It wasn't long ago that UF's rushing defense was a sieve and depth on the defensive line was unheard of.
After giving up more than 25 points per game and finishing last in nearly every defensive statistic, the Gators lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring defense (11.9 points per game), are third in rushing defense (102.7) and in total defense (273.4).
One of the keys to vast improvement in defense is the depth of the defensive line. The Gators defensive line goes about eight or nine deep, allowing a constant rotation of fresh bodies to be on the field at all times.
"This started last March when we started playing spring ball," defensive line coach Dan McCarney said. "We're playing lots of guys, and there's a good rotation. The twos are starting to understand, and I think the ones are too. You're not a two, you're a one. Get out there and go Duke (Lemmens), Get out there and go Carlos (Dunlap)."
Freshman Matt Patchan has played a large role in establishing depth on the defensive line. Patchan was an All-American offensive lineman in high school, but has made an impact in moving over to the defensive line.
Coaches have praised Patchan's work ethic throughout the season, and he was finally rewarded with his first career start in Saturday's 63-5 romp over Kentucky.
"He's getting better, he really is," McCarney said. "He didn't have a super game, but he's getting better. It's easy to forget because he plays so hard and practices so hard that he's still a freshman. A true freshman playing in the trenches in the SEC.
"He's doing a good job. We'll continue to roll him and (Terron) Sanders. Both of them did a lot of good things Saturday in our win. He just has a phenomenal future, and he'll keep getting better and better."
With a young player like Patchan in the mix the biggest challenge for McCarney may not be continuing the success of his young defensive line, it could be keeping Patchan as part of that unit. Patchan is versatile enough to play on both sides and may be asked to move back if injury woes were to thin out the Gators offensive line.
"I think he's enjoying playing both sides of the ball, but I'll do everything I can," McCarney said. "I'm 55, but I'm still a good fighter. I'll fight for him."
UF's defense appeared to take a step back in its crushing 31-30 loss to Mississippi at home. The Rebels finished 140 rushing yards, including a 40-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter.
Since then, the Gators appear to be using that game as motivation.
"It's just guys being confident and guys making a play," junior middle linebacker Brandon Spikes said. "We're trying to prepare better, and every game we just want to go out and play hard. We took a step back against Ole Miss, but I think we learned from it."
