The Four Problems with the 2009 Florida Gators Offense

The formerly top-ranked Florida Gators fell to the No. 2 spot in the AP Poll following their 23-20 victory over the upset-minded Arkansas Razorbacks.

Based on the recent play of both the Gators and the No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida's drop should not be surprising at all.

Granted, the Gator defense has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, but the offense is struggling to keep pace.

The poor play of Tim Tebow and the offense has forced the defense to pick up the slack in 2009, a trend that Florida cannot afford to continue.

While the defense has only surrendered four touchdowns and an average of fewer than nine points per game, Arkansas proved that Brandon Spikes and Co. are not invincible.

However, despite its struggles, the once-explosive Gator offense has the ability to put up big numbers again this season.

There are four major issues for the Florida offense that can easily be fixed.

If Coach Meyer is able to solve and/or deal with these problems effectively, the rest of the SEC would be wise to take cover.

Offensive Coordinator Steve Addazio's Coaching Style

Steve Addazio, who was named Florida's offensive coordinator after Dan Mullen took Mississippi State's coaching job, has had a solid season.

He is doing well, and this is not a call to have him fired or demoted.

Rather, this is a recommendation that could help him do his job more effectively and with better results.

For starters, CBS analyst Gary Danielson expressed that he thought the Gator offense would suffer with Addazio on the sidelines.

Granted, Addazio needs to be on the sideline to coach the offensive line, but it would be better if he called plays from the press box like Mullen did before.

Not only would a seat in the press box give Addazio a better view of the field, but he could concentrate entirely on play-calling and leave the offensive line coaching to another coach.

Also, another concern is his confidence in the offensive line.

While his confidence is certainly warranted by the presence of Mike and Maurkice Pouncey on the line, it sometimes works against him.

Most notable is the repetitive use of running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey on the dive play.

The Florida offensive line is undoubtedly good enough to open up holes for Demps and Rainey up the middle, but they certainly cannot do so enough to move the ball efficiently.

Due to their small frames, both Demps and Rainey are often knocked into the backfield if they cannot find a small hole to cut into.

Because of this, Addazio should either run the dive with running back Emmanuel Moody, who can absorb more hits, or try to get Demps and Rainey the ball in space more often.

No matter how good an offensive line is, the lack of a sturdy running back to run up the middle will eventually erode its confidence.

By using Moody up the middle and Demps and Rainey in space, Addazio will boost the confidence of the offensive linemen and move the ball much more effectively.

The Lack of Dependable Wide Receivers

Tim Tebow and the Gator offense are sorely missing star receivers Louis Murphy and Percy Harvin in the receiving corps.

Outside of stellar tight end Aaron Hernandez, Florida's wide receivers have been nothing short of dismal in 2009.

Excluding Hernandez, who has 28 receptions for 360 yards this season, Riley Cooper has been the only reliable receiver for Tebow.

However, despite Cooper's excellent blocking and clutch touchdown catch against the LSU Tigers, he is not a first-option wide receiver.

Deonte Thompson, who was expected to be the Gators' top receiver in 2009, has had a tough season thus far, recording only five catches while battling a hamstring injury.

While things are looking up for Thompson after his 77-yard touchdown catch against the Razorbacks, he still struggles with dropping passes.

The Gators' third option, David Nelson, who was on the receiving end of Tebow's jump pass in the BCS Championship Game, has been unimpressive.

Nelson has only managed eight receptions for 79 yards in 2009, often disappearing down the stretch and limiting Tebow's options through the air.

In order for the passing game to improve, Thompson needs to live up to his billing after he recovers from his injury and become Florida's deep threat.

Nelson, who won't blow anyone away with his stats, needs to play well enough to provide a viable third option for Tebow or occupy a defensive back.

If Thompson and Nelson can improve in those aspects, Hernandez and Cooper will thrive, giving Tebow the opportunity to pick apart the opposition.

The Underuse of Emmanuel Moody

Emmanuel Moody is standing on the sidelines in the picture attached to this slide—something he does way too often.

As the Gator players have learned, when you consistently make mistakes under Urban Meyer, it can be very difficult to get another chance to play regularly (just ask DeShawn Wynn).

As a result, the once-heralded transfer from USC has become the Gators' fourth option in the running game because of his fumbling problems in 2008.

However, it would be beneficial for Florida if Meyer were to utilize Moody more in the running game when considering both his size and numbers.

Moody has been a running machine in his college football career, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, but he still ranks only fourth on the team with 27 carries.

In addition to his great numbers, Moody's size also makes him the best option to run Florida's new favorite play—the halfback dive.

Granted, Moody is not huge, listed as six feet tall and 210 pounds, but he is larger than fellow Gator running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.

Demps and Rainey, who are known for their breakaway speed, are both shorter than six feet and weigh 183 and 175 pounds, respectively.

Moody's build allows him to absorb more hits and break more tackles on the dive play while Demps and Rainey are much more effective in the open field.

By establishing Moody as an up-the-middle running threat, the Gators would add yet another dangerous weapon to their high-profile offense.

The Lack of a Game-Changing Playmaker...

...other than Tim Tebow.

Emptiness, thy name is Percy Harvin.

Florida coach Urban Meyer once said Harvin had "the best first step in college football."

Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel said "[Harvin's] vision and competitive spirit [are] just as deadly as his cuts."

Bleacher Report's Joseph Morgan adds that Harvin's game is "absolutely lethal."

It's hard to argue.

Harvin, the explosive wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, was Florida's top offensive weapon and their emergency option during his time as a Gator.

Without Harvin, the Gators have been pressed to find that explosive weapon that can get them out of a jam when needed.

Granted, Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey, and Brandon James all possess lightning speed like Harvin, but they lack the former All-American's best skill.

Harvin's field vision is unmatched, making him one of the most dangerous football players in the world—in college and the NFL.

He has incredible football instincts, always knowing exactly when to change direction. When Harvin made defenders miss, they looked downright ridiculous.

Harvin is truly irreplaceable.

That being said, Harvin's absence doesn't mean that the Gators can't make big plays.

James is absolutely dynamite in the return game when the ball is actually kicked to him, and nobody can catch Demps once he gets into the open field.

By the way, make sure you don't forget that Tebow guy.

He can change the game with his arm and his legs. And even though the defense knows he's coming, they still struggle to stop him.

Harvin was a once-in-a-lifetime player, but if Florida plays to the strengths of their playmakers, they should do just fine.

Where does the Florida Offense Go from Here?

While the four aforementioned problems with the Gators' offense may not be the only ones they face, each will be crucial down the stretch in 2009.

However, while the problems the Florida offense faces are ever-present, they will not define the season.

Instead, the way Urban Meyer and his team approach, solve, and account for these issues will determine where they go this season.

Tim Tebow and his teammates certainly have the talent and toughness to repeat as BCS National Champions.

However, their toughness will be put to the test as they deal with the adversity that comes from the pressure of enduring difficult times.

Florida has the experience to overcome their offensive woes and if they do, they may get that No. 1 ranking back for good.