FSU Week

Since my last post, the Gators laid an egg against South Carolina and ruined their shot at an SEC title. 

But then, bounced back offensively against FCS powerhouse Appalachian State (seriously no sarcasm there…they are 2^nd in the nation!) defeating them 48-10.

            

Instead of talking about the past, lets look ahead to the regular-season finale against the FSU Seminoles.

            

UF Offense vs. FSU Defense

This will be a tough game for the Florida offense. With a team that may go down as one of the worst in recent memory for the Gators, the Seminoles are on rising their way back towards the top, or at least, pointed in the right direction.

            

I believe the Seminoles smell blood.  They haven’t beaten Florida in 6 years.

           

Six!

            

No current FSU players can claim they have beaten the Gators, and you can bet they want to win the state of Florida this year after already defeating Miami.

            

The key matchup here is Florida’s offensive line and FSU’s defensive line.

            

FSU leads the nation in sacks.  And all Gator fans know pass protection isn’t something the Gators have exactly excelled at this year.

            

The Seminoles will be looking to exploit that weakness even more this Saturday.

            

Whether we like it or not, Brantley will take the majority of snaps this week.  He has got to make smart and quick decision when he feels pressure in the pocket. 

            

The Gators also need their speed in order to compensate for the blitzes that FSU will send Florida’s way.

            

If Jeff Demps is healthy enough to play, that will go a long way in helping the Gators offense produce yards and points.

            

Chris Rainey must continue his great play as well.

           

The Gators do not have room for mistakes on offense either.  If they hurt themselves, they are not talented enough to claw their way back. At least, they haven’t proven that this season (I hope I’m wrong).

            

Advantage: FSU defense

            

UF Defense vs. FSU Offense

           

This matchup is much more even. 

            

Florida’s defense has had its up and downs this year.

           

However, the key for Florida will be in its secondary.  Janoris Jenkins, Will Hill, Ahmad Black, and Jeremy Brown/Cody Riggs must be opportunistic and create turnovers for Ponder and the Seminoles.

            

The Seminoles have never been afraid to air the ball out, and I doubt that their philosophy will change this week.

            

Another area of importance for the Florida defense will be the play of its linebackers.

            

Jelani Jenkins and Ronald Powell, although freshmen, have come into their own the last several weeks.  Powell led the team in solo tackles last week with nine.

            

But our line-backing corps have struggled to consistently make tackles when trying to stop the run game or screen passes.

           

FSU running back Jermaine Thomas tore his ACL a couple games back, but with the Gators’ struggles inside the box, any running back can break loose.

            

The elite play of Florida’s secondary will win this battle for the Gators.  Black, Hill, and Ja. Jenkins are a force to be reckoned with. 

            

Advantage: UF defense

Score Prediction: FSU- 24

                              UF- 21

Inside the Numbers

-       The Seminoles have lost 6 in a row to the Gators

-       FSU leads the nation in sacks with 41

-       The Gators have faced current FSU coach Jimbo Fisher 16 times as an assistant coach. They are 11-5 against Fisher.

-       Urban Meyer has never lost to Florida State: 6-0.

-       The Gators have the nation’s 13^th ranked pass defense and have 17 interceptions on the season.

           

Recruiting Impact

            Here’s a list of recruits that will be in Tallahassee for the game tomorrow (Florida targets are in bold):

            List according to Rivals.com

Karlos Williams

Brandon Fulse

Kelvin Benjamin

Derrick Mitchell

Chris Black (2012)

Eric Beverly

Shaq Beverly (2012)

Travis Blanks (2012)

Dante Fowler (2012)

Nick O'Leary

Curt Maggitt

Jacoby Brissett

T.J. Davis (2012)

Giorgio Newberry

Bobby Hart

Rashad Greene

Arrington Jenkins

James Wilder, Jr

PJ Williams (2012)

Marvin Bracy (2012)

Tony Steward

Aaron Lynch

Jordan Prestwood

Mario Pender (2012)

Cornellius Carradine (Official)

Derrick Henry (2013)

Kelvin Rainey

Jacob Fahrenkrug (Official)

Sterling Lovelady

Terry Bell

Tim Jernigan

Kevin Grooms

Avery Young (2012)

Earl Moore (2012)

Dalvon Stuckey

Marcus Maye (2012)

Ruben Carter

Robensen Therezie

Josh Clemons (2012)

Trey Pettis (FSU commitment)

Keelin Smith (Official) (FSU commitment)

Lamarcus Brutus (Official) (FSU commitment)

Nick Waisome (UF commitment) (don't worry, he is solid - he is going to watch the Gators)

Matt Williams (Official)(JUCO)

Nick Patti (2012)

HaSean Clinton-Dix (Alabama commitment)

Matt Dobson (2012)

Buck Allen

Cody Waldrop (2012)