Florida Football: Report card from tough loss to LSU in Week 7

Defense

One area I thought Florida would be able to have a lot of success is defending the pass against this new-look LSU offense. The Tigers were lights out to start the season, but with this offense still being a little unproven, I thought it was a great opportunity for the best secondary in the country to make some plays. Boy, was I wrong.

Here’s how the defense graded out in an ugly performance.

Defensive Line: F

It was a rough performance for the Gators front. If you can’t stop the pass, you better be slowing down the running game. Nope and nope in that department.

Florida’s front had zero QB hurries, and Jabari Zuniga was the only player to make a play in the backfield, with one tackle for loss. It doesn’t seem to be getting better, as early reports say Zuniga will be out for the next game against South Carolina.

Linebackers: D

Speaking of injuries, losing top linebacker Jonathan Greenard on the opening series completely derailed the Florida pass rush. It was another ugly performance, as the Tigers did a great job of finding space over the middle, and the linebackers were unable to stop the big plays from the LSU running backs.

The only reason this grade isn’t lower is I thought Jeremiah Moon was good in this one. It was surprising to see he only had five tackles on the game, as watching the game I felt like he was the only player ready to play in this one.

Secondary: F

It was also a rough performance for the secondary, as Joe Burrow was able to pick them apart, throwing only three completions.

While the defensive line didn’t help the secondary by any means, but the Gators didn’t do a great job of getting to the ball and making tackles by any means.

Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson each had over 120 yards receiving, and it seemed every Tigers pass was going for a big play. It’s frustrating to see a performance like that from such a talented secondary.

The defense will have a much easier match up on the road at South Carolina next week. But while many thought the Gators defense was a strength this season, the offense was trying to carry them to victory, and came up just one mistake short of a Gators victory.