These days, they talk about the Gators.
Is Florida as good as it’s No. 10 ranking in the AP Poll? Is anyone’s defense any better? Do the Gators have enough offense to get past this streak of games against Arkansas, South Carolina, LSU and FSU?
One thing you don’t hear, however, is talk about yesterday’s hero, Will Grier.
He is gone and pretty much forgotten. In his place is another young quarterback, Luke Del Rio. And despite the offensive struggles of the Gators, that’s been a fairly good swap so far.
Grier left Florida last year when the team was 6-0 and ranked No. 11 in the country. Del Rio has the team 6-1 and No. 10. Grier had a quarterback rating of 145.6. Del Rio’s isn’t quite as high at 124.5, but it will do. Grier had thrown for eight touchdown passes. In five games, Del Rio has thrown for eight.
Still, the Gators would love a little more offense. They’re only 75th in the country, and a spot where spotty offense catches up to a team. Bowling Green, for instance, is 77th in the nation, and they’re 1-6. Miami is 70th and riding a four-game losing streak. Iowa State is 80th and 1-6.
That’s how good the Gators’ defense (second in the nation) has been. It shortens fields, and it wears down the opponent. Florida has allowed one touchdown or less in all but two games.
This week, the challenges get harder as Florida plays against Arkansas.
