Florida’s open week allowed football coaches to evaluate the team, work on improvements and find solutions to end the three-game losing streak.
Coach Urban Meyer cited the areas that need improvement during Monday’s news conference at UF: Perimeter blocking, ball security, red-zone execution, pass efficiency and, most of all, execution of the play that’s called. He pointed out that the coaching staff expects a pass efficiency rating of about 160, so 98 is not getting it done.
“We’ve obviously had some severe issues here that have led to our won-loss record,” Meyer said. “The intent is not to assess blame. The intent is to get better and improve. If there’s a lack of execution, you ask why. Is it because we don’t practice it enough? We’re not into excuses.
“So, No. 1 is execution. No. 2 is asking guys to do what they can do. If we’re not, we’ve got to assess that. We’ve had time to evaluate that.”
Another area that needs improvement is production from the running backs, Meyer said.
“Our running backs have contributed to four (big plays) on the year,” Meyer said. “To give you perspective, we had five in one game last year. We haven’t had any in the last three games.”
The players seem ready to go for the final push, Meyer said.
“I like the word urgency instead of desperation,” Meyer said. “That sounds awful desperate. ... I like where our players are at. I can’t stand where (the team) is at, but it’s all about the players.
“I’m hoping that I’ll come out to watch practice today and it’ll look like the University of Florida. I’m really hoping for that.
“18- to 22-year-olds are all motivated differently. When we posted the standings in the SEC East it lifted everyone’s spirits. We had them in this morning at 7 and everybody was good to go.”
The Gators’ struggling offense may get some help in the form of wide receiver/running back Chris Rainey this week.
“(Chris Rainey) is eligible to play,” Meyer said. “That decision is day-to-day. I’m hoping we’ll make that decision before (Saturday).”
Injured players also had more time to rehab.
“Jeff Demps (sprained foot) took 20-25 snaps today and ran on the treadmill,” Meyer said. “Andre Debose is still questionable (with an ankle injury). Jaye Howard is still hobbled but good to go for the game. Good news on Caleb Sturgis. We’re going to try him.”
Offensive linemen Matt Patchan is still a wait-and-see situation. They’re hoping to know more after today.
During the bye week, Meyer said he took only Saturday off.
“I spent my time watching the other teams that we’re going to play,” Meyer said. Which didn’t include much of former UF quarterback Cam Newton’s standout game Saturday vs. LSU.
“It’s really hard (to watch Newton),” Meyer said. “I don’t watch much of it. ... I just think he’s a very good player.
When asked if he ever thinks, “What if” Newton had remained at UF, Meyer said, “No, no, no” pointedly.
