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The Florida Gators’ defense has gained national attention through the first four games of the season. Ranked fifth nationally, the Gators’ defense contributed to the team’s three-spot rise in the Associated Press college football poll from No. 25 to No. 22 after holding Charlotte to only 210 yards in the 22-7 win last Saturday in The Swamp.
No Surprise Here
UF lineman Caleb Banks is not surprised the Gators are playing well on defense. The Gators recorded four sacks for a total loss of 35 yards against Charlotte. Fifth in the nation in yards per game allowed at 245, Florida’s defensive players have surprised many but themselves this season.
Another key factor to the defense’s success is the comradery among the unit. Banks says he and his defensive mates get along well.
With how well the defense is playing, it’s no surprise the team is clicking on and off the field.
Got the Gator in ‘Em
The Florida defense “got the Gator in ’em.” Describing the hunger to win and strive for excellence within the defense, Banks described what it means.
Room for Improvement
Disregarding the Utah game, the defense has been almost unstoppable through the three-game win streak. There’s not a lot to criticize, but Banks and the defense recognize what they can do better.
The unit is operating under first-year defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong. He’s only changed the defense for the better by utilizing different players throughout the game. A huge change in the offseason, the Gators now focus on cleaning up the sloppy, small mistakes.
On the Road
The Gators (3-1, 1-0 SEC) travel to Lexington this weekend for a noon conference matchup against Kentucky (4-0, 1-0). The Wildcats have defeated the Gators the past two seasons. ESPN will provide television coverage and it can be heard on ESPN 98.1-FM and 850-AM WRUF.
Although the Wildcats are a 2.5-point favorite, they will have to put on an offensive show against this Gator defense. With a fierce mentality and a win streak behind them, the Gators hope to advance to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in SEC play.
Notes: Florida’s homecoming game Oct. 7 is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start on the SEC Network. … Center Kingsley Eguakun, who has played only one game, is listed atop the depth chart released Wednesday. … Kicker Trey Smack was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after making all five of his field goal attempts in the Charlotte win.
