Florida Gators: Five Keys for John Brantley and the Team vs. USF
Let me go out on a limb and say this: If the Gators play even remotely close to the way they played last saturday, their season will be over before it starts.
Think about that for a second. Let it sink in.
If the Gators were playing virtually any other team other than Miami of Ohio, then Gator fans would be looking towards basketball season a little early.
The good news is that they did actually play Miami of Ohio and they are playing an inferior but dangerous South Florida team on Saturday in the Swamp.
Yes, said inferior, but Dangerous.
These are the boys that Floirda didn't want. Sort of like the pretty girl that you ask to dance at the sixth grade soda pop mixer that says, well....NO.
These kids will be out to show the world that UF may just have made a mistake. Skip Holtz will have them beleiving that they can win this game.
Buckle up.
Top five things the Gators need to make sure this doesn't happen
#5. No Fumbles
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You just can't win if you turn the ball over. Period.
One of Urban Meyer's steadfast commandments is ball control and security.
This shouldn't be that earth shattering, but after last week's debacle, we can as of yet assume that this team can execute on point.
If Florida turns the ball over with the same of even a fraction of last week's regularity, then look out.
#4. Offensive Iine Improvement
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Expect Mike Pouncey to improve on his performance from last week. He's a winner and winners don't stay down long.
The play of O-line was dreadfull last week and coupled with bad snaps, fumbles, and a dazed looking Brantley.
Look for improvement this week with the return of Carl Johnson, who was suspended for last weeks game.
Also returning for the Gators is Xavier Nixon who should help bolster that line.
Look for a fired up Pouncey to play a leadership role and rally the O-Line.
#3. Improved Kicking Game
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One thing is for sure. The Gators will need kicker Caleb Sturgis down the road this season.
Urban Meyer takes pride in the kicking game and special teams.
I'm willing to Bet Caleb took a few extra kicks in practice this week just to make sure he's on point with the kicking game.
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#2. Swamp Fans to Be Swamp Fans
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Gator fans don't like noon football games. Gator fans have gotten spoiled by playing the majority of their games in the late afternoon or evening.
Somtimes the atmosphere in the swamp seems a litttle less than swamp-like.
Gator fans need to recognize that they need to put the intimidation factor back in the swamp and rally around the Gators early and often.
Of course, the swamp is never an easy or relaxed place on any day, but Gator fans need to understand that this game is season wrecker if they lose.
I predict the swamp will be rockin early on Saturday.
#1. John Brantley To Make Plays
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John Brantley will be an excellent quarterback at Floirda.
There is no doubting his pedigree, past success or ability.
What I'm looking to see from Brantley is for him to take charge and realize that he MUST lead this team.
No one expects him the be Tim Tebow, but for the majority of the game last saturday, I found myself looking at the expressions on his face and he looked somewhat frazzelled.
Florida is going to need him to step up make the plays in critical situations.
Granted, the blame for last week is shared by many, not just Brantley.
Look for Brantley to get rid of the ball quicker, and take some shots down field.
Urban Meyer will want to run the ball, but a few nice long completions for Brantley will get the blood flowing.
Prediction: Gators: 35 Bulls: 14
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