Colleges

Defense needs to get better, Meyer declares

The line rarely pressures the quarterback, leading to the secondary being "exposed."

By BRYAN JONES, Times Correspondent
Published September 23, 2007

OXFORD, Miss. - Florida's inconsistency on defense was glaring Saturday against Mississippi, and Urban Meyer has become concerned.

The coach said the problem starts with the pass rush.

"That's going to cost us a game," Meyer said. "I never saw their quarterback get hit, and that's a problem."

At times, the defense dominated, getting two sacks. But with the pass rush disappearing for much of the game, the Rebels took advantage of an inexperienced secondary. Seth Adams threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns.

"We have a young secondary that got exposed," Meyer said.

The third quarter was particularly troubling. Sophomore Wondy Pierre-Louis got beat on a 51-yard catch by Michael Hicks to the 5. That led to a field goal that cut Florida's lead to 21-9.

On the Rebels' next possession, Adams hit Shay Hodge on three straight plays totaling 48 yards. On the third, free safety Kyle Jackson tried to jump the route for an interception. His lunge didn't come close, and Hodge walked into the end zone.

One possession later, Mike Wallace got behind the secondary for a 77-yard touchdown that brought the Rebels to within three points.

"It was pretty good coverage," said Florida freshman corner Joe Haden, who covered Wallace on the play. "It was just when the ball went in the air, he accelerated.

"He's one of the fastest kids I've ever seen."

Because of inexperience and injury (sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson sat out with a knee injury), Meyer said he doesn't have the depth in the secondary to make changes when players aren't performing well.

"There are no choices right now," Meyer said. "You've got what you got."

Jackson, a senior, was benched in the first half last week against Tennessee, and his struggles have forced Meyer to consider starting freshman Major Wright. Strong safety Tony Joiner, Jackson's best friend, was visibly upset when asked about Jackson's confidence.

"I think his confidence is still the same," Joiner said. "There's not really anything I see for his confidence to be lower. I'm going to talk to him again on the bus, and that's about it."

While the Gators were burned by the Rebels' passing attack, they contained All-SEC BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The running back, who had 226 yards Sept. 8 against Missouri, ran for just 42 and the Rebels 80.

"Our linebackers and our ... linemen are playing phenomenal (against the run) right now," Joiner said. "When everything is put together, we are going to have a great defense."

[Last modified September 22, 2007, 20:44:14]