I have concerns about our DL also. I know that we can bring pressure, but stopping the run won't be easy. However, I think Bituli being out there is a huge help in this area, not only because of his ability to make plays, but to line the guys up correctly which was the primary problem against GAS.
The good thing is, even if we aren't great at stopping the run, FL is horrible at running the football. Awful at it. So I don't think the run game is concerning there. My bigger concern is the passing game if our secondary can't cover their receivers.
But the point is, none of these things are definitive advantages for Fl. Just look at what we're saying: we're concerned about stopping the run. But FL is horrible at running the ball. It isn't like they have a huge advantage in that area if they have one at all.
I'm concerned about the passing game. But, they're starting a new QB who has never started a college game and we're going to bring pressure on him. Can our DB's cover their receivers? I don't know. But can their QB perform under pressure and make good decisions? We don't know that either. Further, is Bryce back? If so, that's a big help. So again, while their passing game against our DB's might be concerning, it isn't some gigantic advantage we can't overcome. In fact, depending on the performance of Trask, we could end up having the advantage there.
The biggest concern that FL brings on Saturday is their defensive front against our OL. They will get pressure against JG. They will. That's the advantage that they have. JG then has to take care of the football and get the ball out fast. But we'll also bring pressure against Trask. So do they even have a decided advantage here? I don't see it. Especially since their banged up on their DL. Who knows if Zuniga is even playing. Further, Henderson may be out and their starting safety is out as well. There will be plays to be made in the passing game for us if JG can make them.
I just don't see Fl having this decided advantage on either side of the ball and yet people are acting like they're unbeatable. I don't see it. In fact, I think there's a reason why the last several games have been extremely close. In 2014, 15, and 17 they won with absolute flukes. No denying that. In 2016 we beat their brains in. Last year I think was fool's gold for them because we had a comedy of errors, most of which are self-inflicted. We are close to them, we are.
If they have some decided advantage I wish someone could show it to me so that I could prepare better for heartbreak on Sat lol. The real advantage that they have is that they always find ways to win and we find ways to lose. We have to reverse that.