The Florida defense

#26
#26
Vol$_Deep_11_9 said:
Do you guys think they're as good as the stats indicate? I think they're a very talented defense from front to back but I think the stats are a bit misleading because of who they have played. Not to take a thing away from them, they have looked very impressive. I just feel they have played 3 horrible teams.

What say you? Again, I know we have some Gators on here and I welcome you all's opinion on this as well.
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We haven't played a tough schedule and our O has been mediocre...if the OL doesn't come out fired up and ready to battle every play, we'll be lucky to get any offensive scores...they (OL) played well enough to win last year and need an equal or better performance this year...
 
#27
#27
vtvol98 said:
That North Texas game definitely skewed the stats for them.
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They were already off-the-charts good before North Texas. UMass only had 187 total yards against them, Kentucky, who has had ridiculously good offensive stats against everyone not named Florida this year, managed only 148 total yards. Florida had 9 sacks before they even played NT, and 4 turnovers.

So North Texas definitely made already gaudy defensive stats even more impressive.
 
#28
#28
jakez4ut said:
running Hurd off tackle, outside is not a recipe for success.

i'd expect to see him between the tackles more this game.
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Some here have mentioned the possibility of Hurd running downhill with a lead blocker out of the I formation. That would definitely be an interesting wrinkle and would possibly have Florida scrambling a little, or playing on their heels.
 
#29
#29
Anzalone is Clay Matthews from Green Bay. It won't be a bad thing if he misses the team plane on Friday. They clearly missed him last year. Other than that, their a typical Florida defense. Athletic & fast plus they cover & tackle well. Serious challenge to score against them. If Tabor gets an early pick 6 we are going to be in trouble. We need to seize, and then keep the momentum in this game. I still think we win, but I always think we will win.
 
#30
#30
RowdyRetile said:
Some here have mentioned the possibility of Hurd running downhill with a lead blocker out of the I formation. That would definitely be an interesting wrinkle and would possibly have Florida scrambling a little, or playing on their heels.
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it would be. one of the things i've always felt about Hurd is that he's had to get his yards the hard way. i'm sure there's a stat out there, but he gets contacted at or near the LOS so often, it's amazing he gets the #'s he does. he gets "dirty" yards.

he's big, physical, and while not blazing fast, he has enough burst, and is fluid enough, that if he can get in space, he can break one for a big gainer. he had a run off a screen pass against KY last year (i know, KY) where he made some good moves, made guys miss. it's one of the few times i've been able to see him in space.

i don't know that he'll do that saturday, but i'd like to see him in that 4 YPC range.

our 1st down offense is going to be key. if we're in 2nd and 3rd and long, that's when FL will be able to really dictate to us.
 
#31
#31
Blocking has to improve in this game dramatically and the way they use Hurd needs to be tweeked too. They need to implement some I formation looks, similar to some of the plays ran against NW last year.
 
#32
#32
jakez4ut said:
it would be. one of the things i've always felt about Hurd is that he's had to get his yards the hard way. i'm sure there's a stat out there, but he gets contacted at or near the LOS so often, it's amazing he gets the #'s he does. he gets "dirty" yards.

he's big, physical, and while not blazing fast, he has enough burst, and is fluid enough, that if he can get in space, he can break one for a big gainer. he had a run off a screen pass against KY last year (i know, KY) where he made some good moves, made guys miss. it's one of the few times i've been able to see him in space.

i don't know that he'll do that saturday, but i'd like to see him in that 4 YPC range.

our 1st down offense is going to be key. if we're in 2nd and 3rd and long, that's when FL will be able to really dictate to us.
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Plus, it may blunt UF's strengths on defense; speed, quickness, pass-rush, sideline-to-sideline pursuit. All that is nullified if the offense is lining up and stuffing it straight down your throat, play after play.
 
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#33
#33
jakez4ut said:
it would be. one of the things i've always felt about Hurd is that he's had to get his yards the hard way. i'm sure there's a stat out there, but he gets contacted at or near the LOS so often, it's amazing he gets the #'s he does. he gets "dirty" yards.

he's big, physical, and while not blazing fast, he has enough burst, and is fluid enough, that if he can get in space, he can break one for a big gainer. he had a run off a screen pass against KY last year (i know, KY) where he made some good moves, made guys miss. it's one of the few times i've been able to see him in space.

i don't know that he'll do that saturday, but i'd like to see him in that 4 YPC range.

our 1st down offense is going to be key. if we're in 2nd and 3rd and long, that's when FL will be able to really dictate to us.
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Hurd is one of the hardest working running backs in the country IMO. He deserved the UT rushing record, he's worked for it.
 
#34
#34
They have the #1 ranking in total defense in the nation. That's how good they have been so far this season. Virginia Tech is the 2nd best total defense in the nation but against us they would have ranked around #36. We're ranked #39 in total defense.

Virginia Tech gave up 160 total yards to liberty, 124 total yards to Boston College, and 330 to us.

Last year, we had more rushing yards against Florida's nationally celebrated defense than any other team they faced, including Alabama. We were one of 4 teams they faced last year that put up over 400 yards on them. They finished the season ranked #8 in total defense.

They have a good defense and that's probably okay. I think we have the better defensive line but without us having Kirkland & Sutton and having a questionable Reeves-Maybin they may have a pretty good edge at the 2nd level (corners & linebackers) and it may be close on the back end. 12 of 27 defensive players in their 2-deep are blue chippers. We have 15 blue chippers out of 23 listed in our defensive 2-deep. 18 out of 27 of their guys are redshirt sophomores (3rd years) or above while 15 of our 23 are the same.

The mouth of their defense has been foaming since mid-summer so we'll see if their bark has any bite. Meanwhile we'll be unleashing the blue tick hounds of hell on their offense. This game is being considered one of the more interesting games of the weekend because Saturday afternoon is going to go a long ways to setting the narrative for each team moving forward into this season.
 
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#35
#35
RowdyRetile said:
Plus, it may blunt UF's strengths on defense; speed, quickness, pass-rush, sideline-to-sideline pursuit. All that is nullified if the offense is lining up and stuffing it straight down your throat, play after play.
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i have a thread on this subject, and i expect there to be a concerted effort to be patient on offense and do just that.

it will probably be annoying to most of our fans, because it will appear that we're running in to a brick wall a lot of times. but if we can possess the ball, it will have an affect.

saying it, and doing it, though, are two different things.

but if we are able to do it, it will present opportunities in the passing game. FL's defense is good enough where they will play man to man outside, and our guys are gonna have win those. we don't have to do it a ton. but when the opportunity is there....a) call it b) make a play. the WR and TE are going to have to help Dobbs.

i think this game plan looks a lot like the game plan did against Bama last year.
 
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#36
#36
Vol$_Deep_11_9 said:
Hurd is one of the hardest working running backs in the country IMO. He deserved the UT rushing record, he's worked for it.
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yeah, i don't get the Hurd criticism i'm seeing. he is what he is, and he just so happens to still be good at it, despite the obvious challenges running behind this line has been.
 
#37
#37
ChattaTNVol said:
They have the #1 ranking in total defense in the nation. That's how good they have been so far this season. Virginia Tech is the 2nd best total defense in the nation but against us they would have ranked around #36. We're ranked #39 in total defense.

Virginia Tech gave up 160 total yards to liberty, 124 total yards to Boston College, and 330 to us.

Last year, we had more rushing yards against Florida's nationally celebrated defense than any other team they faced, including Alabama. We were one of 4 teams they faced last year that put up over 400 yards on them. They finished the season ranked #8 in total defense.

They have a good defense and that's probably okay. I think we have the better defensive line but without us having Kirkland & Sutton and having a questionable Reeves-Maybin they may have a pretty good edge at the 2nd level (corners & linebackers) and it may be close on the back end. 12 of 27 defensive players in their 2-deep are blue chippers. We have 15 blue chippers out of 23 listed in our defensive 2-deep. 18 out of 27 of their guys are redshirt sophomores (3rd years) or above while 15 of our 23 are the same.

The mouth of their defense has been foaming since mid-summer so we'll see if their bark has any bite. Meanwhile we'll be unleashing the blue tick hounds of hell on their offense. This game is being considered one of the more interesting games of the weekend because Saturday afternoon is going to go a long ways to setting the narrative for each team moving forward into this season.
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Good post, I'll just add... Florida was very early in the season last year under a completely new staff with a new DC. They've got continuity this year, a full understanding of what they're doing on defense. Also, I truly believe they underestimated Dobbs last year; as a runner, as an athlete, and maybe even his passing ability. All they have to do is turn on last year's game and see Dobbs gouging them as a runner/passer and even a receiver.

This will come down to UT needing players to step up besides Dobbs. Kamara/Hurd/Malone have to do more than make token plays here and there, they have to make huge plays.
 
#38
#38
Vol$_Deep_11_9 said:
Do you guys think they're as good as the stats indicate? I think they're a very talented defense from front to back but I think the stats are a bit misleading because of who they have played. Not to take a thing away from them, they have looked very impressive. I just feel they have played 3 horrible teams.

What say you? Again, I know we have some Gators on here and I welcome you all's opinion on this as well.
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I say they're a top 10 defense, they have some really good players. I think their offense is overrated though.
 
#39
#39
jakez4ut said:
yeah, i don't get the Hurd criticism i'm seeing. he is what he is, and he just so happens to still be good at it, despite the obvious challenges running behind this line has been.
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The only real knock I have on him would be that he gets caught more often than not from behind it seems. But he's a helluva worker. That stiff arm is nasty!
 
#40
#40
ChattaTNVol said:
They have the #1 ranking in total defense in the nation. That's how good they have been so far this season. Virginia Tech is the 2nd best total defense in the nation but against us they would have ranked around #36. We're ranked #39 in total defense.

Virginia Tech gave up 160 total yards to liberty, 124 total yards to Boston College, and 330 to us.

Last year, we had more rushing yards against Florida's nationally celebrated defense than any other team they faced, including Alabama. We were one of 4 teams they faced last year that put up over 400 yards on them. They finished the season ranked #8 in total defense.

They have a good defense and that's probably okay. I think we have the better defensive line but without us having Kirkland & Sutton and having a questionable Reeves-Maybin they may have a pretty good edge at the 2nd level (corners & linebackers) and it may be close on the back end. 12 of 27 defensive players in their 2-deep are blue chippers. We have 15 blue chippers out of 23 listed in our defensive 2-deep. 18 out of 27 of their guys are redshirt sophomores (3rd years) or above while 15 of our 23 are the same.

The mouth of their defense has been foaming since mid-summer so we'll see if their bark has any bite. Meanwhile we'll be unleashing the blue tick hounds of hell on their offense. This game is being considered one of the more interesting games of the weekend because Saturday afternoon is going to go a long ways to setting the narrative for each team moving forward into this season.
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Good stuff
 
#41
#41
RowdyRetile said:
Good post, I'll just add... Florida was very early in the season last year under a completely new staff with a new DC. They've got continuity this year, a full understanding of what they're doing on defense. Also, I truly believe they underestimated Dobbs last year; as a runner, as an athlete, and maybe even his passing ability. All they have to do is turn on last year's game and see Dobbs gouging them as a runner/passer and even a receiver.

This will come down to UT needing players to step up besides Dobbs. Kamara/Hurd/Malone have to do more than make token plays here and there, they have to make huge plays.
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Dobbs showed me last year what type of runner he was when he out ran the entire defense on that Jennings trick play. He dusted everybody. But you're right, his legs can't do it alone.
 
#42
#42
Last year Florida also had a critical LB shortage. There were only 4 SEC caliber LBs, and 2 of them were injured for the UT game. That makes defending he run very difficult. This year with Anzalone back and some talented backups, Florida will be much better equipped to play the run. Florida was also missing Tabor last year and Hargreaves was playing hurt. This year the D is in full strength, though now the O has taken a step back with Del Rio's injury.
 
#43
#43
If Dobbs is going to run he needs to take the snap and take off like that QB on Louisville does -- that kid never hesitates like Dobbs has been doing at times
 
#44
#44
dingyibvs said:
Last year Florida also had a critical LB shortage. There were only 4 SEC caliber LBs, and 2 of them were injured for the UT game. That makes defending he run very difficult. This year with Anzalone back and some talented backups, Florida will be much better equipped to play the run. Florida was also missing Tabor last year and Hargreaves was playing hurt. This year the D is in full strength, though now the O has taken a step back with Del Rio's injury.
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With or without Del Rio, their offense don't really scare me. I still think with Sutton out we will match up well enough to not get killed throwing. The DL better bring their lunch pails though, that would help the secondary more than anything.
 
#45
#45
They are one of the top 3 defenses in the country. They are good at all levels and deep. They've probably got 3 first round locks with a few more possibilities. We will beat them.
 
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#47
#47
I think Florida's defense is very good. AND I think they're overrated. They're probably more of a top 20 defense than a top 5 defense by the time their season is over
 
#48
#48
florida's D has gone against 3 terrible offenses---UT will light them up for some easy points.
 
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