Florida vs. Georgia: Five Takeaways From Gators’ Loss
ATLANTA — After Florida’s win against Texas, coach Jon Sumrall plainly stated, “We still suck.”
Although the No. 17 Gators (5-3, 3-3 SEC) entered Saturday’s matchup against No. 3 Georgia (7-1, 5-1 SEC) as a 10.5-point underdog against the Bulldogs, their performance did nothing but provide evidence for Sumrall’s words. The 27-8 loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium further uncovered a laundry list of issues the Gators have struggled with since Week 1.
Here are five takeaways from Florida’s loss.
1. Quarterback Question Trudges Forward
Quarterback Aaron Philo was announced as the starter a day before the Gators took the field in Atlanta, putting a brief end to the chatter surrounding the starting battle between Philo and sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. Both players were listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report before being cleared to play.
Philo’s start was short-lived, completing 5 of 7 passes for just 26 yards and two interceptions, his second-quarter benching. Jones took over to try to salvage the 10-point deficit the Bulldogs had built. However, despite rushing for a touchdown to continue the program’s scoring streak. Jones finished completing 18 of 25 passes for 172 yards and one interception.
Moving forward, Sumrall said he’s not yet sure who will start in Florida’s next game.
“I don’t know that I’m ready to make a decision on anything today,” Sumrall said. “I don’t know that I saw either one of them play well enough for me to go, that’s our starter forever moving forward…we still need better quarterback play.”
Regardless of the lack of playmaking, Sumrall emphasized the issues were about more than just the player behind center.
“My biggest concern right now is the people around the quarterback,” Sumrall said after the game. “If we don’t get better on the offensive line, tight end, running back and receiving, our quarterback has no shot in hell of playing really good.”
2. Offensive Struggles Across the Board
Florida’s offense put up a less-than-stellar performance, scoring just eight points while recording 54 rushing yards and 198 passing yards.
Jadan Baugh had a disappointing day, finishing with 38 yards on 17 carries and averaging just 2.2 yards per carry against Georgia’s second-ranked defense in the SEC.
The Gators’ receiving room didn’t quite pick up the slack, either. Other than a short two-point conversion catch from Baugh in the fourth quarter, Dallas Wilson notched just one reception for 14 yards, while Eric Singleton caught four passes for 19 yards. Singleton racked up two errors throughout the game, missing a pass from Philo that was then picked off by Georgia’s Demello Jones and dropping a throw from Jones in the third quarter, ultimately forcing Florida to punt.
Bailey Stockton was a highlight for the unit, leading the receivers with eight catches for 76 yards.
“It’s frustrating for sure,” Stockton said after the game. “We’re beating ourselves every game right now. I feel like we’re good enough to beat anybody, we’ve proven that. But, we’re just beating ourselves.”
As Sumrall noted, Florida’s entire offensive unit wasn’t providing the quarterbacks with enough support, including their offensive line. Georgia notched four sacks for 19 yards, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three interceptions.
3. Penalty Issues Remain
The penalty problem has returned. Despite a better-looking performance over the last few games, the Gators notched five penalties for 60 yards in just the first half. Although the penalties might not have been game-changers, the additional lost yards did nothing but hurt an already struggling offense.
By the end of the game, the Gators finished with eight penalties for 78 yards, a stat reminiscent of their first few weeks on the field.
Georgia, on the other hand, finished with just four penalties for 32 yards.
“It’s catastrophic,” Sumrall said of the mistakes after the game.
Sumrall then pointed to the penalty report tape the team watches on Mondays to review mistakes, before taking accountability for the 15 yards he cost the team after getting in the way of an official. His explanation?
“The head coach is a dumbass,” he said.
4. Defense shows growth
Saturday’s game was a tall task for Florida’s defensive unit. Georgia ranks first in the SEC in scoring offense, second in total offense and third in both rushing and passing offense.
But, despite allowing 27 points and 318 total yards, Florida’s defense put up a stronger showing in this game. The Gators held Georgia to just a field goal in the second half and only 101 passing yards, a new season low for Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton.
Safety DJ Coleman led the team with eight tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble, while linebackers Myles Graham and Ty Jackson notched seven tackles each. Defensive end Emmanuel Oyebadejo also grabbed Florida’s lone sack and a pass breakup.
“I feel like we’re headed in the right direction now,” Coleman said. “Everybody’s on board with the plan and we’re seeing more of the results we’ve been practicing for.”
5. Impact of Injuries
Florida’s injury report seems to grow by the week. Wide receiver Vernell Brown III was out again ahead of Georgia, marking his fifth straight week off the field. Brown was originally listed as probable earlier in the week, but after aggravating the injury again in practice, he was downgraded to questionable and ultimately ruled out before kickoff.
His talent in the Gators’ receiving room would have provided some assistance to a passing game lacking any true threat.
Despite both quarterbacks taking the field against the Bulldogs, Florida’s quarterbacks were injured before the game as well. Philo’s shoulder injury appears to have healed, but Jones’ injury, which remains undisclosed, was seemingly still impacting him ahead of the game.
“I’m not going to go into all those injuries,” he said. “But, he’s got a real injury … that may require surgery after the year.”
The Gators return to the Swamp to take on the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday at 7:45 p.m.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Football
