A cursory inspection of the box score from Saturday’s game with Campbell University would create the impression the game folded out pretty much as expected. The Gators won 52-3 and outgained the Camels 514 to 210 in total yards. Clearly, as expected, the game was over early. For these type games the takeaways are in the smaller details and in the measures of progress from game to game in overall team growth. I’m not sure Florida provided much evidence of growth from game one to game two.
The Gators, other than Campbell’s first possession, looked focused in the first half. Unfortunately, in the second half, at least offensively, Florida was disappointing. While it’s accurate to acknowledge that taking a 45-3 lead into halftime invites a second half let down, it’s also true to note that mature teams are able to maintain focus even in blowouts. There is something to be gained in every possession no matter the score. Ideally, second and third team players grasp their opportunities to earn more playing time. This past week, a few Gators did and others didn’t.
We won’t throw out the baby with the bathwater today. There was plenty to like. Aaron Philo and Jaden Baugh looked good again. Dallas Wilson had a good day. Vernell Brown was electric on punt returns. The defense had a takeaway, two red zone stops, and allowed just 3.3 yards per play. Special teams, other than an ill-advised fake punt, were top notch again.
Campbell wasn’t an opponent familiar to Florida fans, but they did arrive in Gainesville with a 2-0 record and a quarterback who began his college career at Oklahoma. In the Camels first two games, Kamden Sixkiller, averaged 337 yards per game passing and 57 yards per game rushing. Against the Gators, he threw for 127 and rushed for negative 10. The 117 yards of total offense was less than a third of his 396 average.
The biggest negative for Florida in the Campbell game was second half penalties. These penalties cost the Gators 90 yards of field position and also wiped out a 42-yard run by Jaden Baugh and a 58-yard punt return by Vernell Brown.
This week at Auburn will be a big test for Florida. It’s always difficult to win on the road in the SEC. The Tigers have beaten Baylor and Southern Miss, but haven’t been overpowering. Not unlike the Gators, they have a new coaching staff working with a talented roster. Florida is a 2.5-point favorite, but I don’t trust early season betting lines. Auburn’s quarterback, Byrum Brown, is mobile and demonstrated a willingness to scramble last week against Southern Miss. The Gators will need to have a disciplined pass rush to contain him. Jeremiah Cobb is a quality running back with big game experience.
Florida has been more explosive than Auburn on offense this year. The Gators also look to have a special teams advantage. The Tigers have had tougher tests in their first two games and a huge home field advantage. The outcome of this game will likely be driven in large part by how well Florida handles the noise and pressure created by 88,000 screaming Tiger fans. Win or lose, there will be ups and downs ahead this season, but for now this game shakes out to be a nice opportunity for the Gators to establish themselves as contenders.
Great write-up as always, and hard to argue with most of it — but I have to laugh a little, because if there’s one thing I can count on from you, it’s that there will always be a section on penalties. Clockwork. And look, you’re not wrong — 90 yards of field position and two big plays wiped off the board is a legitimate gripe. How many yards of field position loss is acceptable for this team? Do you give our defense more of a break on this?
The second-half sloppiness is true and Sumrall himself admitted it — called it flat-out “sloppy” and even warned the team they’d “get embarrassed” if they don’t clean it up before SEC play. Sumrall seems to be running this ship in a good direction – keeping the pressers fun as well for us. The question is whether Auburn is the place that message gets received.
Which brings me to what I really want to know from you — since you don’t trust the 2.5-point line, what do you think it should be? Golesh had some jabs to send at Sumrall earlier this week – gonna bring more energy? And more importantly, give me your score prediction. Jordan-Hare, 88,000 fans, new coaching staff on both sides — what’s your gut saying?
You’re right. I’ll always be concerned about penalties and other things that reflect poorly on focus. I do acknowledge the game is grounded in intensity and intimidation. I just think anything more than about 4 per game of this type transgression is too much. They often kill offensive drives and we only get about 12 drives per game. Defensively, they extend drives. This week, most of Florida’s 8 penalties were offensive. I actually understand and accept the defensive penalties a little better.
I agree. Sumrall is doing a great job so far.
I expected Auburn to be the 2.5 point favorite. Maybe I’m too cautious in my optimism for Florida? I just think away in the SEC is really tough and the teams with newer coaching staffs and newer (transfer) players are disproportionally impacted.