Gators defense made a statement, carried team to Cocktail Party victory

Florida did not clinch the SEC East, but a 27-3 win over the Georgia Bulldogs virtually guarantees UF will make its first trip to Atlanta since 2009. The offense sputtered at times, and a muffed punt led to the first score, but the Gators’ dominant defense kept Georgia out of the end zone. Quarterback Treon Harris’ accuracy problem is worrisome, but that won’t stop Jim McElwain’s squad from celebrating a victory at the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville.

5 TAKEAWAYS

• Order restored in the SEC East: One of McElwain’s mottos for this season has been “restore the order.” By defeating Georgia and pulling within a win over Vanderbilt or South Carolina of clinching the division, the Gators have restored the order in the SEC East.
• Passing game woes: After two weeks of preparation, QB Treon Harris regressed. His 8-for-19 and failure to hit wide open receivers is highly concerning.
• Get to know Mr. Scarlett: For much of the season, the Gators have depended on RB Kelvin Taylor. Freshman Jordan Scarlett made a name for himself on Saturday with 96 yards on nine carries.
• Statement game for the defense: UF’s defense had a rough night two weeks ago in a 35-28 loss to LSU at Death Valley. The Gators made a statement by keeping Georgia out of the end zone and forcing four turnovers.
• Callaway is a rising star: Arguably Florida’s best offensive player since the 2009 team that went 13-1 is freshman WR Antonio Callaway. When the ball is in Callaway’s hands, big things happen for the Gators.

REPORT CARD

Offense: B- – The running backs (217 yards from Taylor and Scarlett) get an A while Harris (8-for-19, 155 yards, TD) receives a C-. Florida is a safe bet to lock up the SEC East, but to win an SEC championship or more, the passing game will have to improve.

Defense: A+ – Faton Bauta’s four interceptions were the most by a Georgia quarterback since Quincy Carter in 2000. With two weeks to regroup from a disappointing showing at LSU, defensive coordinator Geoff Collins’ group delivered a game-winning performance across the board – pass rush, pass coverage and run defense.

Special Teams: B – Field goals and extra points were a major issue, with one of each missed. Punter Johnny Townsend repeatedly pinned Georgia deep, and the coverage team turned a muffed punt into six points.

Coaching: A- – Jim McElwain’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-9 from the UGA 11 up 20-3 was perplexing, but overall the game plan on both sides of the ball was effective. It’s difficult to grade offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s play calls due to Harris’ incompletions.

Overall: B+ – It wasn’t the Gators’ best game of the season, but arguably its most important victory. Even without a consistent passing game, Florida controlled the game in the second half.

GAME PLAN

On the CBS broadcast, it was reported that Collins did not alter his game plan after Georgia announced its plans to start Bauta. The Gators pressured the quarterback, swarmed to the ball in the air and shut down the run. On offense, Florida tried to establish a balanced attack, but was hindered by poor execution in the passing game. 

GAME BALLS

• WR Antonio Callaway: The first Florida freshman to record three 100-yard games is likely to rack up a few records in his UF career. Callaway’s 66-yard touchdown reception was the highlight of his three-catch, 110-yard game against the Bulldogs.
• RB Kelvin Taylor: Playing in the NFL home stadium of his father, Jacksonville Jaguars legend Fred Taylor, brings out the best in the junior running back. Taylor finished 121 yards and two TDs on 25 carries.
• The UF secondary: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, CB Jalen Tabor, S Keanu Neal and S Marcus Maye deserve a game ball. They made hits, broke up passes and picked off Bauta.

INJURY UPDATE

• In his first game back, LB Jeremi Powell left the game with a knee injury, but he ran on the sidelines after he was fitted for a knee brace.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.