FinSinceBirth
If you aren't a gator, you're gator bait
Fellow gator fans I've been very confident all this week, but I still knew tonights game at Auburn would be a tough match. Now as game time approaches, I must admit I'm rather nervous.:o History has not been kind to us gators against Auburn. The last time they played us, we were undefeated and number 1 in the country after a victory against LSU. Unranked Auburn upset us that night. Now we march into Jordan-Hare stadium undefeated and ranked number 2 after a big victory vs. LSU. Not only that, we've only won 7 games at Jordan-Hare.
Aside from the history, Auburn is a great team. They have a very good quarterback and a great running back in Irons. Plus they want to come back from last weeks embarassment at the hands of Arkansas. You can bet they don't want to lose two in a row at home and will do anything to prevent it.
IMHO there are three keys to the game to ensure a gator victory.
1. Stop the Run: Kenny Irons is a strong component of the tiger offense, and they won't abandon the run like alabama and lsu. If we can limit Irons like we have with other running backs in the past weeks, it will be hard for the tigers to get in a groove.
2. Pressure Cox: If we stop Irons it's going to cause them to throw more, and if put pressure on Cox, he will crumble. HIs confidence has to be shaken after 5 sacks last week and if the D-line can get to him, they'll force him to make mistakes. As we saw vs. LSU, Thomas is a big addition to our line and we should expect a big day from him. Also the tigers line has taken a bit of damage from injuries (center Joe Cope and tight end Cole Bennett). That should only make Thomas's job tonight easier.
3. Come out early and play smart: It is crucial for the gators to come out and score early tonight.Not only would it shift momentum, but it would quite the crowd early, and this is not a place you want to be trying to come back from behind in. Also if we have hopes of playing in the national champisonship game we need to be able to score early.
As for playing smart, that's simple. Cut down on the penalties. It's hard to win a game when you have to beat yourself and your opponent. Again, if we expect to play for it all, we can't be making stupid penalties (false start after false start after false start). Not to mention they're drvie and momentum killers.
While I know I said there were 3 keys I decided to add a fourth at the end.
KICK A FREAKIN FIELD GOAL:
First of all i think this game might come down to field goals. Both teams are very strong and physical and scoring could be low. If that's the case, we can't afford missed field goals. Once again, this also has bearings on our future. If we expect to be contenders for the NC we have to be able to kick field goals. Plust I really think Hetland needs to get this monkey off his back.
Aside from the history, Auburn is a great team. They have a very good quarterback and a great running back in Irons. Plus they want to come back from last weeks embarassment at the hands of Arkansas. You can bet they don't want to lose two in a row at home and will do anything to prevent it.
IMHO there are three keys to the game to ensure a gator victory.
1. Stop the Run: Kenny Irons is a strong component of the tiger offense, and they won't abandon the run like alabama and lsu. If we can limit Irons like we have with other running backs in the past weeks, it will be hard for the tigers to get in a groove.
2. Pressure Cox: If we stop Irons it's going to cause them to throw more, and if put pressure on Cox, he will crumble. HIs confidence has to be shaken after 5 sacks last week and if the D-line can get to him, they'll force him to make mistakes. As we saw vs. LSU, Thomas is a big addition to our line and we should expect a big day from him. Also the tigers line has taken a bit of damage from injuries (center Joe Cope and tight end Cole Bennett). That should only make Thomas's job tonight easier.
3. Come out early and play smart: It is crucial for the gators to come out and score early tonight.Not only would it shift momentum, but it would quite the crowd early, and this is not a place you want to be trying to come back from behind in. Also if we have hopes of playing in the national champisonship game we need to be able to score early.
As for playing smart, that's simple. Cut down on the penalties. It's hard to win a game when you have to beat yourself and your opponent. Again, if we expect to play for it all, we can't be making stupid penalties (false start after false start after false start). Not to mention they're drvie and momentum killers.
While I know I said there were 3 keys I decided to add a fourth at the end.
KICK A FREAKIN FIELD GOAL:
First of all i think this game might come down to field goals. Both teams are very strong and physical and scoring could be low. If that's the case, we can't afford missed field goals. Once again, this also has bearings on our future. If we expect to be contenders for the NC we have to be able to kick field goals. Plust I really think Hetland needs to get this monkey off his back.
