Florida-Missouri Post Game Analysis: Limited Fireworks, But Turnovers Were Key To The Win

Once in the lockerroom they were happy -- and relieved. (UAA Photo)

As solid a young man as Richardson is, his up and down play makes it tough to get an idea of where the Gators are headed offensively and where the road ends. The turnovers have to stop at some time.

By LOREN MEADOWS.

GatorBaitmedia.com Football Analyst

What We Expected: The Florida offense was coming of off back-to-back 30-point games and generating over 500 yards. Although Missouri was improving on defense, Florida looked to move the ball with consistency based on the most recent sample size. The ability of Anthony Richardson to extend plays would cause issues for a Missouri defensive front that had some success in its last outing vs. Georgia. His ability to take on more of the offense would also lead to chunk plays ultimately helping Florida step away by two scores.

Florida’s defense had come under scrutiny for allowing big plays, however Ventrell Miller and Brenton Cox Jr. were singled out by Missouri Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz as two players that that concerned him. With a limited downfield passing game for the Tigers, there was an expectation that the Florida secondary would play the Missouri receivers close and maybe take the ball away through the air at least once. The inability for Missouri to drive the ball downfield in the passing game and sustain long drives would limit the Tigers to three scores over the course of the game.

What We Got: Florida struggled to generate much offense in the first half while the defense played its best half in three weeks. Richardson seemed to be handling more of the offensive playbook but the Gators were limited to 65 yards on only 19 plays in the first half. Richardson was not nearly a factor in the run game as expected and was largely ineffective on called runs.

Defensively the Gators got the early turnover and score when Jaydon Hill intercepted Missouri quarterback Brady Cook and returned it 49 yards for the first touchdown of the game. “When I caught it, I saw green grass and I knew it was over,” Hill stated.

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook continued to find opportunities over 10-15 yards and Hill would sit on another short route and make his second interception of the game to end a promising Missouri drive at the Gators 16-yard line. Coach Drinkwitz foresaw the effect that both Miller and Cox Jr. would have on this game as Miller registered 11 total tackles,and Cox finished with a sack and three tackles for loss.

Offensively the Gators would find success running the ball in the second half to finish the game with 231 yards. Unfortunately the chunk plays through the air never materialized as Richardson managed only 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing.

Richardson would also throw an interception for the fourth consecutive game.

The Skinny: Earlier this week Jaydon Hill stated “we’re supposed to beat Missouri,” and he did his part to make sure that prediction rang true. Florida was the better football team, and the quarterback position was where the Gators seemed to have the greatest advantage. Richardson did not have a good. day. There were flashes at times, but a quarterback that seemed to be gaining more confidence and control of the offense was late at times with throws and looked reluctant to take what Missouri was willing to give him.

The defense played better at times but there are still issues. While the two Jaydon Hill in interceptions proved to ultimately be the difference in the game, Missouri converted 9 of 17 third downs including key third down conversions of 22 and 18 yards. Both during key drives that could have closed the game out for the Gators. Good teams find a way to get off the field in those situations.

As solid a young man as Richardson is, his up-and-down play makes it tough to get an idea of where the Gators are headed offensively and where the road ends. The turnovers have to stop at some time. Without them the Gators could be undefeated. Billy Napier believes his team “will continue to get better, and there will be some momentum that comes with that.” With LSU, Georgia, and a trip to College Station in view “courage to correct” as Napier calls it will be paramount.

Final Score: Florida 24 Missouri 17