After watching the University of Florida secure their home field advantage and squeak out a victory against the University of Miami (Ohio), there were some positives and negatives coming out from each sideline.

Continuing this regular segment, I go through the standout players, those that need work, and tendencies of each team that must be praised or fixed.

 

The John Brantley Hype is Well-Merited

 

Numerous media outlets were buying into the hype that Florida junior quarterback John Brantley was a great replacement for Tim Tebow and had enough talent to lead Florida back to a BCS bowl. Tebow is arguably one of the greatest college football players in history, so it’s hard to compare the two. But Brantley showed great poise in the pocket, along with a great ability to throw an accurate pass and hit his receivers between the numbers. Though the play calls did not seem to go in his favor, when Brantley was allowed to throw deep, he succeeded (though the receivers did not always do the same). Look for Brantley to continue to work on his game and improve en route to an 11-win season.

 

Miami’s Defense Could Lead the MAC – and challenge the BCS teams at the top of the nation

 

In the first half, Miami allowed Florida just 14 net yards. Fourteen net yards, to one of the greatest offensive teams in the country (at least in the past few years). Yes, it is a new year and anything can happen. But if Miami can defend this well against a talented Florida squad, there’s no reason not to believe that Miami could lead the MAC in defense and even rank in the top-15 in the country in total defense. Florida is the toughest team Miami will play, with the only other challenges being at Cincinnati in October, at Mizzou in September and vs. Temple in November.

 

Florida Damn Well Better Improve Their Offense

 

Florida’s first three drives ended in four turnovers. Okay, three, but one of those turnovers was negated due to an offsides call on Miami. Two fumbles and a turnover on downs – not quite the way Urban Meyer expected his team to start the season. Center Mike Pouncey was terrible with snaps, forcing one fumble and causing Brantley to take his eyes off the field in order to concentrate on catching his ridiculous tosses. The team struggled on the ground, as they averaged less than zero yards per rush after the third quarter. Receivers averaged 3.3 yards in the same period. The only positive, with regards to moving the ball downfield, was kick return specialist Mike Gillislee. The team must work extremely hard in practice if they hope to roll through their SEC schedule – or even look competitive, for that matter.

 

 

UF’s Defense is Good, But There’s Always Room For Improvement

 

Janoris Jenkins returned an interception for a touchdown and two more Florida players intercepted Miami quarterback Zac Dysert. The defense allowed less than one yard per rush, but their passing defense seemed to have trouble containing Miami’s possession receivers, who were able to gradually move the ball downfield on most of their drives.

 

Miami Needs Some Discipline, For God’s Sake

 

Penalty after penalty screwed Miami’s chances of an upset – including one penalty that may have turned a touchdown into a field goal. You can’t take that many penalties against a team like Florida and expect to win. You also can’t have your starting running back ejected for throwing a punch, put your third string in and expect to win as well. Perhaps it’s inexperience against a team of Florida’s caliber, but Miami has the potential to make it to a legitimate bowl game. They can’t mess up their chances with their undisciplined play.

 

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com. In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News, he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him at BergHockey24@gmail.com.