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Improved QB play, reduction in turnovers keys to Florida’s rise
By John Brasier
Published:
For Florida, the major difference between contending for the East Division title this season and having a coach fired during the season last year has been on offense.
Improved play at quarterback and better ball protection has transformed the offense from dismal to efficient, if unspectacular, under new coach Jim McElwain, a former offensive coordinator who succeeded Will Muschamp, a former defensive coordinator.
Last season with a talented, veteran line, quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Treon Harris combined to complete only 52.2 percent of their passes with 18 TDs and 14 interceptions at an average of only 6.7 yards per attempt.
This season with an inexperienced line without much depth and freshman Will Grier running the offense, production has greatly improved. Grier completed 65.8 percent of this attempts with 10 TDs and only 3 interceptions at an average of 7.5 yards per pass before he was suspended after leading the Gators to a 6-0 start.
Florida made 24 turnovers last season. The Gators have only five in seven games this season.
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, whose defense ranks only behind Alabama in the SEC, was impressed with Grier’s performance in the Gators’ 21-3 victory over the Tigers.
“They’re playing at a whole different level then they’ve played in the past,’’ Pinkel told Gator Zone. “I think [Grier is] the difference. That’s the spot where the guy touches the ball 75 or so times a game and that guy really is going to have the influence on the success of the team. He’s really playing well and I’m impressed.”
But the improvement not be all due to Grier. Harris, taking over two weeks ago when Grier was suspended, has experienced more success than he did last season.
Harris has completed 61 percent of his passes with 4 TDs and no interceptions while averaging 9.2 yards per attempt.
The offensive line deserves credit for quick development. Line coach Mike Summers put together a unit after losing four players to the NFL last season and returned only one player with any starting experience.
After struggling with the ground game early, the Gators made some adjustments. Trip Thurman was installed at center and Martez Ivey moved to left guard.
Still, the stats show the losses to the NFL have weakened the line. Gators are averaging only 3.51 yards per carry — down from last season — and sacks allowed are up to nearly 3 per game.
Florida is averaging 5.6 yards per play, an increase from 5.2 last season. The reduction in turnovers has made a bigger difference.
