Dooley Grades the Gators

Pat Dooley takes a critical look at how the Gators did on offense, defense, special teams and overall.

OFFENSE: C+
First half: It wasn't pretty. Lost fumbles, dropped passes and red-zone failures littered the half. Plus plenty of sacks.
Second half: Gators still had trouble with sacks and added a third-quarter fumble, but the offense got it done in the fourth quarter.
For the game: Maybe we all need to come to the realization that this is not the same offense we saw a year ago.

DEFENSE: B-
First half: Florida gave up a pair of big plays, but the only touchdown came after a Gator fumble put Arkansas at the UF 31.
Second half: Defense kept the Gators in the game, but the fourth quarter was miserable, as Gators gave up 143 yards.
For the game: Charlie Strong said his defense will be having some tackling drills this week, as the Gators gave up way too many big plays.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B
First half: Caleb Sturgis went 1-for-2 on field goals and the Gator coverage team did a good job containing the kickoff returns.
Second half: Dennis Johnson hurt the Gators with his kickoff returns, while Brandon James had a hard time getting loose.
For the game: Give Sturgis tons of credit for making the game-winner with so much pressure on him, enough to give special teams a B.

OVERALL: B-
It's a win and that's all that really matters, but this was Florida playing its worst game of the year and almost handing away perfection.