The Florida Gators' defense is expected to face another challenging test as they take on the UCF Knights on Saturday at The Swamp. As mentioned by Dan Mullen in an interview with USA TODAY, Florida's defensive struggles are largely due to issues with tackling, with a tackle rate of 60. 5% that is third worst in the SEC. This concern was highlighted by Roman Harper, an SEC Network football analyst, who stated that the team's inability to tackle effectively is a major reason for their defensive woes.
Per Pro Football Focus, the Gators' defense ranks near the bottom of the SEC in several categories, including total defense (15th, 425. 5 yards per game), rushing defense (15th, 188. 8 yards per game), scoring defense (15th, 27. 3 points per game allowed), and interceptions (15th, 0. 25 per game). In efforts to improve their performance... coach Billy Napier spent the open week addressing "alignment and assignment" issues. However, he does not believe that the scheme is the problem, citing the work of co-coordinators Ron Roberts and Austin Armstrong.
In their previous game against Mississippi State, the Gators made some key stops on third and fourth down but allowed the Bulldogs to record 31 first downs and accumulate 480 yards, including 240 yards rushing. According to Napier, this performance was a step in the right direction but still lacked consistency. "We were a little closer the last time we were out," Napier said.
"But still, I think between-play process... I think playing against tempo, I think that overall, that group needs a little bit more consistency." As the Gators prepare to face the Knights, "they will be looking to improve their tackling and overall defensive performance." With Napier bringing in Roberts to assist Armstrong, "the team hopes to find the consistency they need to be successful."
The Florida Gators (2-2, 1-1 SEC) will get another chance to demonstrate progress against UCF (3-1, 1-1 Big 12) on Saturday at The Swamp (7:45 p.m., SEC Network). Florida ranks near the bottom of the SEC in total defense (15th, 425.5 ypg), rushing defense (15th, 188.8 ypg), scoring defense (15th, 27.3 ppg allowed) and interceptions (15th, 0.25 per game).
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