As my Gators are about to embark on their second Championship game in the last three years, I hearken back to the day before our game against Ohio State in January 2007.
Everyone thought we were overmatched; after all, we were coming off of an SEC Championship game where if not for a special teams blunder by Arkansas and a recovery in the end zone by Wondy Pierre Louis, we were likely to end up on the short end of the stick.
The Chris Leak-led team was not nearly as explosive as the one that we have today, and this leads me to the dynamic that I think will get us over the hump tonight.
Make no mistake, Gator Nation, this Oklahoma team is dangerous, and we need lots of pressure on Bradford, and bump-and-run coverage on the wideouts, who rely on timing.
We are undersized in the backfield, with our average height of 5-foot-9, so with the big tight end Gresham and their other superstar Iglesias, it is imperative that we have sound tackling.
Our linebacker play needs to be superb as well, and Bradford needs to hit the dirt more often than not, and the images of Troy Smith running for his life need to be replicated.
Coaching and preparation are where I think we will make the difference in this game. Given time to prepare, Urban Meyer is one of the best.
With the time we have had to heal injuries to Harvin and Nelson, and the preparation of the defense to be ready for the explosive offense of the Sooners, I think we should be able to hold our own.
This game has the potential to be a very good game or a blowout either way. If we don't pressure Bradford, it could get ugly for us Gators, but I have to trust Charlie Strong's experience as our defensive coach and his preparations!
Good luck to all, and hope and pray all players on both sides have a safe game and at the conclusion be healthy!
GO GATORS
2 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
That's a nice analysis, first effort or not! The big key in my mind, which you mentioned, is how well the Florida defensive backs can play against their receiving group. That, and y'all need to put the fear of God into Bradford.
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Tony F 5 months ago
Thanks for reading Kreskin,
I think Spikes will rally the linebackers, and we have the advantage of rotating Will Hill in at safety. He is a superstar in the making, and in a few years his name will resonate like Reggie Nelson did. The key tonight is pressure on Bradford, and long, sustained drives by our offense, which has adual purpose. Scoring touchdowns, and wearing down the defense both physically and mentally. Also the humidity of Miami and the fact our players are in our home state serves as an advantage as well.
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