“The issue is not finding the blame, it’s finding a solution,’’ Gators coach Urban Meyer said Monday. “That’s what we’re going to do this week. We began the task last week and I think some are very obvious, as far as the plan to win that has been successful around here, is not being following.’’
The Gators (4-3 overall, 2-3 in Southeastern Conference play) meet Georgia (4-4, 3-3) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Jacksonville. The winner will be in contention for the East title. The loser will be left with a tough road ahead to try to finish the year with a decent record.
Meyer said there has been a “lack of execution.’’
Some of the other reasons he gave for UF’s demise:
• Turnovers. Florida had five interceptions and three fumbles in the three losses. The Gators have been among the nation’s leaders in turnover margin the last few years. UF already has one more turnover (14) than it had the entire 2008 national-title season. The Gators had just 15 turnovers in the entire 2009 season.
“The way I’ve always evaluated turnovers . . . I put it with carelessness and toughness,’’ Meyer said.
• Big plays. Meyer said running backs have had four big plays all season, none in the last five games.
“We had five in one game last year against FSU,’’ Meyer said. “So that tells you the lack of production. ... I’d be hard-pressed to say we haven’t had more big plays than any school in the country the last few years. So that has to be addressed.’’
• Pass efficiency. “We were No. 1 in the country the last several years,’’ Meyer said. He said the expectation level is a passing rating around 160-165. UF is currently at 117. The last three games, the passing rating was 98.5.
“That is a multitude of issues that have to corrected, No.1 would be drops,’’ he said. “No. 2 would be protection issues between the offensive line and backs (UF has given up 10 sacks this year) and No. 3 would be execution of a play.’’
• Red Zone offense. Florida had led the SEC in that category for the last several years but is 3 of 11 inside the opponent’s 20 the last three gmes with three turnovers and three missed field goals.
• Special teams. UF has been average to good in this area, according to Meyer but hasn’t had big plays and blocked kicks.
Defensively, Meyer said the area of concern is third downs and getting opposing offenses off the field.
