Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
UF defense looks to bounce back vs. Vols
GAINESVILLE — During the past two seasons, the UF’s defense did not finger point.
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 an intense rivalry game led 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 secondhalf 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 flatfooted 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 dropoff based on the culture created on his side of the ball.
Two weeks ago against Michigan, the Gators then were beaten both up front and over the top during a 33-17 loss. A pair of picksixes 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 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 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.”