Agreed, I was screaming at Mullen almost as soon as the 2nd half began and it appeared that they were going to keep trying what really didn’t work real well in the first half. I can’t believe it took them so long to make the adjustments when the OLine was obviously having trouble with the blitz.

Commenter on an earlier thread made the point that the Hawaii game seemed to be a collection of outstanding individual efforts as opposed to a “team offense”. I hope they use the off week to get some extra reps and get everyone on the same page.

By She felt 18, Officer! on 09.08.08 3:00 pm

Another problem area as mentioned on a Gator message board was that Maukice Pouncey was only playing his second game as center and as you know the line calls are made by the center. During the game you will remember the announcers made a point of Steve Addazio getting the line together for a lengthy discussion during the first half. This would suggest that we were not in the proper protection sets to confront Miami’s blitzes.

There did seem to be a concerted effort to establish the run against Miami while the Canes were determined to stop such plays.

By Keltic Gator on 09.08.08 4:34 pm

I agree that the offense so far has been comprised by many outstanding individual efforts rather than an offensive unit. What concerns me is whether or not the offense can adjust quickly from drive to drive.
I’m just curious if Mullen held back the offensive calling to keep the offense fresh in SEC play. The play calling seemed really stale and unimaginative to me and seemed to lack the forethought that is indicative of a Mullen offense.
The boys have a full week to tweak and prepare for Fatty and his Glazed Eleven. I will not question our boys’ athleticism or preparation, I just question their overall cohesion as a unit.

By BurritoBrosShits on 09.09.08 11:45 am

I don’t entirely disagree. But I think you overlook something the fact that Meyer/Mullen have been using a very conservative, run-heavy approach. I really think Meyer/Mullen are holding their cards close to their chest and trying not to reveal to much of the high-flying act; they are saving it for the SEC, which I think is a smart move.

We didn’t start seeing four and five wide sets until the fourth quarter. It was at that point the Gators started marching all over the field. It was just enough to blow it open at the end.

Maybe it is wishful thinking, but I think they are just being smart and stategically discreet with the play calling. My guess is you’ll see them put some more air under the ball if they end up trailing early against Tennessee.

By Corey on 09.11.08 2:19 am

Put me in the camp that thinks the offense was not being artificially held in check at all during the Miami game. (Hawaii — yes.) The coaching staff knew Miami posed a serious threat to win the football game and as such I can’t imagine they intentionally “hid” any part of the offense during this matchup.

I think Mullen and co. were simply very slow to adjust to Miami’s scheme and I find that distressing. I believe with the proper adjustments made no later than early 3rd quarter, Miami would be whining about running the score up to 50-3 instead of 26-3.

By GatorPilot on 09.11.08 7:43 am