Florida Gators Football – Developing Situations
Oct 5, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) scrambles out of the pocket away from defender Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Jarrett Lake (39) during the first half of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Florida
Is there no stopping QB Tyler Murphy? Since getting his chance as the Gators starter, Murphy has played consistent, largely mistake-free football in leading them to a 3-0 record since Jeff Driskel suffered a season-ending leg injury. Last week Murphy completed 16 of 22 passes for 240 yards and 3 TDs – all without committing a turnover. WR Solomon Patton’s play has improved the most since Murphy took the reins. Last week was no different, with Patton catching 6 passes for 124 yards and 2 TDs. If Florida keeps throwing the ball the way Murphy has shown he can, this will be a tough team to beat and can absolutely contend for the SEC East…
CB Loucheiz Purifoy continues to validate attention ranking him as the next great defensive back to come out of the SEC. He did so again Saturday when he took a pick-six back 42 yards for Florida’s first touchdown against Arkansas. One of Purifoy’s secondary-mates, CB Vernon Hargreaves, has played stellar football across the field. Hargreaves’ 3 INTs tie him at the top of the SEC in that category. He also leads the league in passes defended, adding 5 PBUs to his interceptions. Having great cornerback play from players like Purifoy and Hargreaves benefits defenses in a number of ways. The biggest for Florida is probably the ability to blitz anyone from anywhere. The Gators must replace the production from DT Dominique Easley. Anything they can do from D.J. Durkin’s scheme rather than relying on one talented player will only relieve pressure from someone who might otherwise try to do too much…
With Murphy playing at such a high level, Florida’s biggest concern might be in the kicking game. K Austin Hardin has connected on just 4 of 8 field-goal attempts this season. With some bigger games coming up, Hardin’s early season struggles could create some tense moments late…
It’s a good thing Murphy has been as good as he’s been because Florida’s traditional run game lacks consistency. RBs Mack Brown and Matt Jones have combined to average just 3.5 yards per carry in games against Arkansas and Tennessee. Jones ranks 10th in the SEC in rushing yards per game, but his 4.3 yards per attempt rank last among the top 15 rushers. That goes as much on the Gators offensive line, which seemed to possess a far nastier side last year than it does in 2013.