Florida Defense Looks to Turn Survival into Hunting

After allowing 45 points in its loss to Missouri, Florida’s defense isn’t looking to simply forget what happened last Saturday but learn from the lackluster performance.

Florida defensive coordinator Brad White said Tuesday the Gators have spent the week addressing the mistakes that led to the loss, emphasizing the need to respond rather than dwell on the result. 

“There’s too much survival mode right now and not enough hunting,” White said. 

For White, one of the biggest problems against Missouri was Florida’s inability to prevent explosive plays. Missouri running back Jamal Roberts broke loose for runs of 77 and 80 yards, finishing with 211 yards on 24 carries. The Gators had stretches of solid defensive play, but plays like Roberts’ overshadowed those efforts.

White said Florida defense won’t reach its ceiling until it eliminates those plays.

“It doesn’t matter that you played 30 good reps and two bad reps,” White said. “The two bad reps are really freaking bad, then it’s all bad.”

The Gators are now focused on becoming more consistent, especially when things go wrong during a game. White said Florida has to be able to respond to mistakes without allowing one play to turn into another.

That mentality has carried into practice this week.

Safety DJ Coleman said Florida has been playing too passively and needs to take advantage when opportunities present themselves.

“We’re in the right position,” Coleman said. “We just miss a lot of opportunities when opportunities show themselves.”

Coleman said the defense has raised its intensity in practice from a “10” to a “25” in its approach this week.

That increased urgency also comes with a focus on creating turnovers. Missouri was Florida’s first game this season without a takeaway, and Coleman said those momentum-changing plays can be especially important when the offense is struggling.

“If we get the ball out in the first half at some point, the game can go completely different,” Coleman said.

Florida will need that aggressive mindset against South Carolina and quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

White compared Sellers’ physical running ability to NFL running back Saquon Barkley, saying Sellers is a quarterback who is difficult to bring down once he gets into the open field. White also pointed to Sellers’ size, strength, speed and live arm, making the South Carolina quarterback a major challenge for a Florida defense looking to rebound.

Sellers’ ability to extend plays outside the pocket adds another layer to the challenge.

Jayden Woods said Florida’s pass rush will need to find the balance between attacking Sellers and maintaining its responsibilities.

“Rushing smart but not scared will be key for us,” Woods said.

Woods also said Florida played solidly against the run for much of the Missouri game but failed to maintain that level for the entire contest. Missouri’s final two runs were a reminder that playing well for stretches isn’t enough.

“I think finishing and completing a full game is key for us as a team,” Woods said.

That emphasis on finishing has been part of Florida’s response to the loss.

White said the defense has to trust its preparation and continue playing aggressively instead of becoming tentative when adversity hits.

For Florida, the challenge is now turning that message into action.

The Gators have spent the first part of the week confronting what went wrong against Missouri rather than avoiding it. Woods said the loss has not fractured the team, pointing to the way the defense remained together despite falling behind.

Florida will have its chance to show its rebound capabilities in Saturday’s game against South Carolina at 12:45 p.m.

“One loss doesn’t define you,” Woods said. “So just sticking together and going back to work.”

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