If I were Bobo...

AJ Green (Image: Hipple)
Upon further reflection, the most encouraging thing to me from the Vanderbilt game wasn't the play of the defense or the running game in the fourth quarter. The defensive intensity was nice, but it was Vandy after all. And I think the coaching staff's praise of the running game was pretty overblown given that Vandy's defense had already thrown in the towel by the time we started trying to pound it in the fourth quarter.

The most encouraging thing to me was Caleb King's touchdown on the screen pass. Stafford, Moreno and the offensive line did a masterful job the past two years of executing running back screens on the edges and the middle screen to our backs. Cox, the offensive line and the running backs have been a train wreck trying to execute those plays this year. Between missed blocks, dropped passes and bad timing, the screen game has been a mess.

I'm extremely skeptical that we're going to be able to run the ball against the Gator defense. We're going to have to throw it and throw it a lot to win this game*. However, we can't have Joe sit back there and try to pick them apart without something to slow the pass rush.

That's why seeing us execute the screen against Vandy was so encouraging to me. If I'm Bobo, I bust open the Oklahoma State 2007 game plan. I think we ran about 15 screens in that game. Here's what I wrote after that game:

Offensive Line Inexperience: The game plan by Bobo was brilliant. Use screens, flares, slants and quick outs to keep the defensive line off our young pups up front. After re-watching the game on DVR, I noticed a few plays where the entire OSU defensive front four stood straight up, took a step back and looked around for a screen. Only to see Stafford throw it behind them on a down field route. There were some moments of confusion and what appeared to be missed assignments up front, but overall...great effort and communication.

We need to run bubble screens, middle screens, swing passes to RBs, FB screens, rocket screen, tunnel screens, you name it, we need to run it. Hopefully, that'll open up the down field passes.

Also, my gut says that Florida isn't going to double team A.J. Green. Not at first anyway. They are going to play him on an island and dare Joe to get out of their blitz alive. Joe has to make them pay for that decision.

If we show up down there and run the ball successfully, I'll be thrilled. And shocked.

As for the defense plan...David Hale has some less than encouraging stats.

See Also:
-- Gator corners test for Green - ABH
-- Tickets: Georgia vs. Florida

PWD

*Special teams TDs and turnovers galore by the Gators would really help, too.