Florida: Combination of Offense and Defense
By: GUEST BLOGGER Ryan Ferguson who covers the Gators at ORANGE AND BLUE HUE and at the AOL FAN HOUSE
Florida faces a stiff challenge against LSU on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Florida is undefeated in the East (5-0, 3-0 SEC) while LSU has dropped a game in the western division to #2 ranked Auburn. The LSU Tigers bring the country's #1 defense (193 yards per game) as well as the SEC's highest-scoring offense (38 points per game.) The Gators are no slouch in the offensive output department either, though:
Florida is ranked 1st in the SEC for scoring yardage at 438.4 yards per game. On D, Florida's stop squad is considered by many to be among the best in the nation, ranked 4th in the nation in scoring defense (9.4 points per game) and rushing defense (50.2 yards per game.)
On Saturday, you'll see two sledgehammers pounding away at each other - on both offense and defense. What Florida brings to the table, besides its powerful 12th man in the form of the Swamp, is a well-rounded offensive and defensive package. Standout players on offense include both of Florida's quarterbacks (Chris Leak and Tim Tebow) and receivers Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell. On defense, linebackers Brandon Siler and Earl Everett are among the best run stoppers in the country, and Free Safety Reggie "Eraser" Nelson is possibly the best defensive back in the nation.
Florida's Plan to Win must include pressure on LSU QB Jamarcus Russell in the form of an effective pass rush. Cornerbacks Ryan Smith and Reggie Nelson must play to the highest level of their ability to contain LSU's speedy receivers. Offensively, it's important for Florida to break their season-long trend of slow starts and come out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Kicker Chris Hetland must also step up after a poor 0-3 start and provide a reliable 3-point alternative in the or near the red zone.
If the "second half Gators" show up in the first half, LSU may need to warm up the bus early in the 4th quarter. Yes, Florida is that talented on that side of the football, but they don't always show it. On the other hand, a poor first half might send Meyer's boys back to the locker room with their first home loss since the Zooker era.
Go Gators: 16-13 over LSU on Florida Field.
Florida faces a stiff challenge against LSU on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Florida is undefeated in the East (5-0, 3-0 SEC) while LSU has dropped a game in the western division to #2 ranked Auburn. The LSU Tigers bring the country's #1 defense (193 yards per game) as well as the SEC's highest-scoring offense (38 points per game.) The Gators are no slouch in the offensive output department either, though:
Florida is ranked 1st in the SEC for scoring yardage at 438.4 yards per game. On D, Florida's stop squad is considered by many to be among the best in the nation, ranked 4th in the nation in scoring defense (9.4 points per game) and rushing defense (50.2 yards per game.)
On Saturday, you'll see two sledgehammers pounding away at each other - on both offense and defense. What Florida brings to the table, besides its powerful 12th man in the form of the Swamp, is a well-rounded offensive and defensive package. Standout players on offense include both of Florida's quarterbacks (Chris Leak and Tim Tebow) and receivers Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell. On defense, linebackers Brandon Siler and Earl Everett are among the best run stoppers in the country, and Free Safety Reggie "Eraser" Nelson is possibly the best defensive back in the nation.
Florida's Plan to Win must include pressure on LSU QB Jamarcus Russell in the form of an effective pass rush. Cornerbacks Ryan Smith and Reggie Nelson must play to the highest level of their ability to contain LSU's speedy receivers. Offensively, it's important for Florida to break their season-long trend of slow starts and come out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Kicker Chris Hetland must also step up after a poor 0-3 start and provide a reliable 3-point alternative in the or near the red zone.
If the "second half Gators" show up in the first half, LSU may need to warm up the bus early in the 4th quarter. Yes, Florida is that talented on that side of the football, but they don't always show it. On the other hand, a poor first half might send Meyer's boys back to the locker room with their first home loss since the Zooker era.
Go Gators: 16-13 over LSU on Florida Field.
posted by NCAA Football at 11:13 AM
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