OFFENSE B+
First half: Kyle Trask was good most of the time, but his two picks costs the Gators scores. Florida tried to find different ways to run the ball, but still managed only 63 rushing yards.
Second half: The Gators set the tone to start the second half with two quick touchdowns that effectively put the game away. Both were touchdown passes from Trask as the Gators continued to show off different weapons.
The game: It was a stellar performance for the offense and we all know it was going against an awful defense. Still, the Gators were efficient in the second half in blowing the game open. The only demerits are the two interceptions.
DEFENSE A-
First half: Vandy was working with its third starting quarterback and the Gators gave him little room to work. Deuce Wallace was limited to six passing yards and was sacked four times. Florida contained the dangerous Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Second half: The defense actually scored some points when Jon Greenard took a fumble 80 yards for a touchdown. Mohamoud Diabate kept his big day going with a strip sack on the play, his third sack of the game.
The game: Florida wouldn’t let the Commodores pass or run and that’s pretty much all there is. Vaughn finished the game with 28 rushing yards and Donovan Stiner’s two picks were big as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS C
First half: Florida gave up a long kickoff return that gave Vandy good field position, Evan McPherson missed a field goal and UF got a penalty on a nifty Freddie Swain return. Not good.
Second half: Kickoff coverage was much better in the second half and Tommy Townsend had a beautiful punt that pinned Vanderbilt at its own 5-yard line.
The game: Special teams didn’t have the best game, especially with the rare miss from McPherson, but it wasn’t needed in this one. Florida ended up holding Vandy to a 20-yard average on kickoff returns.
OVERALL B+
The Gators were able to shake off the disappointment of the Georgia loss in a big way after a shaky first half. They also got some needed work for quarterback Emory Jones and he made it pay off with three rushing touchdowns.
What else does the defense need to do?
Get another defensive TD on a pick-6! After all, it was against Vandy… playing their 3rd string QB… in the Swamp.
Repeat yesterday’s defensive performance next week against the Tigers and Kelly Bryant, on the road, and I’m sure Pat will grade them out an A+.
The performance is repeatable but hell will freeze over before Dooley gives them an A+.
Just between you and me 6, I believe Pat saw the same wide open Vandy receivers I saw running free deep in the Gator secondary that Vandy’s inept QB overthrew, time after time.
Pat probably didn’t want to obviously nit pick a shut-out performance. Nevertheless, Kelly Bryant WON’T miss those wide open receivers next week.
I think Dools is grading them like Captain Dan is. He’s pointing out things that need working on this week in practice.
You’re probably right, Jack — Dooley has too many Super Bowls under his belt as an NFL head coach, not to even mention all the national championships he’s won as a head coach in the college ranks to even think of leaving that up to Dan Mullen. Good call.