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GAINESVILLE — They might not seem like much to the Florida Gators and their nine-figure athletic budget.
One more staffer in Billy Napier’s army. Another piece of equipment.
But if Napier’s team has a chance of making it to a bowl and returning to respectability, the additions could end up as two of the most important investments UF has made in years.
The staffer is Joe Houston, whose title (senior GameChanger analyst) doesn’t explain his role (assisting on special teams). The equipment is a launch pad, which does something kindergarteners can do (count to 10). You can find one online for less than $500.
Together, they’re among the fixes to the special-teams gaffes that embarrassed the program last fall and helped put Napier’s job security in question as his third preseason camp opens Wednesday.
To be clear, special teams were not the Gators’ biggest problem in last season’s 5-7 disappointment. Statistically, they were a strength. ESPN’s SP+ analytics ranked Florida’s unit ninth nationally. The Gators allowed only 15.1 yards per kickoff return — their best performance since 1985 — and led the conference in net punting. Only four SEC teams blocked more punts/kicks than the Gators (two).
Now imagine how good the Gators would have been if they fielded 11 players each time — which they failed to do in at least four games last season.
Napier euphemistically called them “organizational issues.” You might call them blunders (or worse). Regardless, they were costly for reasons beyond public ridicule.
At Utah, Florida was penalized for having two players wear No. 3 during a punt return. It was the difference between getting the ball back after a big third-down stop and trailing 14-3.
Against Arkansas, confusion about whether the punt team or field goal team should enter led to a penalty and missed kick….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2-florida-fixes-help-gators-180800942.html
Author : Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Publish date : 2024-07-30 18:08:00
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