Dooley Grades the Gators
Brandon James runs upfield during the third quarter against the University of South Carolina.
Doug Finger/Staff photographerPublished: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8:50 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8:50 p.m.
Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley grades the Gators on offense, defense and special teams after every game.
OFFENSE: C
First half: Gators generated 251 yards of offense and only punted once, but not scoring any points after a turnover at midfield allowed South Carolina to stay in the game.
Second half: Florida missed opportunity after opportunity before finally scoring its only points of the second half on a 26-yard drive after Justin Trattou's big play.
For the game: There is still some play-calling that is difficult to figure out, and the offense managed only 88 yards in the second half. They are what they are.
DEFENSE: B
First half: South Carolina had 13 first downs, 206 yards and two scores as the Florida defense played its worst half of the season so far.
Second half: Defense stepped it up, making the big play and holding South Carolina to minus-17 yards on its last three possessions of the game.
For the game: The defense got it done, but that was not a good first half for Charlie Strong's crew. Strong said it was a lack of execution, but there were some perfect calls by Steve Spurrier as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B-
First half: Brandon James had another uneventful half and Caleb Sturgis missed a 52-yarder. Kickoff coverage team improved after a 35-yard return to open the game.
Second half: Two missed field goals, but at least the Gators got James loose for a couple of nice returns and covered kickoffs well.
For the game: Kind of a mixed bag for the special teams, and you have to wonder who the kicker will be next week after Sturgis missed three.
OVERALL: B
You could argue that this grade should be higher because the Gators improved to 10-0. You could argue it could be lower because of the offensive woes. Or you could accept it and be happy.
OFFENSE: C
First half: Gators generated 251 yards of offense and only punted once, but not scoring any points after a turnover at midfield allowed South Carolina to stay in the game.
Second half: Florida missed opportunity after opportunity before finally scoring its only points of the second half on a 26-yard drive after Justin Trattou's big play.
For the game: There is still some play-calling that is difficult to figure out, and the offense managed only 88 yards in the second half. They are what they are.
DEFENSE: B
First half: South Carolina had 13 first downs, 206 yards and two scores as the Florida defense played its worst half of the season so far.
Second half: Defense stepped it up, making the big play and holding South Carolina to minus-17 yards on its last three possessions of the game.
For the game: The defense got it done, but that was not a good first half for Charlie Strong's crew. Strong said it was a lack of execution, but there were some perfect calls by Steve Spurrier as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B-
First half: Brandon James had another uneventful half and Caleb Sturgis missed a 52-yarder. Kickoff coverage team improved after a 35-yard return to open the game.
Second half: Two missed field goals, but at least the Gators got James loose for a couple of nice returns and covered kickoffs well.
For the game: Kind of a mixed bag for the special teams, and you have to wonder who the kicker will be next week after Sturgis missed three.
OVERALL: B
You could argue that this grade should be higher because the Gators improved to 10-0. You could argue it could be lower because of the offensive woes. Or you could accept it and be happy.
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