SB Nation Tampa Bay - No. 1 LSU Destroys the Florida Gators, 41-11https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2011-10-09T13:40:35-04:00http://tampabay.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22391772011-10-09T13:40:35-04:002011-10-09T13:40:35-04:00Florida Gators: 5 Things We Think We Learned After Back-To-Back Blowout Losses
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<p>SB Nation Tampa Bay focuses on five things we think we learned about the Florida Gators after back-to-back losses. </p> <p>It's been a rough couple of weeks for Gator fans as the beloved boys from Ole' Florida have been embarrassed by two top ten teams.</p>
<p>Truth be told, the Gators were longshots to win either game - even if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> hadn't gotten injured. Without him it would have taken just terrible performances by those two opponents for Florida to have a chance. Neither Alabama or LSU beat themselves and the outcome could be expected.</p>
<p>What was a bit more disturbing about these losses isn't how Jeff Driskell or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136218/jacoby-brissett">Jacoby Brissett</a> ran the Gators offense but the way the pieces of the team we thought the Gators could count on failed them.</p>
<p>The Gators run defense was odious these past two weeks. Florida's gasconaded rushing attack failed to generate any big plays against top quality competition.</p>
<p>What we failed to learn about the Gators playing the likes of UAB we learned pretty quickly against Bama and LSU.</p>
<p>Here are five of those things:</p>
<p><b>1. The Gators are weak on both sides of the line of scrimmage.</b></p>
<p>Florida's offensive line has surrendered 15 tackles for losses and 4 sacks in the past two ball games. While some of that certainly is scheme related and missed checks by the freshmen QBs, the Gators offensive line hasn't dominated as they did with lesser competition. Neither Rainey or Demps are large, powerful backs but all they need is a crease to kill - that crease simply not been there.</p>
<p>On the defensive line, the Gators have been blown off the line of scrimmage in the running game, surrendering 464 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground after being one of top run defenses in the nation. They've also only had only one sack in the past two games.</p>
<p><b>2. Florida's running game lacks physicality</b></p>
<p>If the Gators are going to run I-formation and expect to succeed, they need backs that not only can take a pounding but deliver it as well. That running back may not be on the Gators roster right now. Look, all Gator fans love the big play potential of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10157/chris-rainey">Chris Rainey</a> and Jeff Demps. Both can strike a defense like lightning but you have to wonder if they can take the constant pounding of a run first mentality.</p>
<p>Both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78461/mike-gillislee">Mike Gillislee</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/111909/trey-burton">Trey Burton</a> have shown the ability to deliver a shot to defenders. Gillislee in particular has shown the ability to consistently run between the tackles and do some damage. We haven't seen enough of him to know if he can provide the big play.</p>
<p>We're not saying we want to take Rainey and Demps off the field but if the Gators are going to run from the I as much as they did against LSU, if they're going to attempt wildcat with Burton, then it may be a better option to have Gillislee be the back.</p>
<p>Perhaps Florida could incorporate both Demps and Rainey spread out at wide out while keeping Burton and Gillislee in the backfield - spreading out the defense and creating natural running lanes.</p>
<p>If anyone can get it figured out, it's Charlie Weis.</p>
<p><b>3. Florida's linebackers must become more active.</b></p>
<p>The strength of the Florida defense is in their linebacking core. Due to the Gators struggles on the defensive line, offensive linemen have been getting to the second level and taking out the Florida backers, creating huge running lanes for opposing backs.</p>
<p>Bostic, Jenkins and company must do a better job at anticipating the run, shedding those blocks and filling the gaps.</p>
<p><b>4. Brissett shows a big time arm.</b></p>
<p>After getting the job with the Gators, one of the first guys Will Muschamp recruited was Jacoby Brissett, who came to Florida as the number 3 ranked prep quarterback available despite number one, Jeff Driskell, already committing to the orange and blue.</p>
<p>That shows a lot of confidence in himself and it also displays a desire to compete. Brissett displayed a lot of tools on Saturday. The Freshman took some shots down the field and it helped open up some running lanes for Rainey and Gillislee in the second half. It also showed that he can be a threat in the passing game.</p>
<p>We think we haven't seen that yet with Driskell. Watching this competition going forward should be very interesting.</p>
<p><b>5. Schedule is still pretty tough</b></p>
<p>If the Gators hope they can exhale heading to Auburn they're sadly mistaken. While Cam Newton may be off opening eyes in the NFL, the Tigers still provides formidable opposition. Auburn is also 4-2 but has notched some quality wins over #10 South Carolina and #16 Mississippi State. Florida has yet to beat a ranked team.</p>
<p>The Gators also have to go on the road to face the Ole Ball Coach's #18 ranked team and will host #23 Florida State. Both Georgia and Vandy could be pesky as well.</p>
<p>The good news for the Gators is they do control their own destiny. If they can right the ship, the opportunity is there to win the SEC East and play for the conference championship</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/9/2478928/florida-gators-5-things-we-think-we-learned-after-back-to-backJC De La Torre2011-10-08T19:09:11-04:002011-10-08T19:09:11-04:00No. 1 LSU Destroys the Florida Gators, 41-11
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<p>The Gators season has been left in shambles after two consecutive blowout losses to <span class="caps">SEC</span> West powers. A week after getting embarrassed by Alabama, Florida succumbed to the superior opposition of <span class="caps">LSU</span>, blown out 41-11.</p>
<p>Florida was down to their third string quarterback, Jacoby Brissett after John Brantley and Jeff Driskell were both injured against the Crimson Tide. Brissett, a true freshman regarded as the #3 quarterback available this year, did a decent job but his Gators were unable to sustain drives against the top notch <span class="caps">LSU</span> defense.</p>
<p>Brissett finished with 8-for-14 for 94 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Brissett did display a powerful arm but hasn’t developed the chemistry with his receivers.</p>
<p><span class="caps">LSU</span> pounded the soft middle of the Florida defense, running up 239 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. The Tigers were led by Spencer Ware who rushed for 110 yards and 2 scores.</p>
<p>Alfred Blue would add another 70 yards and a score.</p>
<p>Reuben Randall gave the Gators secondary fits, hauling in 4 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>The Gators got a little more done on the ground this week, 113 yards total, but it wasn’t enough to sustain scoring drives against the vaunted Tigers defense.</p>
<p>Florida falls to 4-2 (2-2 in the <span class="caps">SEC</span>) and it doesn’t get any easier as the Gators will take on the defending national champion Auburn Tigers.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2477844/no-1-lsu-destroys-florida-41-11JC De La Torre2011-10-08T18:25:42-04:002011-10-08T18:25:42-04:00Gators try to crawl back into it, but LSU answers
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<p>With 12:20 left to play, top ranked <span class="caps">LSU</span> is in full control with a 34-11 lead over the Florida Gators.</p>
<p>Florida freshman QB Jacoby Brissett threw his first career touchdown pass, hitting Andre Dubose for a 65 yard touchdown pass.</p>
<p>Brissett is now 8-of-12 for 94 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 int.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="caps">LSU</span> has begun passing the ball, as Jarrett Lee connected on a few passes to set up a 23 yard field goal by Drew Allerman.</p>
<p>They just answered the Florida touchdown with one of their own, adding insult to injury with the “Tim Tebow” fake sneak jump pass by Jordan Jefferson to Mitch Joseph to extend the lead.</p>
<p>Florida gets the ball back with the odds significantly against them.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2477779/gators-try-to-crawl-back-into-it-but-lsu-answersJC De La Torre2011-10-08T17:21:18-04:002011-10-08T17:21:18-04:00LSU with a big lead at the Half
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<p>Top Ranked <span class="caps">LSU</span> has shown no mercy on the Gators decimated QB situation as they raced to a 24-0 lead and hold a 24-3 lead at the half.</p>
<p><span class="caps">LSU</span> tailback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116008/spencer-ware">Spencer Ware</a> has pounded the Florida defense to the tune of 64 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns.</p>
<p>Tigers starting QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10506/jarrett-lee">Jarrett Lee</a> has only attempted four passes, completing one for a touchdown.</p>
<p>Florida third string QB Jacoby Brissett, forced into action due to injuries to starting QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> and backup Jeff Driskell, has struggled to move the Gators offense against the Tigers’ elite defense.</p>
<p>Florida has limited Brissett’s opportunities, having him alternate with slash QB Trey Burton. The Gators have tried to focus on running the football, keeping on the ground for 23 attempts.</p>
<p><span class="caps">LSU</span> has 211 yards of total offense to Florida’s 120.</p>
<p>Brissett has the games only turnover, overthrowing a pass that was intercepted by Brandon Taylor.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2477680/lsu-with-a-big-lead-at-the-halfJC De La Torre2011-10-08T16:29:40-04:002011-10-08T16:29:40-04:00Gators, Brissett Struggling Against #1 LSU, Tigers Up 14-0 after 1 quarter
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<p>Jacoby Brissett has struggled to move his Florida Gators while the <span class="caps">LSU</span> Tigers have sliced through the Florida defense like a knife through hot butter, building a 14-0 lead. <span class="caps">LSU</span> scored on a fake punt right before the end of the first quarter but it was called back because of taunting.</p>
<p><span class="caps">LSU</span> is still in striking distance to increase their lead.</p>
<p>Florida running back Jeff Demps has left the game with an ankle injury (the same injury he was nursing going into the game).</p>
<p><span class="caps">LSU</span> has outgained Florida 154 to 45 with most of the Tigers offense coming on the ground. <span class="caps">LSU</span> running back Spencer Ware has carried the ball 9 times for 40 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>The Tigers opened the scoring with a 46 yard bomb from Jarrett Lee to Reuben Randle.</p>
<p>A three-and-out by the Gators set up <span class="caps">LSU</span> in great field position for another score, which they drove 57 yards in 8 plays.</p>
<p>Brissett has completed 5 of 6 passes but only for 5 yards. Chris Rainey has 35 yards on six carries</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2477596/gators-brissett-struggling-against-1-lsu-tigers-up-14-0-after-1JC De La Torre2011-10-08T15:57:20-04:002011-10-08T15:57:20-04:00LSU Vs. Florida: Jacoby Brissett Starts For The Gators
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<p>After a bit of a controversy about who would start at quarterback for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> when they take on LSU, freshman quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131897/jeff-driskel">Jeff Driskel</a> did not even dress for the game. This means that freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136218/jacoby-brissett">Jacoby Brissett</a> is starting for the Gators and could likely not be able to redshirt this year.</p>
<p>Driskel hurt his ankle in last weeks loss against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> while coming in for an injury <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a>. After the game, Driskel was seen in a walking boot on Sunday and according to his high school football coach, he was in a lot of pain. It will be a tough go of it for Brissett against the Tigers defense.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit SB Nation's Florida blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a> and SB Nation's LSU blog <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/" target="_blank">And The Valley Shook</a>. Here’s this week’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/3/2466513/college-football-schedule-week-6-2011-texas-oklahoma">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="http://sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2477536/lsu-vs-florida-jacoby-brissett-starts-for-the-gatorsAlfie Crow2011-10-08T08:21:27-04:002011-10-08T08:21:27-04:00Florida Vs. LSU Time, TV Schedule, Announcers And More
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<p>Will Muschamp's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> are set to battle Les Miles and his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a>. Here is everything you need to know about Saturday's game:</p>
<p><strong>Who</strong>: Florida (4-1, 2-1 SEC) Vs. LSU (5-0, 2-0 SEC)</p>
<p><strong>Where</strong>: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA</p>
<p><strong>When</strong>: 3:30 PM ET</p>
<p><strong>TV Information</strong>: Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson have the call on CBS. Tracy Wolfson will awkwardly pop in with sideline "updates" from time to time.</p>
<p><strong>Spread</strong>: LSU by 13.5.</p>
<p><strong>Last game</strong>: Florida, and their starting quarterback, were crushed 38-10 by Nick Saban's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>. LSU continued their undefeated ways by blasting woeful Kentucky 35-7. </p>
<p><strong>Last season</strong>: LSU won a wild 33-29 contest, scoring on a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10506/jarrett-lee">Jarrett Lee</a> to Terrence Toliver three yard touchdown pass with six seconds left in the game.</p>
<p><strong>Key absences</strong>: The loss of Brantley cannot be understated. Without the senior quarterback the Gators mustered only a field goal against Alabama. For Florida to have any chance to win, much-ballyhoed freshman Jeff Driskel will have to execute Charlie Weis' game plan to perfection.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit SB Nation's Florida blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com">Alligator Army</a> and SB Nation's LSU blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/">And The Valley Shook</a>. Here’s this week’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/3/2466513/college-football-schedule-week-6-2011-texas-oklahoma">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="http://sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/10/8/2476832/florida-vs-lsu-time-tv-schedule-announcers-and-moreT.J. Doyle2011-10-05T16:59:55-04:002011-10-05T16:59:55-04:00Florida Vs. LSU: Jeff Driskel Could Start For Injured John Brantley Vs. Tigers
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<p>Florida's (3-1) freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel may start against LSU (4-0) in Death Valley.</p> <p>The No. 17-ranked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> look to rebound after their crushing loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> at home last week, but it doesn't look like it will be easy. During the game, Florida quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> went down with what's being called a high ankle sprain. Brantley missed the game while freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131897/jeff-driskel">Jeff Driskel</a> filled in, but the kid looked like a fish out of water and the Alabama defense attacked, attacked, and attacked on the way to a 38-10 victory. Now, the Gators will head to Louisiana to take on No. 1-ranked LSU, potentially without their starting quarterback.</p>
<p>Not only could Florida be without John Brantley, but Alabama held running backs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10157/chris-rainey">Chris Rainey</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36015/jeffery-demps">Jeff Demps</a> to just 24 yards rushing, total. While Alabama has arguably the best defense in the country, LSU also has... arguably the best defense in the country. The same LSU defense held Oregon's Heisman Trophy candidate running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> to just 54 yards on the ground.</p>
<p>LSU opens as a 12 point favorite against the Gators, which is a clear indication of what people think about the Florida offense under a potential freshman quarterback. The Tigers will bring their two-headed rushing attack with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116008/spencer-ware">Spencer Ware</a> and Michael Ford against a Florida defense that was pushed around by the Alabama offensive line. LSU will look to put forth the same kind of game plan that has helped them to their impressive 5-0 record and dominating every team they've face thus far.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit SB Nation's Florida blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a> and SB Nation's LSU blog <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/" target="_blank">And The Valley Shook</a>. Here’s this week’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/3/2466513/college-football-schedule-week-6-2011-texas-oklahoma">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="http://sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/10/5/2471681/lsu-florida-john-brantley-injury-jeff-driskelAlfie Crow