Florida Gators: Kyle Crofoot
NEW ORLEANS -- Here’s an analysis of three key plays in Florida’s 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Wednesday.
Pick six
Terell Floyd interception
Pick six
Terell Floyd interception
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – These five Florida players need to produce when the No. 24 Gators play at Texas A&M on Saturday:
LS Kyle Crofoot: I’m not kidding. This is an important spot, especially on FGs and PATs. The timing on Caleb Sturgis’ 27-yard FG try in the fourth quarter was off, and that played a big factor in Sturgis missing the kick, Muschamp said. Drew Ferris is out with a broken collarbone so it’s Crofoot’s job for the immediate future.
QB Jeff Driskel: Yes, it’s his first start. And yes, it comes on the road in perhaps the biggest home game in A&M history. But the Gators need a passing attack to go with RB Mike Gillislee. Driskel has to show he’s capable of making plays down the field.
DE Dominique Easley: UF got just one sack against Bowling Green, and Easley got it. Nothing affects a young QB more than pass rushers in his face. Consistent pressure is the key, and Easley’s the best the Gators have as a pass rusher until Ronald Powell returns. He needs to be in Johnny Manziel’s face all day.
LS Kyle Crofoot: I’m not kidding. This is an important spot, especially on FGs and PATs. The timing on Caleb Sturgis’ 27-yard FG try in the fourth quarter was off, and that played a big factor in Sturgis missing the kick, Muschamp said. Drew Ferris is out with a broken collarbone so it’s Crofoot’s job for the immediate future.
QB Jeff Driskel: Yes, it’s his first start. And yes, it comes on the road in perhaps the biggest home game in A&M history. But the Gators need a passing attack to go with RB Mike Gillislee. Driskel has to show he’s capable of making plays down the field.
DE Dominique Easley: UF got just one sack against Bowling Green, and Easley got it. Nothing affects a young QB more than pass rushers in his face. Consistent pressure is the key, and Easley’s the best the Gators have as a pass rusher until Ronald Powell returns. He needs to be in Johnny Manziel’s face all day.
Purifoy will get more work on offense
September, 3, 2012
9/03/12
3:07
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's wide receivers have been a disappointing group the past two seasons. In an effort to fix that, coach Will Muschamp is turning to a cornerback.
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesLoucheiz Purifoy will continue to play both cornerback and wide receiver for the Gators.Loucheiz Purifoy lined up at receiver for several plays in the Gators' 27-14 victory over Bowling Green last Saturday, and Muschamp said the sophomore's role on offense will expand as the season progresses.
"Loucheiz is a guy that’s got good vertical speed and he’s got really good ball skills," Muschamp said Monday. "We’re trying to get more explosive at the position."
Frankie Hammond did break a tackle and go 50 yards for a touchdown against the Falcons, but big plays from the group have been scarce the past several seasons outside of the occasional deep ball to Andre Debose.
Playing Purifoy, who started at corner against the Falcons, on offense is a clear message that players at the position has to get better, especially since the Gators had seven healthy receivers available on Saturday.
Injury update
Muschamp said offensive tackle Matt Patchan would miss his second consecutive game with a strained pectoral muscle.
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesLoucheiz Purifoy will continue to play both cornerback and wide receiver for the Gators."Loucheiz is a guy that’s got good vertical speed and he’s got really good ball skills," Muschamp said Monday. "We’re trying to get more explosive at the position."
Frankie Hammond did break a tackle and go 50 yards for a touchdown against the Falcons, but big plays from the group have been scarce the past several seasons outside of the occasional deep ball to Andre Debose.
Playing Purifoy, who started at corner against the Falcons, on offense is a clear message that players at the position has to get better, especially since the Gators had seven healthy receivers available on Saturday.
Injury update
Muschamp said offensive tackle Matt Patchan would miss his second consecutive game with a strained pectoral muscle.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.