Gators’ defense eager to rebound
UF has struggled to stop Tennessee’s offense
GAINESVILLE — During the past two seasons, UF’s defense did not point fingers.
Instead, it stoically shouldered the load and carried a struggling offense to the SEC title game.
At times, though, one of the nation’s top defenses had its own issues, never more than when facing the Tennessee Vols. A combination of poor technique and overzealousness during intense rivalry games led to 78 missed tackles — by UF’s count — the past two meetings.
The Gators still split those games, but last season saw an 11-game win streak snapped during a 38-28 loss featuring a slew of second-half defensive breakdowns.
Now a young, rebuilding unit looks to find its footing Saturday against the Vols and make a big step forward after being caught flat-footed too often during a season-opening loss to Michigan. The first order of business is to clean up the mistakes of the past.
“It’s a big emphasis ... 78 [missed tackles] is a big number,” sophomore David Reese said. “That’s the breaking point of winning the game or losing the game. In two games, that’s a lot, but we had 15 NFL players on those two teams. We’ve just gotta come to
play. “It’s a statement.” Many expected the Gators to take a step back after losing seven starters to the NFL draft, including the team’s top four tacklers. Yet veterans like fifth-year senior cornerback Duke Dawson did not expect a drop based on the culture created on his side of the ball.
Two weeks ago against Michigan, the Gators were beaten both up front and over the top during a 33-17 loss. A pair of pick-sixes provided a glimpse of potential but little solace for a defense with extremely high standards.
“I would grade ourselves as a C right now,” Dawson said. “It was lot of missed stops on the field . ... That’s something that we really harp on heavy every week, every day, we go into practice not just ourselves but our coaches, as well, about everyone communicating and buying into what the game plan is.”
The game plan for the Vols (2-0) is sure to be extensive.
Coach Butch Jones’ team can beat a defense both on the ground and through the air.
Quarterback Quinten Dormady does not have the mobility of former threeyear starter Joshua Dobbs, but he has a stronger, more accurate arm; tailback John Kelly rushed for four touchdowns against Georgia Tech and averaged 104 rushing yards in two games; and sophomore receiver Marquez Callaway stepped in when star Jauan Jennings was injured in the opener against Tech and averages 30.4 yards and has three touchdowns on five catches.
The Vols’ offensive line returns seven players with multiple starts and is might be the strength of the team.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for what they do offensively and how they picked up with the loss of that quarterback [Dobbs.] Haven’t really missed a beat there,” UF coach Jim McElwain said.
To find their rhythm on defense, the Gators need each player to execute his assignment.
UF lost too many matchups against Michigan’s physical offensive line and on the back end against the Wolverines’ receivers.
“You’ve got to always win your one-on-one battles,” Dawson said. “You’ve got to always act like the attention is on you. The ball’s coming your way, anything — just always being locked in.”
Focus should not be an issue Saturday. The energy in the Swamp will be palpable.
About 1,000 tickets remain for the Gators’ home opener, but the circumstances created by Hurricane Irma could prevent a sellout. Many of those in attendance will have been impacted by the storm and seeking an escape.
“It’s a special place to a lot of people,” McElwain said. “I know they [his players] are looking forward to coming out of that tunnel and hearing those Gator fans. That’s going to do a lot.”
To give the fans what they came to see, the Gators will have to balance their emotions with discipline. If UF can, missed tackles — and missed opportunity — could be a thing of the past and the team’s defense can get pointed in the right direction.
“Emotions are gonna be high. You now, rivalry game, lost last year,” sophomore safety Chauncey Gardner said. “Everybody’s going “oh get em back, get em back” but the more we’re focused on getting them back, the more missed tackles gonna occur. You just gotta go out there and just play ball.”