Florida’s defense is coming off one of its worst performances against the run this season, and the unit does not have much time to adjust.
After surrendering 161 yards on the ground to LSU last week, Florida turns to Mississippi State and its rushing attack, which ranks third in the Southeastern Conference with 214 yards per game.
Those stats were boosted last week when MSU gashed Houston for 409 yards on the ground. The Bulldogs feature four players with more than 100 rushing yards this season, led by junior Vick Ballard (418 yards, SEC-best 11 touchdowns) and quarterback Chris Relf (295 yards).
“They’re a good rushing team,” coach Urban Meyer said. “Any time you get your quarterback involved in the run game like LSU did and like this team will, that’s the plus-one issue that everybody deals with.”
Meyer added that he was unhappy with his team’s performance against LSU dual-threat quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who gained 42 yards and scored twice against Florida. Allowing 117.8 yards per game, Florida’s run defense ranks eighth in the SEC.
To be successful against Relf, UF’s defense will need to confuse him by blitzing, stunting defensive linemen and loading the box, Meyer said.
The Gators will also need to tackle better than they did last week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. He would not say how many tackles the defense missed against LSU, just that the unit did not achieve its goal of less than 10.
Involving Hines: Meyer said the Gators’ offense has yet to find a home-run threat since Sept. 18, when running back Jeff Demps was injured against Tennessee.
Asked where big plays could come from, Meyer said, “The receivers and maybe some quarterback runs. We’re a little hamstrung right now.”
But he did say he’s been impressed with wide receiver Omarius Hines. The sophomore has only recorded 10 catches for 129 yards this season, but has impressed Meyer carrying the ball on three trick plays.
He gained 36 yards on a fake punt against Tennessee, 19 yards on a reverse against Alabama and 10 yards on an end-around against LSU on Florida’s go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter.
“He’s struggled a little bit getting open, but every time you give him the ball he’s pretty dynamic with it,” Meyer said. “So maybe that’s one of the answers: give him the ball.”
Injuries: The odds of Demps (sprained foot) playing this week are “50/50,” which is slightly lower than that of running back Mike Gillislee (bruised ankle bone), who Meyer said has been limited in practice all week.
Receiver Deonte Thompson (concussion) and strong safety Matt Elam (concussion) practiced at full speed for the first time this week Thursday, Meyer said.
Linebacker Dee Finley (collarbone) will miss “a couple weeks,” and offensive lineman David Young (fractured kneecap) will probably be out for the rest of the season, Meyer said.
The coach expects offensive tackle Matt Patchan (wrist) and cornerback Moses Jenkins (elbow) to be ready by Oct. 30, when Florida plays Georgia.
