Gators defensive lineman Kamran James sacks LSU's Garrett Nussmeier in UF's 27-16 win at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo: Jay Metz/UAA Communications)
Florida's Defense Faces Rebel Force in Home Finale
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Football
Share:
By: Noah White, FloridaGators.com Student Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart aims, opposing defenses tend to flee.
As the opponent promptly files into its bunker, it can't always see the threat sailing above, but it's there when Dart launches the ball toward the end zone.
Each Saturday afternoon, SEC, Sun Belt, Conference USA and FCS opponents alike fear the bombers of Oxford and their field leader. So far, only two have successfully escaped their explosives.
In two days, Florida aims to do the same.
Meanwhile, the No. 9 Rebels seek to continue their 2024 offensive at Spurrier/Florida Field on Saturday, led by Dart, 372 yards shy of Eli Manning's school record for career passing yards (10,119). You know the Rebels' offense is humming when Manning's school records are in jeopardy. The Rebels lead the SEC in total offense (539.5 yards per game), scoring (40.7) and passing offense (365.7).
Much of that is due to head coach Lane Kiffin's play-calling and Dart's right arm. Dart (3,409 yards, 22 TD, 4 INT) leads the way but is not alone, surrounded by a band of experienced and tactical airmen. The Rebels have four receivers with over 450 yards, the most notable being Tre Harris. The senior will likely return on Saturday from a lower-body injury that's kept him out since Oct. 12.
Gators head coach Billy Napier outlined a few critical pieces of his game plan to limit the Rebels' air attack.
"You got to play with the right leverage in coverage," Napier said. "Turnover margin is one, and then explosive plays are two. It's always been that way … we're going to try to limit theirs."
Against LSU last week, the Gators forced a critical turnover on a broken play while consistently forcing LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to take cover. The same will need to occur against Ole Miss. The Rebels are 12th in the FBS in turnover margin per game, with Dart and company turning the ball over nine times in 10 games.
One season after the Gators had only three interceptions, they haven't struggled to get their hands on the ball this season. The injury-riddled Florida defensive back group has seven of the team's nine interceptions. Starting cornerbacks Devin Moore and Jason Marshall Jr. have each missed time, forcing senior Trikweze Bridges to switch from safety to fill one of their slots, while a spattering of younger contributors has seen time.
Napier explained that there's a possibility he may have a healthier team this week, but he's been content with his defensive back group's performance in the wake of Moore and Marshall Jr.'s injuries. The additional playing time has helped them to get their footing, especially gearing up for the high-flying Ole Miss attack.
"You see a little bit more urgency, and then they gain some confidence," Napier said. "They start to realize that they can do it. And I think experience is critical, especially for a young player."
In Florida's secondary, no position will reign more critical than the STAR. The Gators deploy a hybrid cornerback-meets-safety-meets-undersized-linebacker that prowls the line of scrimmage. The STAR can range from blitzing one play to dropping 20 yards downfield into coverage the next.
It requires stamina.
The Gators have utilized a rotation of players at the position, primarily leaning on the second-year duo of Aaron Gates and Sharif Denson. The pair have combined for 51 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and three forced turnovers. Napier is adamant about the value of having both players, emphasizing the large workload the position takes on.
"The STAR position is one where you are very active. You're almost a linebacker and a cover guy at the same time," Napier said. "It's a hybrid role, so you're in the run fit; you're chasing slot receivers all over the field."
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is known for his throwing ability, but Dart has the ability to break free for big yards as Georgia's defense discovered. (Photo: Petre Thomas/Imagn Images via USA Today Sports)
Gates and Denson will have their hands tied with the Rebels. Ole Miss utilizes the slot frequently, leaning on tight end Caden Prieskorn and receiver Cayden Lee heavily on short-yardage second and third downs. The Rebels also like to move receiver Jordan Watkins Jr. into the backfield as a second player (with the running back) offsetting Dart. Napier will likely turn to his pair of budding STARs in those situations.
Ole Miss pass catchers aren't the only piece of its offensive attack. While the air is how the Rebels like to travel the field, the ground is how they level teams. Ole Miss has 25 rushing touchdowns this season — one more than through the passing game. To get in the endzone on the ground, Ole Miss turns to a mix of running backs, quarterbacks and ... defensive tackles.
Teams often watch a 6-foot-2, 325-pound ball of force dance onto the field across the line of scrimmage when Ole Miss reaches the 3-yard line. Defensive lineman JJ Pegues has scored six touchdowns on 12 rushing attempts.
That 50% rate looms in the mind of Napier.
"He's got a lot of position flex; he plays inside and outside," Napier said. "Obviously, he's a ball carrier, and he's a guy who had some experience in high school doing that."
The Rebels also like to turn to their quarterback to pick up critical yards on the ground. While Dart is prolific through the air, he can be dangerous with his legs on passing downs, scrambling frequently. The senior has 304 rushing yards.
Containment will be critical for the Gators. Florida hopes to keep Dart in the pocket, relying on its defensive backs to cover long enough for its pass rush to get home.
"I think overall we have to do a good job of keeping him in the pocket," defensive lineman Jack Pyburn said. "And then get him off his spot and force him into positions where he is uncomfortable and force him to make mistakes."
UF will complete the latter goal through the efforts of its linebackers — none more critical than Shemar James. James recorded two sacks against LSU en route to winning SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Dart will test his ability to track the quarterback. James will organize the Florida defense amidst Ole Miss' fire while also keeping track of the veteran signal-caller when the Rebels attempt to launch downfield. Defensive tackle Caleb Banks and his teammates put constant pressure on LSU's Garrett Nussmeier. (Photo: Lorenzo Vasquez/UAA Communications)
His teammates aren't concerned about him rising to the test.
"He's such a motivated guy. He works so hard," defensive lineman Derek Wingo said. "When Shemar is able to do a good job and communicate and play well, that makes everyone else play better around him."
The Gators will prepare for a squadron capable of turning the game over in seconds, but it isn't the first time Florida's faced it. In 2020, the Gators teed off with Kiffin's airborne attack. While Napier wasn't around for that, one of his defensive coordinators, Ron Roberts, has experience against the Rebels. As part of Baylor's staff, Roberts took on Kiffin and Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl three seasons ago. That may give Florida a slight leg-up in preparing for the late-November contest, but Napier quickly emphasized how Kiffin's offense is ever-changing.
"I think [it's]different, you know, that every system continues to evolve — different play-callers, different coordinators," Napier said. "[Kiffin's] continued to evolve for sure."
The next stop for the Ole Miss campaign for the College Football Playoff is here. The Rebels' high-powered offense is versatile and dangerous.
Still, the Gators sound up for the challenge. They are coming off their biggest win of the season, knocking off then-No. 21 LSU. They have a resistance mission planned.
Florida Football | Tim Tebow Media Availability | SEC NationFlorida Football | Tim Tebow Media Availability | SEC Nation
Friday, November 07
Play Breakdown with Billy Gonzales presented by Tower Hill Insurance (November 5, 2025)Play Breakdown with Billy Gonzales presented by Tower Hill Insurance (November 5, 2025)
Wednesday, November 05
Billy Gonzales Media Availability 11-5-25Billy Gonzales Media Availability 11-5-25
Wednesday, November 05
Play Breakdown with Billy Gonzales presented by Tower Hill Insurance 11-5-25Play Breakdown with Billy Gonzales presented by Tower Hill Insurance 11-5-25
