Just watched a rerun of the UK/FLa game on the SEC Network. A lot has been discussed about the offense but we haven't had much to say about the defense. I know that UF does not have a dominating offense (particularly offensive line) but I think our defense has been getting better and better each week. Hopefully, they continue to improve against Missouri.
In terms of the UF game, here is what I saw that liked:
In terms of the UF game, here is what I saw that liked:
- Overall stats: net yards 245, rushing 120, passing 125; 2 for 11 on third downs, one interception (a very big one), and a blocked field goal.
- Excellent stunting by the defensive line allowed some penetration on nearly every play. Sometimes we penetrated away from the play and that took the defender out of contention but that happens on every play.
- Limiting the big play. We didn't allow a lot of yards after the catch or any real long runs. We made UF earn their yards.
- Cory Johnson. It seemed like he was all over the field and made some good plays. I think he is going to have a similar year that ZaDarius had (I know, he plays a different position) and I hope he can work himself into the draft. Huguenin also had a fine game. It is great to see our line start to get a real push.
- Pretty good coverage by the secondary. They did not always stop the pass but they were mostly there alongside the UF receivers and kept them from making even bigger plays.
- Joey Herrick with four tackles on special teams – it seems like #19 is always in on the action on special teams.
- Way too many misses on QB sacks. Henderson, who has been playing well, missed several tackles, including some big ones that would have resulted in big losses.
- Reggie Meant getting hurt. Reggie has been coming on and I hope that he gets better quick.
- Getting burned by the tight end. A problem last year and it doesn’t seem to be getting better. They seem to keep getting open and, in this game as well as the last, made some the biggest plays of the game. We will have figure out how to stay in front of them and do a better job of keeping them from catching the ball.
- Only three tackles for loss. We were rarely able to put UF in challenging down / distance plays. We did tackle well on most plays, however.
