How important is that halftime speech?

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY

By Franz Beard

A few thoughts to jump start your Monday morning:

In the first half of the last two games, the Florida Gators (4-4, 2-4 SEC) have been outscored by Georgia and Texas A&M 52-23 and outgained 679-352. In taking a 28-3 halftime lead on the Gators, Georgia outgained UF 372-89. Texas A&M racked up a 307-263 yardage advantage while taking a 24-20 lead at the half.

Billy Napier says he “challenged them at halftime” of the Georgia game. It must have worked because the Gators outscored the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs 17-14 and outgained them 282-223. Florida’s 371 yards are the most Georgia’s defense has allowed all season. That’s more than Tennessee (289) and Oregon (313), the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 offenses.

Against Texas A&M, the Gators outscored the Aggies 21-0 in the second half and outgained them 229-106 for a final advantage of 492-413. Offensively, the Gators threw for 201 yards and ran for 291 with Anthony Richardson turning in his best game since Utah (17-28 passing for 201 yards and two touchdowns while running for 78 and two more). The defense held the Aggies to 1-8 on third down conversions.

For a second straight game, the second half turn around had its origins in halftime speeches.

Senior linebacker Ventrell Miller said, “I think it had to do with the halftime speech from some of the coaches and players … It was a little bit of tough love, like, let’s go, it’s still a game and we aren’t playing like how we are supposed to play. We told them to shut it out, and the boys stood on that, so I’m definitely proud of those boys.”

In the second half of the last two games, the Gators have outscored Georgia and Texas A&M 38-14 while outgaining them 511-315. Gator fans everywhere would rejoice at a 38-14 win with that kind of yardage differential.

Neither the offense nor the defense showed up in the first half of the Georgia game, but the Gators came alive in the second half, particularly the third quarter. Against the Aggies, the Gators played very well offensively in the first half, but played a complete second half because the defense got the offense the ball and the offense, not only moved the ball and put points on the scoreboard, but it controlled the clock for a 19:37-10:23 time of possession differential.

With three games remaining on the schedule – South Carolina, (at) Vanderbilt and (at) Florida State – the Gators need just one win to become bowl eligible which would probably place them in Birmingham or back at the Gasparilla Bowl. Two wins would make for a better bowl. Should the Gators win their last three for a 4-0 run of the November table and they could be looking at playing in Tampa for the ReliaQuest (used to be Outback) Bowl. That’s where Jerry Palm of CBS has the Gators landing.

Of course, to get to 7-5 or 8-4, the Gators have to play full games like they’ve played second halves against Georgia and the Aggies. It would be a good idea if they could do it without the halftime speeches.

UF Baseball: Gators sweep Stetson in exhibition doubleheader

The highlight of Florida’s 7-6, 5-1 sweep of Stetson in their fall exhibition doubleheader at Condron Ballpark Sunday was an “immaculate” inning turned in by Southern Miss transfer righty Hurston Waldrep in game two. Waldrep, who struck out all six batters he faced in the first two innings, needed nine pitches for three strikeouts in the top of the second. That feat is rarer than a perfect game.

In game one, Wyatt Langford tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the eighth with a high bouncer off the plate scored Dale Thomas from third. Jac Caglione delivered the game-winner with a hard line single to left field to drive in Michael Robertson. Ryan Slater got the win in relief while Brandon Neely picked up the save. Thomas and Ty Evans both homered for the Gators.

Santa Fe College transfer Tyler Shelnut got a ninth-inning rally started in game two when he hit a one-out single to left, advanced to third on a walk and a wild pitch, then scored on a throwing error. Rene Lastres added a 3-run double later in the inning (in exhibition games they play the full inning). Blake Purnell picked up the win in relief.

UF Swimming: Gators sweep the Vols

The Gators took care of business at the O-Dome pool Saturday as the men and women scored a sweep. The 3rd-ranked Florida men (3-1, 1-1 SEC) handled 13th-ranked Tennessee 171.5-128.5 while the 11th-ranked UF women (4-1, 2-0 SEC) crushed the 7th-ranked Vols 204-96.

UF Volleyball: Gators trounce Missouri

The 12th-ranked Gators (19-4, 11-2 SEC) got 16 kills from Marina Markova, 13 kills from Merritt Beason and nine kills and five blocks from Gabbi Eason Friday night as they swept Missouri (8-14, 1-11 SEC), 25-22, 25-17, 25-23. Freshman setter Alexis Stucky had 46 assists. The Gators, who are a half-game ahead of Kentucky in first place in the SEC will travel to Texas A&M (12-13, 4-10 SEC) next Saturday.

Poll-iticks: Georgia No. 1, Tennessee No. 5, LSU No. 7

Associated Press top 25 (SEC teams bold face): 1. Georgia 9-0; 2. Ohio State 9-0; 3. Michigan 9-0; 4. TCU 9-0; 5. Tennessee 8-1; 6. Oregon 8-1; 7. LSU 7-2; 8. Southern California 8-1; 9. UCLA 8-1; 10. Alabama 7-2; 11. Ole Miss 8-1; 12. Clemson 8-1; 13. Utah 7-2; 14. Penn State 7-2; 15. North Carolina 8-1; 16. Tulane 8-1; 17. North Carolina State 7-2; 18. Texas 6-3; 19. Liberty 8-1; 20. Notre Dame 6-3; 21. Illinois 7-2; 22. UCF 7-2; 23. Kansas State 6-3; 24. Washington 7-2; 25. Florida State 6-3

AFCA Coaches top 25: 1. Georgia 9-0; 2. Ohio State 9-0; 3. Michigan 9-0; 4. TCU 9-0; 5. Tennessee 8-1; 6. Oregon 8-1; 7. Southern California 8-1; 8. LSU 7-2; 9. Ole Miss 8-1; 10. UCLA 8-1; 11. Alabama 7-2; 12. Clemson 8-1; 13. Utah 7-2; 14. North Carolina 8-1; 15. Penn State 7-2; 16. North Carolina State 7-2; 17. Tulane 8-1; 18. Texas 6-3; 19. Liberty 8-1; 20. Illinois 7-2; 21. UCF 7-2; 23. Kansas State 6-3; 23. Washington 7-2; 24. Kentucky 6-3; 25. Notre Dame 6-3

SEC football

No. 10 Alabama (7-2, 4-2 SEC): We’re one week into November and Alabama is out of the College Football Playoff picture. This is the earliest Alabama has been out of the national championship picture since 2010 when they went 10-3. Next week: at No. 11 Ole Miss (8-1, 4-1 SEC)

Arkansas (5-4, 2-3 SEC): Defensive backs Myles Slusher and Anthony bBrown were arrested for disorderly conduct after the Hogs lost to Liberty. Slusher had five tackles in the game. Next week: vs. No. 7 LSU (7-2, 5-1 SEC)

Auburn (3-6, 1-5 SEC): Was this a cryptic message from Hugh Freeze about the Auburn job fter he led Liberty to a win over Arkansas? Freeze said, “I don’t know that Auburn wants me. I have no clue. I know this: I have won everywhere I’ve been and my staff and kids have turned programs fast. It’s our culture that we instill. I know we do that and the proof is in the pudding.” Next week: vs. Texas A&M (3-6, 1-5 SEC)

No. 1 Georgia (9-0, 6-0 SEC): Georgia’s defense is allowing 10.8 points and 266.4 yards per game. The Bulldogs allowed 10.2 points and 267.9 yards per game last year. Next week: at Mississippi State (6-3, 3-3 SEC)

Kentucky (6-3, 3-3 SEC): Mark Stoops has Kentucky bowl eligible for a seventh straight year, which is the longest streak in school history. Next week: vs. Vanderbilt (3-6, 0-5 SEC)

No. 7 LSU (7-2, 5-1 SEC): In making the decision to go for two to beat Alabama in overtime, HBC Brian Kelly said, “Look, you’re going to get second-guessed if you don’t get it. I get it, but to me I just felt like, I look at our team, I assess the situation and I just felt like it was the right thing to do.” Next week: at Arkansas (5-4, 2-3 SEC)

Mississippi State (6-3, 3-3 SEC): After their 39-33 overtime win over Auburn, HBC Mike Leach said, “I guess you could say we’re tough and dumb” … With the win the Bulldogs are bowl eligible. Next week: vs. No. 1 Georgia (9-0, 6-0 SEC)

Missouri (4-5, 2-4 SEC): Eli Drinkwitz has been given a 2-year contract extension through 2027 … In their loss to Kentucky the Tigers were hurt by a horrendous spot that gave UK a fourth down conversion that for some reason the SEC Next week: at No. 5 Tennessee (8-1, 4-1 SEC)

No. 11 Ole Miss (8-1, 4-1 SEC): Bruce Feldman of The Athletic says that Lane Kiffin is the name to watch in the Auburn coaching search. Next week: vs. No. 10 Alabama (7-2, 4-1 SEC)

South Carolina (6-3, 3-3 SEC): Defensive back David Spaulding is done for the year with a foot injury … The win over Vanderbilt made the Gamecocks bowl eligible for a second straight season under Shane Beamer. Next week: at Florida (5-4, 2-4 SEC)

No. 5 Tennessee (8-1, 4-1 SEC): The Vols got killed on the line of scrimmage against Georgia. They never got a sack against Stetson Bennett and their O-line allowed Hendon Hooker to get sacked six times. The Vols ran 42 times for 94 yards, an average of 2.24 per carry. Hooker averaged only 5.9 yards per pass attempt. Next week: vs. Missouri (4-5, 2-4 SEC)

Texas A&M (3-6, 1-5 SEC): Defensive lineman Fadil Diggs and defensive back Deuce Harmon are done for the year after sustaining injuries against the Gators. Jimbo Fisher said wide receiver Yulkeith Brown will be out awhile although it isn’t due to an injury. Next week: at Auburn (3-6, 1-5 SEC)

Vanderbilt (3-6, 0-5 SEC): The Commodores gained 454 yards in losing to South Carolina, the most yards they’ve gained all year in an SEC game. Next week: at Kentucky (6-3, 3-3 SEC)

Our SEC orphans in the Big 12

Oklahoma (5-4, 2-4 Big 12): Three Dillon Gabriel interceptions, a failed fourth down conversion and eight penalties doomed the Sooners against Baylor. Next week: at West Virginia (3-6, 1-5 Big 12)

No. 18 Texas (6-3, 4-2 Big 12): Bijan Robinson carried 30 times for 209 yards and a TD in the win over Kansas State. Next week: vs. No. 4 TCU (9-0, 6-0 Big 12)

ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Speaking on Sports Center Sunday morning, Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network did not sound optimistic about where Alabama goes from here after falling to 7-2 in a year in which the Crimson Tide was a near-unanimous choice to win the national championship. Finebaum said, “It just seems for starters the window on the Saban dynasty is closing. They are not going to get back in it this year. So what does it mean? It means a lot for Brian Kelly who came in because he wanted to take on Nick Saban. That’s the reason he left Notre Dame, and already he has scored a victory in a game where there were numerous questionable calls on the Saban side and brilliant – I mean life-changing – calls on the LSU side including the game-winner.”

It might be a bit presumptuous to say the curtain is dropping on Saban and Alabama. Yes, Georgia won the national championship last year and seems to be a prohibitive favorite to repeat after thrashing Tennessee, but we shouldn’t forget that Saban was counted out by a lot of folks in 2013-14 when the Crimson Tide didn’t win the national championship. All Saban did was reinvent himself by making wholesale staff changes, among them bringing in Lane Kiffin to revamp his offense.

Look for something similar in this offseason starting with two new coordinators. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is expected to get a head coaching job. The defense has gone stale under Pete Golding. He’ll probably get nudged out of the next for a Group of Five HBC job. There will probably be other staff changes and those moves will likely invigorate Saban.

Finebaum may think Nick’s sell-by date is about to expire, but Nick Saban hasn’t won seven national championships by letting the game pass him by. Expect him to be back. With a vengeance.