Gators vs. Furman: 10 Things To Keep An Eye On
Saturday, November 19, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gators have had plenty go wrong this season, but they want to get it right Saturday against Furman.
Florida can become bowl eligible with a victory over the Paladins. Florida has played in a bowl game for 20 consecutive seasons.
“It's very important," Gators quarterback John Brantley said. "It's good for the program, good for the school and everything. And it lets us keep playing ball longer, keep practicing. It's just important overall, to be able to go enjoy something like that."
The Gators are coming off a disappointing 17-12 loss at South Carolina, dropping to 5-5. They have two regular-season games left, Saturday against Furman and Nov. 26 against Florida State.
While their preseason goal of playing in Atlanta and representing the SEC in a BCS bowl have long vanished, finishing the season strong and playing in a bowl game is the way the Gators hope to conclude Will Muschamp's first season as head coach.
“We'd love to play in a better bowl, but we'll take what we're going to get and we're going to finish the season out strong,” junior defensive tackle Omar Hunter said. “Whatever bowl game we're blessed to play in we're going to take it.”
According to the latest bowl projections, most have the Gators going to the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. They also are still in the running for the Chick fil-A Bowl in Atlanta.
After a 4-0 start and climb to No. 12 in the national polls, Florida has dropped five of its last six games.
“I have seen things that are very promising as far as where we are and what we're trying to do,'' Muschamp said. “It's not what we want right now, but we'll certainly get there. We continue to take steps forward.”
As the Gators prepare to face Furman for the ninth time in school history, let's take a look at 10 things to keep an eye on in Saturday's game:
FLORIDA'S CORNERS
Muschamp announced Monday that true freshman cornerback Marcus Roberson, who has started all 10 games, will miss the rest of the season due to a neck sprain suffered at South Carolina.
Roberson often lined up against the opposing team's top receiver and his presence will be missed. Fortunately, Muschamp said the injury isn't expected to hamper him when spring practice starts.
Look for Cody Riggs, Jaylen Watkins, Moses Jenkins and Loucheiz Purifoy to get extended playing time with Roberson out.
GATORS' OFFENSIVE LINE
Florida could be without two regular starters on the offensive line due to ankle injuries.
Chaz Green missed last week's game and is questionable, as is senior Dan Wenger, who has started mostly at left guard but was at center a week ago.
Matt Patchan has filled in nicely for Green and Muschamp said former starter Jon Harrison and reserve Sam Robey would split most of the reps at center during practice this week.
RED-ZONE EFFICIENCY
The Gators have made 31 trips inside opponents' 20-yard line this season and scored only 14 touchdowns. That's not the ratio offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has in mind.
In their past three losses, the Gators have scored just one touchdown on seven trips inside the red zone, making it an area of emphasis.
QUEST FOR TURNOVERS
This seems to be something to watch for every week since the Gators have been unable to create many turnovers. Florida has forced just nine turnovers through 10 games (three fumble recoveries, six interceptions).
Over the last six games, the Gators have not forced a fumble and have only two interceptions, so an increase in production in the turnover battle can only help.
ATMOSPHERE AT SWAMP
There is a flyover planned during pregame as part of Florida's “Saluting Those Who Serve” campaign during Military Appreciation Week. That should help create a livelier atmosphere for the Gators' only game this season against an FCS opponent.
On the flip side, it will be interesting to see if many fans stay away and return to The Swamp for the annual clash against rival FSU in a week.
JORDAN REED
Not sure how many expected the sophomore tight end to be leading the Gators in receptions (24) this late in the season. Reed's production has increased significantly in the past three games with 12 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown.
The tight ends have always played a key role in Weis' pro-style offense and Reed has emerged as one of Brantley's go-to receivers late in the season. Also, true freshman A.C. Leonard is catching on with three receptions in the last two games.
FURMAN'S OFFENSE
The Paladins average 383.7 yards per game and feature a balanced attack anchored by quarterback Chris Forcier, who leads all FCS quarterbacks in passing efficiency. Forcier has thrown for 2,099 yards, 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
Meanwhile, running back Jerodis Williams is closing in on 1,000 yards with 922 yards and seven touchdowns.
DEMPS AND RAINEY
Senior running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey have been the catalysts for Florida's offense in 2011. They have combined to rush for 1,185 yards and 1,678 total yards, 49.7 percent of Florida's total offense on the season.
Rainey rushed for 132 yards at South Carolina a week ago – his fourth 100-yard game of the season – and Demps was the difference in the last game at The Swamp, a 26-21 win over Vanderbilt in which Demps rushed for a career-high 158 yards.
One stat worth noting: Florida is 5-0 when finishing with more rushing yards than the opponent, 0-5 when out-rushed.
QUARTERBACK PRESSURE
The Gators were hurt last week by the running of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw. Besides being a good passer, Forcier also is a threat to run once he gets outside the pocket.
Florida wants to prevent Forcier from getting too comfortable in the pocket so putting pressure on him will be a top priority. While the Gators have only 17 sacks in 10 games, their defensive line has a size and speed advantage over the Paladins which should work to their benefit.
BACK-UP QUARTERBACKS
While a win and becoming bowl eligible is priority No. 1, if the Gators get a comfortable lead with quarterback John Brantley leading the charge, look for reserve quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and perhaps even third-stringer Jeff Driskel to get some playing time.
Muschamp said if the game presented opportunities for the pair of true freshmen to play that they would likely get some snaps.
GATORS GAMEBOX
Furman at Florida
Kickoff: Saturday, 1 p.m. (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium)
Records: Furman 6-4; Florida 5-5
TV/Internet: Pay-per-view/ESPN3.com
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network (click here for affiliates); Sirius 217/XM 198
Game notes: Furman notes; Florida notes
Bottom line: The Gators need a win to become bowl eligible. Anything less against the Paladins will make for a long night in Gator Nation.
