Florida-USF Post Game Analysis: Nothing Clean and Efficient About Gators’ Win
Updated: Sep 18, 2022
It was tailor-made for Anthony Richardson to play a clean, efficient, game on offense utilizing both his arm and legs as he continued to regain the confidence that was lost a week ago.
By LOREN MEADOWS
Gatorbaitmedia.com Football Analyst
What Was Expected: Despite Florida coming of a 26-16 loss to Kentucky, and USF coming off of a 42-20 win over Howard, all signs pointed to an easy win Saturday night for the Florida Gators. They had rolled up over 600 yards against USF and the man responsible for most of that damage was going to be at the controls of the Florida offense. It was tailor-made for Anthony Richardson to play a clean, efficient, game on offense utilizing both his arm and legs as he continued to regain the confidence that was lost a week ago.
The offense struggled as a unit last week but would find its footing with at least three rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass which had eluded the Florida offense the first two weeks of the season.
Defensively, the Gators looked for a dominant performance where Florida would handle the line of scrimmage and create consistent 3rd-and-long situations that would allow pass rushers Brenton Cox, Jr., Gervon Dexter Sr., and Antwaun Powell-Ryland to consistently pressure and affect USF quarterback Gerry Bohannon.
What We Got: A.R. struggled for the second week in a row. While many expected Richardson to regain his confidence at the expense of the USF defense, he once again lacked confidence, going 10-18 for 102 yards with two interceptions. While the number of attempts seemed to be custom made for him to regain comfort and stability after last week, 6.2 yards per throw is hardly the explosive offense that we expected. USF looked to confuse Richardson at times with zone pressures, taking away his initial read and forcing him to climb the pocket or reset his launch point. This would cause his feet and timing to be erratic when throwing the ball.
The Florida offense did find success on the ground to the tune of 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns. As expected, Montrell Johnson, Trevor Etienne and Nay’Quan Wright all found the end zone, with Johnson eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the first time as a Gator.
It was expected that Florida would control the line of scrimmage and stifle the USF running game. However, USF rushed for 286 yards on 46 attempts for a 6.2-yard average. Florida rarely found itself in favorable third down situations that would allow consistent pressure on USF quarterback Gerry Bohannon on obvious passing downs. While Bohannon was not stellar, his QBR was almost 50 points higher than Richardson. USF was also 8-for-15 on third down and converted both of its fourth down attempts as well. “I think it was a really good design,” Billy Napier said of the USF offense. “They involved the quarterback in the read game, some really unique stuff." USF challenged the eye discipline of the Gators at all three levels of the defense, and it certainly affected the Gators at all three levels.
The Skinny: Billy Napier stated, “Any time you win a football game I think there is a place to celebrate that.” He also credited his team for sticking together and “having each other's back." After three games, that seems to be the formula for success. Stick together and run the football. Even though Richardson feels like he is “growing” in Billy Napier’s offense, his last two performances have left much to be desired from a player who seems to have so much potential. At 2-1 the sky is not falling. However, I would guess that when the Gators sit down to review the film that will be the end of any celebration. It’s the presentation that is concerning. A three-point win over USF is not as much an issue as how it was done. It was not the clean, efficient product we expected, but a sloppy effort marred in turnovers and poor run fits. The work continues. See you in Knoxville.
Florida 31 USF 28
AR looks like a more athletic Felipe when surveying the field. I have little hope that he will improve. Hope Miller gets a chance as it can not be much worse.
Cant understand what‘s going on with A. R. Talking after Utah , first round draft pick. Now might not hold on to his starting role . Next, all articles before season and after Mullen, defense lacking. Southern Cal built their whole team from the transfer portal. We couldn‘t find 6, 7 defensive guys. Come on.
Richardson appears to have lost ALL of his confidence. Looks lost in the pocket.