Florida coach Urban Meyer knows his team is lacking in some areas, but work at practice is the key to turning around a struggling team, he said.
“We win championships as a team, and we fight through adversity as a team,” Meyer said Monday. “I just want to make sure we avoid the poison that affects college football teams.”
Meyer addressed several points at his weekly meeting with the news media Monday at UF:
“I don't feel like we played great defense.
“Red-zone efficiency is not where we want it. Lack of explosive plays ... we're void of those right now. And taking care of the football. Those are the core values of how to win a game.
“We're not having those home-run shots. (Jeff) Demps being banged up, we see a guy like (Andre) Debose can get some things done.
Meyer was not happy with the production of his offensive line.
“I don't think we played great,” he said. “Very inconsistent. It seems the moment you get one group back, then the skill positions get banged up. We're anxious to get everyone back.
“LSU became a blitz-a-thon. There are ways to relieve pressure ... but we didn't do those things very well.”
On the injury front, Meyer said Demps is feeling a lot better, but wasn't ready for the LSU game. Offensive lineman Jon Halapio is doubtful after surgery on his fractured finger Sunday. QB John Brantley has a sore shoulder to go along with sore ribs and a sprained thumb. Safety Matt Elam and wide receiver Deonte Thompson have concussions and are day-to-day.
Meyer said he heard the fans booing the play calling at Saturday night's loss to LSU.
“I think (Steve Addazio) has a tough job,” Meyer said. “Obviously he can handle it. I'm very involved in the offense as well. ... An offense minus big plays is tough in this day and age. How do you create big plays? You get guys loose and hit ‘em when they're open.”
