Turnovers, off-target throws and a porous line help stifle the Gators.
By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published September 21, 2003
GAINESVILLE - The running game was almost nonexistent. The passing game produced decent yardage but two costly turnovers. When the Gators needed a big play, they didn't get it.
And this was the nation's No. 1 scoring offense?
"Offensively, I thought we played in spurts," Florida coach Ron Zook said.
In Saturday's 24-10 loss to Tennessee, the Gators' offensive effort produced more than a few boos and left players searching for words. They entered averaging 53.7 points, a number inflated by victories against lightweights San Jose State and Florida A&M.
But because Florida scored 33 against Miami, there was reason to believe it could produce against the Volunteers.
But that didn't happen.
After gaining 38 yards on its first drive, which ended with a field goal, Florida did virtually nothing until late in the third. During an eight-series stretch, it punted six times, fumbled once, threw an interception and netted 122 yards on 36 plays. "We did some good things, and we did some things that weren't as good," Zook said.
The problem?
Opinions vary, but one thing is certain: This was a combined effort. The quarterbacks regularly missed open receivers. The running backs broke few tackles. The line had trouble opening holes and protecting the quarterbacks. And though the receivers performed fairly well, they didn't do anything spectacular.
"I was surprised we didn't put up more than 10 points," said Gators freshman receiver Andre Caldwell of Tampa, who had four catches for 43 yards but also a costly fumble. "We weren't hitting our spots. We weren't making the plays we usually do."
Tennessee deserves credit.
The Vols slowed down Florida's running game early (the Gators rushed for 73 yards total on 27 carries), which allowed them to key on the pass. The defensive line put constant pressure on quarterbacks Ingle Martin and Chris Leak, and neither was effective until the Vols had a 17-3 second-half lead. During long stretches, nothing seemed to work.
"We didn't stay on the field and maintain a drive," Gators receiver Kelvin Kight said. "We just didn't get in a groove. We had a penalty here or a penalty there."
Florida's defense played well during the first half, but the offense was held to 113 yards and seven first downs. One Gators drive started at the 50, but Martin was intercepted by Mark Jones on first down from the Tennessee 34. Florida again reached Vols territory on its next series, but Caldwell was stripped of the ball at the 38.
"We were as prepared as we could be," Martin said. "When the defense makes plays, you've got to follow it up."
Florida started clicking late in the third quarter, but one series ended on a Leak interception and two others on downs deep in Tennessee territory.
"Our running game wasn't as effective as it was in previous games," Caldwell said. "They killed us on the pass. They sat back and did a good job."
Florida did not throw deep once, and Caldwell questioned the play calling.
"We have deep passes," he said. "We just haven't run them yet. I don't know why."
