It’s been difficult to pinpoint exactly what the biggest weakness is for Florida this season. From lackluster play at the line of scrimmage, to an inability to effectively run the football, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Another glaring issue that must be addressed if head coach Billy Napier wants to turn the program around are the defensive mishaps that have continuously hindered the Gators now three years into the Napier era.
Nobody may understand this more than redshirt junior edge Justus Boone. The South Carolina native is grateful to be back on the field after tearing his ACL before the start of last season, however, Boone is far from satisfied with the product Florida’s put on the field thus far.
“We’re definitely frustrated,” Boone said. “Every day we go out there with a plan and intention to disrupt the quarterback [and] get to the quarterback. It’s definitely not the success that we want, but it’s only an opportunity to get better.”
His leadership role off the field is a staple for the Gators, though Boone hasn’t seen the results he was hoping for in a season that he was primed to be a breakout pass rusher in.
Through Florida’s first three games, he’s recorded four combined tackles, two tackles for loss and zero sacks. With plenty of football left to be played, there’s still time for Boone to construct a quality campaign. But the Gators’ defensive issues stretch far beyond the redshirt junior’s slow start to 2024.
The unit has been on the field for just over 35 minutes per game heading into Week 4, totaling five sacks while allowing five touchdowns in nine red zone attempts from its opponents. The Gators are also allowing their opponents to convert on third down at a 42 percent clip.
Mississippi State struggled to consistently move the ball down the field in its 41-17 home loss against Toledo Saturday.
But Florida can’t overlook a Bulldogs offensive featuring an up-tempo approach that will keep UF’s defense on its toes. It’s a challenge that Boone, along with his fellow pass rushers, are looking forward to.
“It’s just best for us to be on schedule,” Boone said. “Get our cleats in the ground [and] be ready to play. [I need to] stay outside and contain them… We haven't gotten the success that we necessarily need and we’ve been striving every week to do exactly that.”
Boone and the Gators defense will seek to right the ship against what could be one of their easier opponents this season, as a daunting schedule that many peg as the toughest in the nation looms.
Florida will take on Mississippi State Saturday in Starkville at Davis Wade Stadium at 12 p.m. ET.
Contact Max Tucker at mtucker@alligator.org. Follow him on X @Max_Tuckr1.
