Russell Athletic Bowl, Teddy Bridgewater

Russell Athletic Scouting: Miami vs. Florida

Mark BlankenbakerDecember 23, 2013

Miami vs. Florida

This game appeared to be a defensive struggle based on the 21-16 score, but the truth is that the Miami Defense actually gave up a lot of yards to Florida and Miami was the team that struggled to move the ball. The key difference in this game was the “U” making plays when it mattered.

1st Team ALL-ACC Denzel Perryman forced a HUGE fumble in the game’s 1st five minutes that Stephen Morris was able to turn into points 3 minutes later to Herb Waters in the endzone. Florida blocked a Miami punt that led to an easy score for the Gators and a failed conversion attempt left the game 7-6 in the 1st quarter.

On the next possession, Miami gained 25% of their yardage on a single play when Stephen Morris hit Phillip Dorsett for 52-yards for a TD to take a 14-6 lead. Florida moved the ball extremely well in the game racking up 413 yards, but the Hurricanes forced FIVE turnovers against the Gators. The 2nd of which came on the ensuing drive with Florida in the redzone when Jeff Driskel threw an INT to Rayshawn Jenkins. Later Will Muschamp would gamble in the 2nd quarter (down 14-6) on 4th & 1 and would fail to convert another red zone possession into points. Florida finished the 1st half of football with yet another failed REDZONE trip when Miami’s Shayon Green forced a fumble from Trey Burton. MIAMI MADE PLAYS IN TOUGH SITUATIONS. Florida lacked decision-making and execution, but the Hurricanes took advantage. And it is a good thing…………..

Stephen Morris finished the game 12 of 25 for 162 yards 2 TDs, and an INT. Both TDs came in the 1st quarter and in fact, MORRIS DIDN’T COMPLETE FROM 3:43 in the 1st QUARTER UNTIL 4:20 REMAINING IN THE 3rd QUARTER. During that time Miami also did not convert a first down. That is a SERIOUS drought.

During that time Florida was finally able to score on a redzone trip via a field goal on a drive that began at mid-field, but not much else went right for the Gators until after Miami took a 21-9 lead. Leading up to Miami’s final score the Gators & Hurricanes traded interceptions (Florida’s was of course in the Red Zone), and then the Gator’s fatal mistake was a Jeff Driskel fumble inside their own 10 that was an EASY Duke Johnson TD.

What Do We Take Away?

I don’t want to take anything away from Miami, because they made plays when they had to……but Florida choked this game away. Miami’s offense wasn’t good enough to win this game, and Miami’s defense gave up a lot of room. Still the Canes found a way to win. There is something to be said about teams that can make the big turnover and can make a big play like Morris to Dorsett.

Florida’s Defense finished #10 in the nation (allowed 57 more yards per game than Louisville) and the Gators still lost. Miami gained just 212 yards, but the Gators only gained 1 turnover and allowed the big 52-yard reception. Miami was just 1-11 on 3rd down and had the ball for only 21:40 of the game’s 60 minutes. On paper Florida did everything but win the game….but the scoreboard is where it matters.