I got the opportunity to ask The Bull Gator some questions about this upcoming game between Florida State and Florida. The Bull Gator provides coverage for both South Florida and Florida athletics. It is an excellent blog that can provide you with great coverage for both teams. Definitely check it out.
Here's their answers to the questions that we asked them. You can find our answers to their questions on their website, TheBullGator.com.
1. How do you think the team and Gator fans are looking at this game?
Rivalry game. Nothing more, nothing less this season. The past two seasons, Florida needed this game to keep National Championship hopes alive. This year it’s just about pride. That doesn’t diminish its meaning, but that’s really what it’s about. A win or loss for either team doesn’t actually affect their seasons in terms of standings, so it’s just a hard fought, rivalry game. There’s nothing wrong with that and it actually might take a little pressure off of it, but it’s going to be a battle against instate rivals that want to come out on top. For Florida, a tough season they want to move on from and go out with a win over their #1 rival. For FSU, breaking the streak.
It’s really one of those seasons where you throw out the records. Gator fans don’t care who they’ve beaten or who they’ve lost to. They just care about the next 60 minutes. This would be Florida’s biggest win of the season if they can pull it off. Fans know that. And it’s all about the rivalry. Whether FSU truly is Florida’s #1 rival is debatable, but they’re definitely in the top three if they don’t hold that top spot. The Gators already got past the other two on that list – Tennessee and Georgia – and want the trifecta.
2. If there's one player out there who will beat the Seminoles, who will it be?
Chris Rainey. I think I have as much of a chance to lead the Gators in pass attempts as any of the three QBs on the roster, so I’ll stay away from that position. With Jeff Demps still not 100%, I’ll go with Rainey. We all know how Rainey’s season has gone, but he’s been a bit of spark since he returned from suspension. Both of these teams have a lot of speed and Rainey is one of the fastest. If he can get going early and possibly break a long run, it could keep Florida in the game. Rainey is also a threat in the passing game and sees plenty of time at receiver. And if Urban Meyer decides to bring the heat on FSU punts, Rainey could become a triple threat and have an impact on special teams.
This is the first time since 2006 the Gators haven’t averaged over five yards per carry as a team. Of the players that get a chance to carry the ball the most, Rainey leads the team with 6.7 yards per carry. He’s the key. But more than just him doing his thing is the game plan. Against South Carolina, Rainey got the ball five times in the first six plays. He only touched the ball four more times the rest of the way. That can’t happen, even if the Gators get behind early.
3. Has the Gator's defense been strong this year? What is the UF defense vs FSU offense matchup going to look like?
The defense has been strong overall. Florida currently ranks ninth in terms of yards allowed and 26th in terms of points. It has definitely had it’s down moments – LSU’s last drive and Marcus Lattimore come to mind – but overall, the defense is solid and when forcing turnovers is one of the most dangerous in the nation. The problems they face seem to be mainly at linebacker. The LB unit is full of talent, but has been used (and I really don’t know a better way to put this) weirdly. There are probably five individuals – Jon Bostic, Brandon Hicks, Jelani Jenkins, A.J. Jones, and Ronald Powell – that could start anywhere in the nation, but because of the schemes called have been practically invisible at times. Against FSU, that can’t happen. If the Seminoles can get the run game going early, it’ll be a long night. Teryl Austin and the defensive staff need to finally allow the linebackers to play to their strengths. FSU’s run game against Florida’s LBs could be what decides it.
As for the other Gator units, the defensive line and secondary could make it tough for Christian Ponder. When the secondary is on their game, it’s hard to beat them deep and it’s hard to keep them from causing turnovers. It all starts with the pressure but on the QB and if the four on the line can get to Ponder, the defensive backsshould have a good day and turn some errant throws into interceptions.
4. All FSU fans have seen the Gator's struggles this season. Are the Gators really as bad as some confident 'Noles advertise them to be, or is it still a very talented team, like others say?
Are they as good as they were in 2008 and 2009? No. Are they as bad as many would like to think? No. This is an extremely talented team that is having serious problems with playcalling and execution. It’s hard to always blame the coaches because they aren’t the ones out there running the plays, but it’s also hard to always blame the players because at times they’re just running the plays called. With the talent that left after 2009 (a former Heisman winner, the top two pass catchers, an All-American offensive lineman, a defensive end that had played significant amounts of four straight seasons, a star middle linebacker, an All-American cornerback, and a hard-hitting safety), many expected a step back. I don’t know if we expected 7-4, but I’m not sure we thought the Gators would be 10-1 either. What really hurts are the ways Florida has lost those 4 games. Against Alabama, the Gators drove the field a number of times just to lose the ball. Against LSU, Florida had the game in hand late and let the Tigers score. And against Mississippi State and South Carolina, there was no offense. None.
This team has talent, but the coaches need to take the time to learn how to use it. The first half of the season was spent watching John Brantley attempt option plays. The second half has been trying to figure out which quarterback can remain consistent. At the same time, the players need to execute. The offensive line needs to step up against FSU in a huge way or we’re most likely going to see the same struggles out of the Gator offense. There’s talent. Plenty of it. But 11 games in, it still hasn’t come together completely.
5. How much does this rivalry game mean to Florida?
It’s huge and always will be. For fans like me who grew up in the 80s and really got their football education in the 90s, this and Tennessee are THE rivalries. Georgia will always be up there, but the Gators have held a huge edge over the Bulldogs for so long now that the Noles and Vols rank higher for those in their 20s and 30s I would think. For the players, it’s a big one because of the geography obviously, but also because it’s the last regular season game and it’s the one repeat out-of-conference game. Like I said earlier, records go out the window. You want to win this game as much as any other. So many of these players grew up player with or against each other. It’s huge for everyone involved. Even in a year when the two programs have a combined 7 losses, it’s still one off the better rivalry games.
6. What is your predicted outcome of the game?
I don’t typically attempt to predict games because I’m as bad as bad can be at it. I’m usually at the bottom of the pick ‘em contests I partake in and am absolutely awful at guessing anything close to accurate final scores, so I’ll stick with what I said on the radio earlier this week. 28-27, take your pick who comes out on top.
There you have it. some great analysis from a great blog. Be sure to check out our answers on their site. Hope you enjoyed!
