SB Nation Tampa Bay - Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt Commodores: Gators Escape With 26-21 Victory Over Commodoreshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2011-11-07T17:46:07-05:00http://tampabay.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23010772011-11-07T17:46:07-05:002011-11-07T17:46:07-05:00Florida Gators: Five Things We Think We Learned From the "Win" Over Vandy
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<figcaption>GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 5: Coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators cheers play against the Vanderbilt Commodores November 5, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>SB Nation Tampa Bay looks at 5 things they think they learned from the Gators win over Vandy and discussing Will Muschamp's job security</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> finally broke their four game losing streak, outlasting the game <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> 26-21. The Gators extended their win streak over Vandy to 21 straight games and improved to 5-4 (3-4 in the SEC).</p>
<p>Have the Gators solved their problems or is there still storm clouds on the horizon?</p>
<p>Let's take a look at 5 things we think we learned from Saturday's victory.</p>
<p><b>1. Barely hanging on against Vandy definitely counts, but feels dirty.</b></p>
<p>Yes, I know, dear reader. A win is a win is a win. It doesn't matter what the score is as long as you have one more than the other guys at the end of the day. With that said, there's something unsettling at having to hold on for dear life against the Commodores.</p>
<p>Granted, this Vandy team is a bit better than some of the wretched teams the Gators have faced over the years and let's admit it - Florida isn't exactly competing for a title. Still, to be fighting for your lives against Vanderbilt in GAINESVILLE?</p>
<p>For me, it makes me feel a bit queasy.</p>
<p><b>2. Still Waiting for the great Will Muschamp defense to show up.</b></p>
<p>Florida surrendered 377 yards of offense against Vandy on Saturday and I don't think there was a soul in the Swamp that wanted to see the defense take the field again in the final minutes.</p>
<p>The Gators certainly aren't without talent, they had one of the top recruiting defensive classes over the past few years. Yet fundamental breakdowns still seem to occur. There's also a lack of physicality at the point of attack that gives the impression that the Florida defensive line can simply be pushed all over the field by whomever they face.</p>
<p><b>3. Still waiting for that juggernaut Charlie Weis offense to show up.</b></p>
<p>Florida put up 26 points on a bad Vanderbilt defense yet settled for too many field goals and couldn't put the Commodores away.</p>
<p>After <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> left the ball game, Florida relied heavily on it's running game, sitting on their big lead and giving Vandy the opportunity to crawl back into it.</p>
<p>At least the Florida running game made a re-appearance as Jeff Demps went off for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries.</p>
<p><b>4. We're not sure what to make of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136218/jacoby-brissett">Jacoby Brissett</a></b></p>
<p>Brissett came in to finish out the game for the re-injured John Brantley. I like the kid. I like his arm, I like his mobility but his inaccuracy and decision making scare me. Perhaps that's just Freshman jitters, after all, its difficult to imagine a True Freshman QB dominating in the SEC (there's been some, for sure, but most struggle mightily).</p>
<p>At this point though, I'd like to see more of Brissett than Jeff Driskell. </p>
<p><b>5.</b> <b>The Fire Muschamp noise is nonsense.</b></p>
<p>You've probably heard it as we have...Gator fans beginning to ponder whether the team should dump Will Muschamp after one season.</p>
<p>Look, I know Florida fans have been spoiled into expecting a trip to the SEC Championship game every year. Certainly, after the monumental coaching jobs of Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, there's a new standard set for Gator success.</p>
<p>Florida certainly shouldn't be in a situation where they are pondering whether or not they can become bowl eligible. This school has gone beyond that stratosphere.</p>
<p>We all knew coming in that this would be a transition year for the Gators. I don't believe anyone thought it would be this bad but we certainly understand where this is coming from.</p>
<p>Charlie Weis runs an offense very different from Urb's. Will Muschamp's defense has always been regarded as one of the best in the country - its hard to imagine he suddenly forgot what he was doing on D.</p>
<p>They need time to bring in their players that fit the system they're coaching. Certainly, AD Jeremy Foley could have easily found another spread coach and someone who coaches the defense similar to Charlie Strong.</p>
<p>Maybe he could have gone harder to pry Dan Mullin away from Miss. State.</p>
<p>But he didn't. He went for who he thought would be the best fit for the University not just for this season but going forward.</p>
<p>Maybe the Gators are on their way to 6-6 this year. Perhaps this is their down year. Muschamp was known as a tenacious recruiter and a great defensive coordinator. We don't know yet if he has the makings of a great coach.</p>
<p>Its hard to judge him on a single season. Had Alabama done that, Nick Saban would have been sent packing a long time ago. His first season the Tide finished 7-6 including a loss to Louisiana Tech - that's right - LA TECH.</p>
<p>So Muschamp deserves the opportunity to bring in his guys. If after two more years the Gators are still flirting with mediocrity then you can consider finding another answer.</p>
<p>For now, Muschamp deserves a chance to grow with his young club.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/7/2545054/florida-gators-five-things-we-think-we-learned-from-the-win-over-vandyJC De La Torre2011-11-06T14:19:17-05:002011-11-06T14:19:17-05:00College Football Rankings: LSU Tops USA Today Poll, Florida State Falls Just Outside Top 25
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> Saturday evening in National Championship Game 1.0, and with the win took complete control of the Week 11 USA Today Coaches Poll, garnering all 59 first-place votes. Alabama fell to fourth place in the rankings with the loss.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> are now the No. 2 in the USA Today poll, followed by Mike Gundy's high-scoring Oklahoma State Cowboys at No. 3, the Crimson Tide at No. 4 and the undefeated Boise State Broncos in the fifth slot.</p>
<p>The Florida State Seminoles, fresh off a 38-7 dismantling of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/boston-college-eagles">Boston College Eagles</a>, would be ranked No. 27, if the poll worked that way. The Seminoles were second behind Arizona State in the "others receiving votes" category, grabbing 44 votes in the Week 11 rankings.</p>
<p><b>Complete Week 11 USA Today Coaches Poll <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Ffootball%2Fusatpoll.htm&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Ftampabay.sbnation.com%2Fflorida-gators%2F2011%2F11%2F6%2F2542353%2Fcollege-football-rankings-2011-week-11-usa-today-poll-florida-state" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">can be found here</a>:</b></p>
<p>1 LSU<br>2 Stanford<br>3 Oklahoma State<br>4 Alabama<br>5 Boise State<br>6 Oregon<br>7 Oklahoma<br>8 Arkansas<br>9 Virginia Tech<br>10 Clemson<br>11 Houston<br>12 Penn State<br>13 Michigan State<br>14 Wisconsin<br>15 South Carolina<br>16 Georgia<br>17 Nebraska<br>18 Cincinnati<br>19 Georgia Tech<br>20 Texas<br>21 Michigan<br>22 Kansas State<br>23 Southern Miss<br>24 TCU<br>25 Auburn</p>
<p><i>For more Week 11 college football rankings, check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football">SB Nation's college football hub</a>. For all your Florida State news and notes, pop over to <a href="http://www.tomahawknation.com/">Tomahawk Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/6/2542353/college-football-rankings-2011-week-11-usa-today-poll-florida-stateT.J. Doyle2011-11-06T11:07:06-05:002011-11-06T11:07:06-05:002011 Bowl Predictions: Florida Currently Slotted For Gator Bowl, Florida State For Champs Bowl
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<p>Florida State's 38-7 demolition of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/boston-college-eagles">Boston College Eagles</a> got the Seminoles to six wins on the season, and bowl eligibility. Currently, Floirda State is predicted to play in the Champs Sports Bowl in late December against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a>. For pure nostalgia sake, that game would be a doozy. Perhaps even let Bobby Bowden and Lou Holtz perform the ceremonial coin flip if the bowl matchups shake up according to plan.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> escaped with a 26-21 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> on Saturday, and now stand just one win from bowl eligibility at 5-4. The Gators have struggled this season, mainly due to the injury of veteran starting quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a>, but should be able to grab a win in one of their final three games, the last being a matchup with the Seminoles to end the regular season.</p>
<p>Here are <a href="http://cfn.scout.com/2/557866.html">current bowl projections </a>for Florida and Florida State:</p>
<p><b>Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29, 2011</b></p>
<p>Florida State vs. Notre Dame</p>
<p><b>Gator Bowl, Jan. 2, 2012</b></p>
<p>Penn State vs. Florida</p>
<p><i>For more 2011 bowl projections, check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football">SB Nation's college football hub</a>. For a complete bowl schedule, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/Ncf/News/Story?Id=6672862">click here</a>. For more on the Gators, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>. For all your Florida State news and notes, pop over to <a href="http://www.tomahawknation.com/">Tomahawk Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/6/2541906/bowl-predictions-2011-florida-florida-stateT.J. Doyle2011-11-05T15:53:16-04:002011-11-05T15:53:16-04:00Vanderbilt Vs. Florida: Gators End Losing Streak, Escape With 26-21 Victory Over Commodores
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<p>The Florida Gators (5-4, 3-4 SEC) ended their four game losing streak, eeking out a five point win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> (4-5, 1-5) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Gators almost blew a 17 point lead, but survived a 14 point fourth quarter by the Commodores to win their fifth game of the year.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> was efficient and mistake-free at quarterback for Florida, complete 16 of 24 passes for 173 yards. Running back Jeff Demps was the offensive star of the game for Florida, gaining 158 yards on 23 carries, scoring twice on a five yard scamper and a 52 yard burst.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116241/jordan-rodgers">Jordan Rodgers</a>, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers' star Aaron Rodgers, led Vanderbilt in defeat. Rodgers was 19 of 28 for 297 yards and two touchdowns, falling just short in his teams' fourth quarter comeback effort.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Florida's blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a></i></b><b><i> and Vanderbilt's blog <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor Of Gold</a></i></b><b><i>. Here’s the complete Week 10 <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/31/2527204/tv-schedule-lsu-alabama-college-football-week-10-2011">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/5/2540463/vanderbilt-vs-florida-gators-end-losing-streak-escape-with-26-21T.J. Doyle2011-11-05T14:51:20-04:002011-11-05T14:51:20-04:00Vanderbilt Vs. Florida: Gators Lead 20-7 Entering Fourth Quarter
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> still have a 13 point lead over the Vanderbilt Commodores entering the fourth quarter, though they did allow Vandy to get on the board, finally.</p>
<p>Jordan "Have you met my older bother Aaron" Rodgers connected with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116267/jordan-matthews">Jordan Matthews</a> ten minutes into the second half to cut Florida's lead to 17-7, but the Gators answered with a ten play drive that resulted in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36009/caleb-sturgis">Caleb Sturgis</a>' second field goal of the game, a 40 yard attempt, that pushed the Florida lead back to 20-7.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a> has been efficient and effective for Will Muschamp's squad, completing 15 of 22 passes for 169 yards. Jeff Demps has been a force on the ground, gaining 74 yards on 13 attempts, scoring in the second quarter on a five yard scamper.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Florida's blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a></i></b><b><i> and Vanderbilt's blog <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor Of Gold</a></i></b><b><i>. Here’s the complete Week 10 <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/31/2527204/tv-schedule-lsu-alabama-college-football-week-10-2011">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/5/2540360/vanderbilt-vs-florida-gators-lead-20-7-entering-fourth-quarterT.J. Doyle2011-11-05T13:54:20-04:002011-11-05T13:54:20-04:00Vanderbilt Vs. Florida: Gators Lead 17-0 At Halftime
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<p>After a scoreless first quarter that saw some Keystone Kops performances from Florida and Vanderbilt, the Gators remembered that they are Florida and Vanderbilt is Vanderbilt, scoring three times in the second quarter to take a 17-0 lead heading into halftime.</p>
<p>Florida first got on the board courtesy of a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136218/jacoby-brissett">Jacoby Brissett</a> one yard touchdown run, which capped an impressive 15 play, 85 yard drive. Less than five minutes later, Jeff Demps scored on a five yard run to stretch the lead to 14-0.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36009/caleb-sturgis">Caleb Sturgis</a> made up for an earlier miss on a 49 yard field goal attempt by making a 55 yarder to stretch the Florida lead to 17 at the half.</p>
<p>As a reminder, because this stat amazes me, Vanderbilt has not won in Gainesville since the FDR administration.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Florida's blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a></i></b><b><i> and Vanderbilt's blog <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor Of Gold</a></i></b><b><i>. Here’s the complete Week 10 <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/31/2527204/tv-schedule-lsu-alabama-college-football-week-10-2011">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/5/2540288/vanderbilt-vs-florida-gators-lead-17-0-at-halftimeT.J. Doyle2011-11-05T13:03:54-04:002011-11-05T13:03:54-04:00Vanderbilt Vs. Florida: Commodores And Gators Scoreless After First Quarter
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>, losers of four straight games, have been unable to muster any points in the first quarter against the equally middling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a>.</p>
<p>Florida began the game well, driving 71 yards down the field in seven plays, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36031/omarius-hines">Omarius Hines</a> fumbled in the end zone after a 37 yard completion from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10162/john-brantley">John Brantley</a>, resulting in a Vanderbilt touchback.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt matched the Gators' futulity, having a field goal blocked on the next possession after a 12 play, 66 yard drive.</p>
<p>The Gators second scoring chance of the first quarter was a 49 yard field goal by kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36009/caleb-sturgis">Caleb Sturgis</a>, but he missed wide right.</p>
<p>At some point, one of these two teams has to score, right?</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Florida's blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a></i></b><b><i> and Vanderbilt's blog <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor Of Gold</a></i></b><b><i>. Here’s the complete Week 10 <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/31/2527204/tv-schedule-lsu-alabama-college-football-week-10-2011">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/5/2540155/vanderbilt-vs-florida-commodores-and-gators-scoreless-after-firstT.J. Doyle2011-11-05T12:28:47-04:002011-11-05T12:28:47-04:00Florida Gators Crowd Light Prior To Kickoff
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> typically pack out the swamp on a week to week basis, no matter the opponent and especially on homecoming. Today however against Vanderbilt on homecoming it doesn't look like anyone showed up. ESPN Gameday also mentioned that Gator Walk was incredibly light prior to the game.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/876617/Adf-HZiCAAAdB9q.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/876617/Adf-HZiCAAAdB9q_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Adf-hzicaaadb9q_medium"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://p.twimg.com/Adf-HZiCAAAdB9q.jpg">@HanlonRocks</a></p>
<p>That's rough, especially for the Gators. Losing four straight SEC games in a row can have that effect however, I guess. This picture was taken about twenty minutes or so before kickoff. It should fill out a little bit more, but it doesn't look like there will be as much of a home field advantage as they swamp typically provides.</p>
<p><b><i>For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Florida's blog <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/" target="_blank">Alligator Army</a></i></b><b><i> and Vanderbilt's blog <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/" target="_blank">Anchor Of Gold</a></i></b><b><i>. Here’s the complete Week 10 <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/10/31/2527204/tv-schedule-lsu-alabama-college-football-week-10-2011">college football TV schedule</a>, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s <a href="sbnation.com/ncaa-football">college football news hub</a> for more.</i></b></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/11/5/2540115/vanderbilt-vs-florida-gators-crowdAlfie Crow