Every season starts with a first game, the first time the players get to step onto the field “for real.” You can practice all you want, you can scrimmage, you can do “live” tackling…but the first real game is different. There’s an earnest feeling of excitement, of confidence, of doubt, and of course butterflies. If you don’t have butterflies in the stomach, you’re not ready.
For the Florida Gators 2021 season, the first game is against Florida Atlantic. The Owls shouldn’t pose too much of a threat to Florida’s season, they are undermanned, and let’s be honest: their coach is Willie Taggart. So what do Gator fans look for… a blowout? Yeah, that’s probably a given unless Will Muschamp is coaching the team. Florida could show up drunk and still win this game…easily. Here’s what I’m looking for:
Offense: Look sharp
The 2020 offense was a record-setting one for Florida behind the golden right arm of Kyle Trask and the uber-talented Kyle Pitts and Kadarious Toney. All three are on NFL rosters now and the offense is in the hands of the “new” guys.
- No pre-snap penalties – There will be penalties, of course. Somebody will jump to a false start, somebody will probably get a holding call. No big deal. Let’s just make sure everybody is lined-up correctly and knows the snap count. That’s a great start.
- Completions – Dan Mullen is going to scheme receivers to open areas of the field. Emory Jones needs to hit those receivers in-stride; especially the short and mid-range throws. No throwing behind, high, or low…FAU’s DBs can’t run with Florida’s WRs, put the ball where they can catch it and make plays.
- Stay on blocks – The weakest part of Florida’s offense in 2020 was the running game, and more specifically the run blocking. The Offensive Line needs to stay on their blocks and open wide running lanes for the highly talented backfield.
- Control the game – The offense needs to move down the field deliberately. Not all plays are designed to go 80 yards. Execute the offense as designed; run the ball, get first downs, wear out the defense. When the big plays are available, hit ’em.
- Execute in the red zone – Score touchdowns! Don’t get tight on the shortened field. Run effectively, throw with precision, and…1st and goal needs to be an automatic touchdown. If the kicker is out there inside the 20, it should only be for PATs.
Defense: Anything better will do
Many fans, myself included, wanted Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham fired after the absolutely putrid performance of the defense. Mullen stuck with his guy and replaced position coaches, but 2021 will be a pivotal year for Grantham.
- Line up correctly – It was astonishing for Gators fans to see the defense struggle to get lined-up late in the season in 2020. This game, let’s just get lined-up before the offense snaps the ball…can we do that right?
- Know your assignments – See above. Every team the Gators played last season had receivers running through the secondary with nobody around; mass confusion and miscommunication ruled the day. The DB room is said to be better, and Florida has an abundance of talent at the back of the defense. We don’t want to see FAU receivers running free.
- Tackle – My all-time favorite name for a defense was “The Wrecking Crew” (Texas A&M in the 80’s and 90’s). They pounded teams into submission. This Gators defense not only struggled with covering receivers, they couldn’t tackle effectively either. That needs to get cleaned-up from the first snap. We need to see players hitting, wrapping, and driving.
- NO STUPID PENALTIES – Florida really might have been in the College Football Playoff in 2020 had it not been for an incredibly stupid penalty by Marco Wilson. Let’s see less of that in 2021. Play smart, don’t hit late, don’t grab facemasks, and don’t throw shoes….please.
Special Teams: I don’t want to know you
New kicker, new punter, new returners…
- Make the kicks – Special teams has two jobs: make kicks and cover kicks. Job #1 is simple: kick the football where it is supposed to go. Field Goals; make the easy ones. Punts; kick it high and let coverage happen. Kickoffs; through the end zone…no returns
- Return punts – Can we please get a punt return? Florida has at least a half-dozen players who are dynamic and could be electrifying in the return game…don’t fair catch the ball…unless
- Be SMART – …unless its inside the 20. Special teams players have to have situational awareness and know the rules. Understand what’s happening, take advantage and don’t make careless mistakes that could cost precious yardage or points.
Win Pretty
Well, duh. Florida will win the game, but they need to LOOK the part. Alabama comes to Gainesville in three weeks. These first games are the preseason. Florida needs to win convincingly, without major mistakes, without injuries, and without any stress.