FSU Football: A First Look at Florida

The annual rivalry showdown between Florida State and Florida doesn’t have the luster that it did in years past, but motivation shouldn’t be an issue, despite disappointing seasons for both teams. Florida will look to snap a 4-game losing streak to FSU and end the Seminoles’ bowl streak at 35. FSU will look to extend that streak.

After five straight losses, the Gators got in the win column last week by beating UAB. Against FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher, Florida has never won at home and has been shutout for the first three quarters in each of the prior three meetings in the storied Swamp.

On Florida

Record: 4-6
Offensive Ranks: 109th in yards per game (341.5), 103rd in passing yards per game (179.1), 69th in rushing yards per game (162.4), 109th in points per game (22.1).
Defensive Ranks: 38th in yards per game allowed (362.6), 36th in passing yards per game allowed (202.1), 61st in rushing yards per game allowed (160.5) , 63rd in points per game allowed (26.2).
Last Game: Defeated UAB on Saturday, 36-7.

On Offense

Florida has started three different quarterbacks this season in Luke Del Rio, Malik Zaire and current starter, Feleipe Franks. Franks has the most raw ability and is the current starter, but has been inconsistent this season. Franks is completing 56 percent of his passes on 6.6 yards per attempt and has seven touchdowns compared to five interceptions. In the backfield, Lamical Perine and Malik Davis both have over 500 yards rushing this season. Perine is more of a workhorse with a team-high 541 yards on the ground. Davis isn’t far behind with 526 yards, but provides a big play threat, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

With Jordan Scarlett and Antonio Callaway both suspended for the year, wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland has been the guy out wide for the Gators. Cleveland has a team-high 395 yards receiving on 18.8 yards per reception and is the only Florida receiver to catch multiple touchdowns this year. Brandon Powell has been a consistent possession receiver while Kadarius Toney has brought some wiggle and versatility to the lineup. C’yontai Lewis and DeAndre Goolsby are a decent tandem of tight ends. The offensive line has been beat up for the Gators this season and have allowed 32 sacks this season. Junior left tackle Martez Ivey headlines the unit, but has not had the type of season that most had hoped.

On Defense

Defensively, Florida has talent in all three phases. Cece Jefferson, a junior defensive end and defensive tackle Taven Bryan anchor the front. Both are tied for a team-high with four sacks while Jefferson leads the team with 10.5 tackles for loss. Jabari Zuniga is also a very good player on the edge, ranking second on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss. At linebacker, sophomore David Reese leads the Gators with 88 total tackles. Linebackers Vosean Joseph and Jeremiah Moon have also progressed well this season.

The strength of the Florida defense is in the secondary. Duke Dawson, a senior cornerback, headlines that unit and has been outstanding this season with three interceptions. Freshman C.J. Henderson leads the team with four interceptions. Safety Chauncey Gardner has had a strong season with two interceptions and ranks second on the team with 55 total tackles and is tied with Reese for third on the team with six tackles for loss. Florida seems to maximize its turnover opportunities as it has three defensive touchdowns this season.

On Special Teams

When it comes to kicking and punting, Florida may have the best kicker-punter combination in the country in Eddy Pineiro and Johnny Townsend. Pineiro has missed just one of his 17 field goal attempts. Last week alone, Pineiro made five field goals, including two of 50 yards. Townsend, Florida’s all-time leader in punts, ranks second nationally in punt average at nearly 48 yards per punt. Florida hasn’t been particularly explosive in the return game and has shown some vulnerabilities in coverage.

Summary

Florida has never fully recovered from its plethora of preseason suspensions and the losses of its two biggest offensive playmakers was the most significant. Despite the decline in numbers, the Gators are still very talented defensively. When it comes to special teams, Florida has excellent kicking specialists, but the Gators have been far from special in the return game. Like FSU, talent has not been the issue for Florida, but things have not come together. Saturday’s game is expected to be the last for Randy Shannon as interim head coach.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson