defenses honest with some sort of threat with GM's legs. I think you have to have that with this offense.

Finally, whatever is wrong with the kicking game needs to be fixed. This will lose us games. Has to be fixed.

 

Yep. Jaydon Hill was roommates with Jalon Jones and Chris Steele. Imagine the stories that came out of that dorm room. Even though Jaydon is buried in the depth chart it would be cool to see him grab an INT off his old roommate. Jalon has one of the worst QBRs in the country two years running.

EDIT: Jaydon is not buried on the depth chart.

 

Agreed, but Jaydon played every snap on defense.

 

Agree with yanking Mertz early. But I’d like to see him air it out a little first.

 

Perfect! That means more opportunities to get the INT.

Thanks! I did not realize he played that many snaps.

Edited to add “thanks” and to correct grammar.

 

Does that mean that you have to subscribe to espn+ to watch it?

 

no.

 

Not if you have a subscription like cable or streamer that is an approved provider which allows you to login to the ESPN App.
Signing in to my TV provider | ESPN+

 

Lot of interesting stuff there. Sounds good to me if they can get some things done in those areas, play clean FB and avoid serious injury it's a good win - particularly if they can cover.

 

Just saw on finebaum 3 gators suspended for 1st half. 1 tenn player suspended. Didn’t say who

 

↑
I would love to see some true quick slants called - like one step up and slant instead of the longer developing plays. I think our screen game is improved but who cares about that. Shorter and faster strikes in the middle of the field would be a nice improvement. This would also be a great chance to work on the bunch set routes. Get some options to the receivers to hitch, cut, etc which relies on the QB making the same reads.
Yes, run something you have not yet tried in a game. I don't know why AR had this play at his disposal last season but Mertz is yet to throw it.

Running-wise nothing tricky needs to be done. Run your occasional sweep but really focus on a power running scheme where you just pound them down. Ideally we can get Etienne and Johnson some touches and then pull them. Get more touches to other players and rest up otherwise. I do think there is opportunity to occasionally get Mertz some safe designed roll outs and/or middle field draws where he has an opportunity to safely run. He is no AR but he can move and just showing that potential threat would go a long way on film. Just keep future defenses honest with some sort of threat with GM's legs. I think you have to have that with this offense.

We did this against McNeese and the practice paid off. Other than to pad the RBs stats, no need to run. Passing practice is needed.

Finally, whatever is wrong with the kicking game needs to be fixed. This will lose us games. Has to be fixed.
When we get inside the 30 yard line - KICK IT. Don't bother with waiting until 4th down.

 

Typical Birmingham response to UF

 

Not if 3 gators and one vol threw punches then it is what we should expect.

 

If you pay for sec network through a service provider, you have free access to sec+. You just have to log into the espn app with your service provider credentials. Make sure you select the sec+ option for the game. They will try to route you to the espn+ broadcast and make you pay for espn+ if you’re not paying attention.

 

Short answer: It means you need *either* ESPN+ or a cable subscription that includes SECN.

 

Lived in charlotte for a few years and worked near campus. They’re the usf of North Carolina - metro location decent academics crappy athletics. Best branding decision they made was by going by charlotte instead of uncc

 

Thanks Mom, right on target. I and most of Gator Nation look forward to seeing these two on the field. We will need them, attrition, injuries and so forth.

 

I agree, unless you really blow this type of opponent away quickly, 35-0 first quarter type of stuff, otherwise I like your depth chart activity.