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Gators are looking good!
12 Plays1 year ago
Eli talks about the Florida-Georgia game with the guest speaker. Then, he predicts the new top 10 in college football.
November 8, 2020
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Transcript
Florida Gators vs. Georgia: Strategic Advantage
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome to the twelfth episode of Eli Studio Sports. Today we'll be discussing about the Florida Gators rolling against Georgia and today we're going to have a Gator expert Phil Ekian. What's up Mr. Eli? Thanks for having me on the show today. No problem. Okay so first do you think the Gators offense took advantage of the banged up Georgia defense?
00:00:29
Speaker
Georgia definitely had a lot of starters out in this game. I think Dan Mullen did a good job creating some mismatches. Was very aggressive in using the running backs as receivers out of the backfield. I think that was probably the thing that Georgia was least prepared for. There was at least three or four major bus in that in that play calling. Yeah, um so Richard Lacan, one of the best defenders in the SEC. He was out a pair of other.
00:00:57
Speaker
Um, players also out. So how did you, how did you feel about the Florida Gator defense? Defense once a game back going after the first two possessions looked pretty good. I think there's still some question marks about the secondary Georgia got behind the Gators multiple times in the second half.
00:01:17
Speaker
Fortunately or fortunately for Florida, Georgia just did not have QBs that had the accuracy or the arm strength to hit those receivers. So even though they were fairly wide open, no damage was done. Yeah, Florida. I think their defense just needed to warm up three games where their defense played really. Not just not going towards the expectations, but now getting a little bit better.
00:01:45
Speaker
Two games where the opponents did not score 30 points. um That's their third game of the season where that happened. South Carolina only got 24 and their defense is starting to play
Key Player Impact: Kyle Pitts' Injury
00:02:00
Speaker
a little bit better. Still not great though.
00:02:02
Speaker
um so Kyle Pitts got through a big hit. Georgia's numbers got ejected because of targeting. So how do you feel that's going to affect the Gators?
00:02:18
Speaker
We'll see. We'll see if Pitts is back this upcoming week against Arkansas. Obviously everybody wants to see him back if he's ready, but if he has to go through concussion protocol and he's not ready, I think the Gators have enough weapons um to handle Arkansas. Obviously it's going to be a really emotional game with Felipe Franks coming back to the swamp, which we can talk about more. I think the key is still going to be for his defense, just being sound.
00:02:45
Speaker
in the run game and not giving up the big pass. Yeah, ah Kyle Pitts suffered a big hit again, but I think it's going to be tough for Kyle Trask. Obviously they have a lot of weapons, but ah it's not like they had as much weapons as last year.
Kyle Trask: Heisman Contender?
00:03:03
Speaker
A lot of those guys got drafted, but they they'll still have Kadarius Tony, Trayvon Grimes shorter and more still helping Kyle Trask out. so Next, so we got Kyle Trask. He threw 30 completions out of 43 attempts with 474 yards. That's the second most in a Florida Gator football game ever. Eight yards behind Tim Tebow.
00:03:33
Speaker
in one of his games where he had 482, Trask getting four touchdowns at this fifth straight game with four passing touchdowns and only one pick, which wasn't his fault. How do you feel about this game by Kyle Trask? Trask looks really good in the first half. I mean, he was in sync and the play calling was really, really good. The execution was great. He had some big throws to all of his receivers.
00:03:58
Speaker
Pitts before he obviously got knocked out. But probably that the key pass that just put the game away and it was a good throw and a good catch was down the sideline in the end zone to Trayvon Grimes with less than 15 seconds left. Great throw and just a huge catch by Grimes to to really kind of seal the game in the first half.
Georgia's Quarterback Dilemma
00:04:20
Speaker
Yeah, so Trask probably in some people's minds a Heisman Trophy candidate.
00:04:27
Speaker
So you put up Heisman numbers versus Georgia and now Stetson Bennett and Dwan Mathis combined for 9 for 29, 112 yards, two touchdowns and three picks. How do you feel like this affected Georgia?
00:04:45
Speaker
I mean, I think that Kirby Smart's going to start to get a a little bit of heat. Obviously he's fine at Georgia, but much like Mark Rick, he's doing less with more. um you know If you look at the roster of Florida and Georgia, everybody would say Georgia has the better roster for the last you know three or four years and even this year. And Kirby Smart has not really managed the roster well. He didn't have a QB in place.
00:05:11
Speaker
uh, this year and he's really had kind of secondary, uh, and worst choices at QB and it's coming back to bite them. So, um, the, the Georgia defense is good. Um, they didn't look great in that game, but I think people are going to start to say, you know, Kirby smart, why aren't you getting it done with, you know, this five star roster?
Florida's Offensive Play-calling
00:05:31
Speaker
Yeah. So obviously the quarterback position is a problem for the Georgia Bulldogs, but One thing people totally forgot about is that they had a top put top quarterback in Jamie Newman, but he decided to opt out, which has obviously made a big impact on this Georgia offense because right now they're not playing to their strengths and they're not playing well at all. So now how do you feel about the Florida offense?
00:06:01
Speaker
I think they're playing well. I think they just need to continue to be aggressive in the play calling. I thought the use of the running backs, like we talked about earlier, was really great. I thought all three running backs, Damien Pierce, Malik Davis, and Naquan Wright, they all looked really, really good. um They were versatile. They were running between the tackles and they were all catching out of the backfield, which is really all you can want out of your running backs right now. Well, um,
00:06:29
Speaker
Yeah, the running back play was really good. Uh, I think the first half was great, especially on the offensive end, getting 38 points. Um, you know, giving it to all the receivers, including the running back. So a great job play calling by Dan Mullen and a nice job by Kyle Trask to execute well. So how do you think, what do you think the Georgia offense needs to do to improve?
00:06:58
Speaker
I think they have a lot of young players. They're obviously going to have to find a solution for next year at the quarterback position. I think this year is kind of, although they they have a very easy schedule, they'll probably end the year with only two losses. You know, this year is probably done, although Florida's schedule is, you know, a tougher schedule down the road as far as playing Arkansas, LSU, Tennessee, and even Kentucky, you know, will have a good defense to put up against Florida. yeah So you're right about Florida's schedule. ah Kentucky has been a very good defensive team, but
00:07:36
Speaker
a very not so good offensive team as they scored three points against Georgia two weeks ago and they're just not putting up very good offensive numbers. So ah yeah, Georgia, their running backs need to step up. Their only very good running
Georgia's Defense: Challenges and Recovery
00:07:54
Speaker
play was the 75 yard touchdown rush by Zamir White to start the game off. A nice play call by Kirby Smart, but you know, after that, you know, they didn't do too much.
00:08:07
Speaker
So how do you feel about the Georgia defense? I think their defense is very good. They obviously had some starters out. So again, Kirby Smart is a at-hard defensive coordinator. I think he's always, much like Muschamp, always going to have a pretty good defense. The key is whether or not he can really put together an offensive coordinator and offense that's aggressive enough and continue to attract top to your quarterback um I think that's a big question mark after Justin Fields decided to leave Georgia, made the right choice and went to Ohio State and clearly he's going to be drafted. You know 123 or four in the upcoming year. Well, yeah, the defense is just. It's it's not a concern, OK? I think as soon as they get the injured players back, it's not going to be a concern, especially since they have an easier schedule.
00:09:01
Speaker
um now after Unlike Florida and soon as they get look out back in those other starters. I don't think it's a concern the only concern After this game is the offense because they really haven't looked at it that hard ah Their only loss was the Alabama which no one has beat them yet So, you know, they're just you can't blame them for losing to them But after you see a Florida defense that has struggled a little bit, you know now it's a big concern but the defense I don't think is too big of a concern until um
00:09:34
Speaker
Yeah. And I mean, as soon as we'll count and those other guys get back, it'll be fine.
Dan Mullen's Tactical Shift
00:09:39
Speaker
So how do you feel about Dan Mullen's play calling? Um, it was great in the first half, super aggressive and he knew where he wanted to go. Again, kind of the play calls, uh, releasing the running backs and throwing to them aggressively. I thought was.
00:09:55
Speaker
not something Georgia was clearly prepared for. um In the second half, they were really just managing the game clock. The play calling wasn't near as aggressive. It could have come back and cost them. I think that the play calling, which wasn't as aggressive, Trask wasn't as in sync. He almost threw a couple of interceptions that could have really hurt them. But you know he's a smart quarterback.
00:10:19
Speaker
And getting out of that game without those potential interceptions hurting him, you know, he's clearly going to learn from that and he gets better and better every game as far as pocket being in the pocket and then um game management across the board. So yeah, so after I think what a big thing was that after the first drive, uh, you know, Florida did not do very well. They weren't aggressive. So damn well, and try to surprise Georgia by going after them. Basically the whole first half after that, I don't think they had any drives where they didn't score in the first half after that one. So great job by demo and being aggressive. And now how do you feel about the Florida running backs getting 212 receiving yards?
00:11:09
Speaker
they didn't mind Yeah, they did great. They all made some really tough catches and yards after the catch were um really, really good. I thought they also ran really well. I think Dan Mullen showed pretty good confidence in the offensive line in the first half, going for some third down calls, which you normally would have seen them flip to it to a passing play. They just ran it straight at Georgia. So I give them credit for that. And I think they were definitely part of the reason why Ford had put up so many points in the first half.
00:11:38
Speaker
uh, Georgia really did not have those running backs accounted for. Yeah. Uh, so Florida. Yeah. A great job. Um, by Damolin calling those plays, uh, Georgia obviously was not ready for it. They knew about Kyle, trash, Kyle Pitts, Cadairius, Tony, and that receiving group. And they obviously were not expecting the running backs to have such a great game.
Top 10 College Football Predictions
00:12:02
Speaker
And you when you look at the stat line, you can obviously tell the Georgia was not prepared for that. So.
00:12:07
Speaker
Now we're gonna, um, do a little, so we're going to predict the top 10 after this week, a couple of upsets, including Notre Dame beating the Clemson Tigers in two overtimes, Florida beat Georgia. So I'm going to go with number one being Alabama. How do you feel about that? but Yeah, I agree. They're the best team right now, offense and defense. No one's been able to touch them. And I think they're going to be tough to beat throughout the year.
00:12:38
Speaker
Yeah, ah so Matt Jones, a Heisman contender. One thing that could be a concern. Jalen Waddle, one of the best receivers in college football. We all know or most people know that he had a season ending injury a couple weeks ago, but they still have Devontae Smith. If Jalen Waddle was there, it would have been the best receiver duo in college football. um Unfortunately, that will not be the case, but.
00:13:06
Speaker
Davante Smith can still make a difference. Plus they have Najee Harris at the running back position and more. And obviously they have a great defense and they have some pretty good offensive tackles, including Alex Leatherwood. So next we got number two, the Buckeyes of Ohio state. Do you agree with this one? Yeah, I agree. I think the Buckeyes are going to continue to have a pretty easy schedule. And, um, you know, I don't necessarily see them losing a game.
00:13:37
Speaker
Yeah ah so it's gonna be a pretty easy path because um the Big Ten said you'd have to play at least six games to be able to be in the Big Ten championship and right now Wisconsin would be their biggest challenge but If they don't play one more game because of COVID, they are not going to be in the big 10 championship, which makes it super easy for Ohio State to just breeze through the big 10. Even though I'm a good ranking for the college football playoffs. So Ohio State, all you have to do is not lose. And even if you make the big 10 championship and you don't, and you lose, I mean, they still have a decent chance at the college football playoff considering the talent and
00:14:25
Speaker
and Ryan Day has done a great job over there in Ohio State. And this only is second season, so Ohio State's just getting started. Number three, add the Fighting Irish, Notre Dame. Do you agree with this pick?
00:14:38
Speaker
I like to pick for now. I think ultimately it's going to get flipped when they most likely will have to play Clemson again in the ACC championship, um assuming Trevor Lawrence is back, which he should be. And they have all their other offensive and defensive players intact. I would flip i would favor Clemson in that rematch.
00:15:00
Speaker
Yeah, so Notre Dame for now, they're going to be number three because I don't I don't see where else I can put them. They obviously can't go ahead of Ohio State. They definitely can't go ahead of Alabama. i And they out obviously they won't go down after beating Clemson. And Clemson actually has a chance at going down number five, but I picked him number four because Trevor Lawrence wasn't there and you know, he will be back next weekend, most likely.
00:15:30
Speaker
And the weekend after that, it's for sure. Unless if he gets injured. So I think that with Trevor Lawrence, this team is the fourth best team, maybe third best in the country behind Alabama, Ohio state and maybe Florida. But i for now, Clemson's ahead of them because, you know, I, I just think they're, they just have a lot of players there. Um, you know, they're probably going to win the ACC ship. Um, so I think that.
00:16:00
Speaker
that um you know as long as Clemson doesn't lose any more games this year which and unless if they like lose to North Carolina or something you know they'll be fine although North Carolina has a big offense with Sam Howell but I think that Clemson is a very good team and they have a great quarterback running back duo with Trevor Lawrence and ETN so and they also have a big receiver in Amari Rodgers and more so do you agree with this pick at number four?
00:16:28
Speaker
Yeah,
College Football Playoff Contenders Debate
00:16:29
Speaker
absolutely. absolutely and I think next we both have the Gators number five. We've talked a lot about the Gators. I still think that. If they're not careful, they could give up a loss, but even if they lose one more game, they would still face Alabama in the SEC Championship, um which is kind of the first goal for the Gators is to to get to that game and see what they can do against Alabama. But I definitely like where the Gators are right now. So we both have my number five, but Do you think if they, and this is just an if, but do you think if they lose one more game and they win the SEC championship, would they still make the playoffs?
00:17:09
Speaker
It's a good question. i don't I don't think so, but they clearly could play spoiler in the SEC Championship and it'll come down to whether or not everybody's healthy for the Gators, key players, and then if the defense continues to make progress. The good thing about the defense is they're playing a lot of young guys with some experienced more senior guys. So if they can get those two pieces to mesh on the defense,
00:17:34
Speaker
i Don't think it's gonna be a great Florida defense like we've seen over the last five ten years, but I think it could be a good enough Florida defense Okay, so number six the Aggies this one's only because of the record in the in the committee likes and for the past couple years the committee's been nice to A and&M giving them good rankings and having them at number seven right now, I mean but That tells me that the committee is is a fan of Kellen Maughan or someone. Maybe it's the coach, but I just don't understand why they're seventh. But if the committee's gonna like on them, then obviously it's not gonna stop. They have for the past couple of years. So IK&M is gonna go up to six. I think Kellen Maughan's done a great job right now. And yeah, it's that simple. It's just one, it's a one man show over in College Station. Do you agree with this pick?
00:18:32
Speaker
I do for now. um I mean, I think that's, you know, I think that's where they are. They obviously prove themselves against the Gators. So they don't have a super tough schedule, just given where the other teams sit. They clearly could lose to Auburn at the end of the year. And I do think the Tennessee game will be much like Tennessee will probably give Ford a big fight. Tennessee is going to you know, going to be someone that Texas AAM can't look past. Um, but look, I think Jimbo's got a good offensive line. I think he has a decent quarterback and some good skill players. Um, but you know, I think they're going to have to prove themselves the rest of the way. So yeah, you mentioned Tennessee and Auburn. Those are two good teams, you know, Auburn's ranked 24th right now or they were, but we'll see what happens. But,
00:19:24
Speaker
I think one team you're forgetting, it's not LSU, but it's Ole Miss, okay? and Their offense has been great this year. I think Matt Corral has taken a big step. You know, I think Mississippi, Ole Miss, you know, I think they're a little underrated. Their defense isn't, it's not great, but their offense sure is. Matt Corral has done a great job.
00:19:47
Speaker
So i think't I think Ole Miss, you know, you can't look past them. You know, you can look past LSU, but that's about it because Tennessee Auburn and Ole Miss are going to give you a fight. So, yeah. So now next, I mean, no one's really watched this team play. I have a couple, you know, wins, you know? So next team, we got the BYU Cougars. It's in the 8 and 0 right now though. They got a 26% chance to make the College Football playoffs according to ESPN.com.
00:20:17
Speaker
I actually like this team, they crushed Boise State the other Friday night, 51-17 I think, so I think this team is a little underrated, you know? If you look at teams that people don't look don't look at that seriously, you see BYU, Cincinnati, and more but, or SMU, Memphis, you know, these teams are good, you know? So, I think BYU's number seven.
00:20:45
Speaker
I'll agree with you. I haven't watched them play a ton, but you know the record speaks for itself for now. I think it will come down to like how seriously the committee takes their strength of schedule. That'll probably also be true for for Cincinnati. Yeah, The biggest win though. You know, ah the committee looks at your biggest win too. You know, ban right now it's Georgia.
00:21:14
Speaker
Ohio State, right now it's Penn State Notre Dame, it's Clemson, Clemson has no big wins Florida's Georgia, A and&M is Florida BYU's Boise State, but Cincinnati's is SMU Is it like, I mean BYU's isn't too big either, but like these wins, you know, you got to look at your biggest win And in none of these teams like BYU and Cincinnati the sad things that like like and see oh their biggest win is oh wait no it's not against a big team i mean smu's number 18 their only loss is to cincinnati but i think they're good you know i have six and l but if they play any of the teams ahead of them they'll lose every time so and but i mean maybe they beat byu but the rest they they'd get crushed so do you agree with this pick
00:22:07
Speaker
Yeah, I do. I think next we had Georgia 9. I think that's one we're a little uncertain of. I think that I think Kirby Smart has been exposed at the QB position. I could see them falling to 10 or even below, but for now I think we both had them penciled in at number 9. Yeah, so we already talked a little bit about them and the struggle again is the quarterback position losing Jake from Jamie Newman opts out and after that you know Stetson Bennett like.
00:22:38
Speaker
He was five for 16 against Florida. So, anyway, so number 10, we got the Wisconsin Badgers. I mean, you can't judge them. They played one game and it was against Illinois. You know, it's hard to judge a team that's played one game. Graham Mertz, though. Patrick Mahomes loves him. I think he's a great quarterback. He had five touchdowns. So, you know, Wisconsin's a good team. You know, you can't look past them. You have them on your schedule. They're playing Michigan, Northwestern. Those are two good teams.
00:23:07
Speaker
And you know, they have a decently tough schedule in them. So I think if they can prove themselves and play six games and win the big 10, if you beat Ohio State in the big 10 championship, there's, I don't think there's a doubt that they make the college football playoff, but for now, you know, they just got to play games. You know, they got to do whatever they can to to stop the virus. Cause or else if they play five games, I don't think there's a chance that they make the college football playoff.
00:23:34
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. I think everybody just wants to see them play more. Hopefully they'll be able to do that. Obviously this upcoming week they have a huge game against Michigan. And that's a game that if Michigan loses this game, Harbaugh is going to have a super hot seat. So that'll be a great game to watch. Well, OK, so I agree with most of the things he said. Michigan is not a big game. You know, it back then it would be a huge game,
00:24:03
Speaker
but right now The way Michigan's been playing, that's a, that's a tiny game right now because they just don't have anyone that's playing well. Not even their coaching staff has been able to do anything. So right now you can look past Michigan, but you still got to play well against them. You can look past them though. Yeah. I mean, it's an important game for Harbaugh. Let's put it that way. Yeah. So it's an important game for Michigan, but like for Wisconsin, not really, you know, they got,
00:24:33
Speaker
Um, they also have Indiana on their schedule. that They, they're, you can't look past them. They're number 13 right now. ah They shouldn't be, but they are. So I think they could be number 25, but that's about it. So thank you so much for listening to this episode of EI studio sports. See you in the next episode.