Dooley’s Dozen: 12 ways we know Florida football’s culture has changed
We hear a lot about culture these days. And it is not easy to identify.
It’s almost like Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.”
Speaking of porn, did you watch any of the Florida games in the last two seasons? If there was a culture in back-to-back 6-7 seasons, it wasn’t the one Billy Napier hopes is installed now.
The truth is we don’t know if the culture has truly changed until the games are played. And we are days away from finding out whether this team has a new culture.
I’m not saying you will know from just one game. But you should have a better idea.
For the Dooley’s Dozen today, I’m finishing my battle with COVID-19 (can you believe it?) with the 12 ways you’ll be able to tell if there is a new culture at UF. Don’t get too caught up in the win or the loss. It’s how they get there that matters when it comes to culture:
Fewer penalties
Remember early in the 2022 season when Florida wasn’t committing a bunch of dumb penalties and we thought the problem was fixed? Florida allowed four first downs by penalty in the first five games, 17 in the last seven and averaged nine penalties a game over the last five. Let’s see if the team can solve this problem permanently.
Some forced turnovers
That would be nice. Pop a guy and see the ball come out. Get some strip sacks. Don’t drop interceptions. Florida took strides in that direction last year with a plus-10 in turnover margin. Keep it trending in the right direction.
… but limit them on offense
It feels like the new quarterback will be under strict instructions not to throw the ball to the opposing team. Novel idea. We will see from the start whether this team gets the importance of ball security, especially on the road.
Secondary reactions to the ball
Florida used to be DBU. But every time an opponent threw a pass the past three years, Gator fans groaned at the inability of their defensive backs to make a play on the ball. The talent is there – though lacking experience – this year to start being aggressive again.
They mean business
These guys have been told all summer how much they stink on ice. Any time you go on the road the coaches try to sell it as a “business trip.” It’s not like anyone is going to be blinded by the Salt Lake nightlife. Let’s see how mentally prepared these guys are for this season.
You can see the offseason pay off
Everyone enjoyed watching how hard those Urban Meyer teams worked to get to an elite level. The hay is in the barn for this year’s team, but we will see if all of the weight room videos are for real.
Guys get open
The Graham Mertz apologists will tell you he didn’t get open receivers at Wisconsin, hence the bad stats. Well, if you can’t get them open at Florida, it’s going to be a long season. I have some ball plays I’d be willing to share.
We see some three-and-outs
I checked and it is still legal to stop a team on three downs and force a punt. A year ago, Florida finished two from the bottom (129th) in third-down defense. Georgia finished second. You don’t have to do the math to know that the gap needs to shrink.
We see a tougher team
Florida beat Utah at home last year, but the Gators were very fortunate. Teams that are tough mentally and physically go on the road, shut the crowd up and impose their will. I still need to get that Vandy taste out of my mouth.
Something good happens on special teams
I know Napier understands the importance of the third element of football. Guys have to make plays, and putting Ricky Pearsall back on punt returns should help. If Florida blocks a kick, I will run out of the house and down the street screaming like my hair is on fire.
Napier is better ...
… at calling plays. At managing the clock. At knowing when to go for it and when to go for two. I’m not expecting him to change his personality, but if the culture has truly changed, he has to be better at his job to set the standard.
It’s a team you can get behind
Most of you Gator fans are going to be behind your team no matter what. Some of you like to give an occasional push. This is an important game for Florida to repair any fractures in the perception of the program. Gator fans want to get excited again. Give them a purpose.
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