3 things we learned from record-setting win by Gators
GAINESVILLE — Instead of a confidence builder, Florida’s visit from Samford turned into a nailbiter and could have been the final straw for coach Dan Mullen.
Three things learned during the Gators’ 70-52 shootout win on Saturday:
1. Scapegoating Grantham?
New defensive play-caller, same bad defense. Worse, actually.
Firing Todd Grantham last Sunday did not energize the players and improve the production as expected. In fact, the Gators never looked less inspired or more disorganized than with Christian Robinson in charge.
Undermanned Samford, an FCS school with 63 scholarships available, scored on its first three drives with ease, taking the lead each time. Along the way, the Bulldogs converted 5 third downs in six tries. When the Gators did stop Samford, it converted on fourth down.
Grantham’s defenses were a sieve all too often and led to his demise. The dam broke with Robinson at the controls.
The Gators eventually plugged the dike, but not before the Bulldogs seized a 42-28 lead — the most points scored against a Florida team during a half. Good thing for Mullen that Samford’s defense was even worse or he might have been out of a job a week after he fired Grantham.
Based on reaction, a disconnect existed between Grantham, 55, and his players. Robinson, 31, and a former linebacker under Grantham at Georgia, was expected to instill enthusiasm and better manage his mentor’s scheme.
Three offside penalties during the first two series along with a substitution mess on the goal line did not inspire confidence, though Mullen absolved Robinson and said he signaled players quickly and repeatedly.
“I’m not going to put that on Christian because he’s calling it fast, getting it in. It’s something we’ve even went to practice extra,” Mullen said. “Guys just kind of, I guess, lost focus. We can’t have that for the course of the game.”
Coverage breakdowns were legion and the lack of big plays glaring as Samford piled up 530 yards. Be it focus, experience, football IQ or athleticism, the Gators are lacking at all three levels of the defense — whoever is calling the plays.
2. Smart to stick with Jones
The Anthony Richardson injury watch the past two weeks ended with Emory Jones handling quarterback duties.
Benched in favor of Richardson Oct. 30 against Georgia, Jones struggled at South Carolina but seized his opportunity Saturday to deliver a record-setting performance.
Jones completed 28 of 34 for 464 yards and 6 touchdowns and added 86 yards and a TD on the ground. The 550 total yards eclipsed Tim Tebow’s record 533 against Cincinnati in the 2010 Sugar Bowl. Jones needed 19 yards to surpass Tebow’s passing mark set in New Orleans, but Mullen inserted Richardson on the final drive.
The redshirt freshman chased down Mullen before going in and pleaded Jones’ case.
“He was telling Coach Mullen, ‘Don’t,’ ” Jones said. “I was like, ‘Nah, go in there and play.’ I’m not worried about that.”
Jones was nonetheless touched by the gesture, along with another one by the 19-year-old Richardson.
On his Twitter account, Richardson wrote, ‘5. That’s the tweet,’ a nod Jones’ number.
“It’s always cool to have that guy with you every day in the meeting rooms, always have your back,” Jones said.
Richardson might supplant Jones again as starter but could have lost his chance this season. A concussion suffered against Georgia put Richardson in line to serve as emergency QB at South Carolina, where he then injured a knee while dancing at the team hotel on the eve of the Gators’ 40-17 collapse.
Must-win games Saturday at Missouri and Nov. 27 against Florida State will require Mullen to do what’s needed rather than turn to a future with Richardson. Jones is the more steady option and perhaps now the more confident player.
3. Shake-up for shaky special teams
Mullen made a difficult decision firing two close friends, Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy. Longtime lieutenant Greg Knox could be next. At the very least, he may need to be replaced as special-teams coordinator. The third phase of the game has become a millstone.
Samford scored on a 98-yard kickoff return for a 35-28 lead and recovered an onside kick after cutting Florida’s advantage to 56-49.
When Kentucky beat the Gators on Oct. 2, a blocked field goal was the difference in a 20-13 win. A missed extra point against Alabama forced Florida to attempt a 2-point conversion that failed during a 31-29 loss.
Game-changing plays in Florida’s favor have been virtually nonexistent other than a fake punt against overmatched Vanderbilt. Blocked kicks, explosive returns and airtight coverage teams were commonplace when Mullen served at Florida under Urban Meyer, a special-teams stickler.
Mullen’s current team has talent deficiencies in enough areas that it needs to seek advantages anywhere it can find them.