[Ma’ake Kava]

JJ was the co-offensive player of the game, IMO, along with Nate.

Ja’Quinden is just a class act, going back to last year with our RB depth issues. Proved his character in special teams, first.

If you ever get a chance to meet him, ask “Whataburger or In-N-Out?” You’ll probably get that million dollar smile and a hearty laugh.

[It’s a fun, friendly, long running “debate” between the Cali kids and the Texas kids that has been going on at least since Jordan Wynn was playing. Cali kids like In-N-Out, Texas kids… you know]

[Ma’ake Kava]

It certainly appears we found our QB2, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Baylor game-planned for Barnes and then Nate threw them a curve. The 15 play drive in the 4th was the difference, made them pay for their energy expended in the first half.

Barnes wasn’t helped by receivers a few plays, not finding the opening – clearly miscommunication on where the ball should be.

But hats off to Mr. Nate Johnson. Weber will game plan for NJ now, certainly.

Great team victory. We had every reason to sag… but we didn’t, we fought back.

[Ma’ake Kava]

If the offense establishes an air game and we get enough push up front, Charlie Vincent is probably behind Glover – experience.

The big question is which of the freshmen got pulled into prep when JJ was deemed doubtful? Randle and Stanley both looked good in camp, but did either have the edge?

[Ma’ake Kava]

Key difference – CC plays a lot of zone.

There are certainly times when it would be nice to be better polished at playing zone, but then we don’t have the flexibility to attack Mertz and force early / errant throws while not leaving receivers open.

Happy for Isbell, but I like our scheme.

[Ma’ake Kava]

We thought UF would be vulnerable up front, and we took advantage. It was scheme, atmosphere, energy and depth. We brought it all night, especially in the 2nd half when they were trying to make a comeback. After we made them one dimensional, pressure came from every angle: 5 sacks, a lot of QB hurries.

But yeah, expect Baylor to be better upfront on O. Grimes knows what he’s doing, that won’t be a weakness.

The silver lining from a lot of guys being out is the experience the 2s got. We’ll need that next Saturday, where the atmosphere will be very different.

[Ma’ake Kava]

My thoughts on the game:

Offense:
* Couldn’t be happier with Lud’s decision to take a shot early. That was the play of the game, IMO.
* The offensive numbers were distorted by us getting up. BarnesJohnson had more to show, not really a need in this game.
* Gator D was cat-quick and disruptive.
* Vele throws a nice ball. Just a little more air under it…
* Double-tights and NJ’s feet helped us keep the run game credible.

Defense:
* UF used a TON of offensive shifts and movement. It never burned us, but we were misaligned on D a half dozen times. We’ll see how upcoming opponents use shifts, but we’ll get better. Defensively that game was a serious mental workout for our guys.
* Van Fillinger missed 90% of camp? He’s going to play on Sundays.
* Elliss epitomizes the attitude of this defense. Have fun, play to win.
* LB Sione Fotu #12 was really good for being thrown into the fire. DT Tevita Fotu #99 is doing his best to match Leki Fotu, at least in appearance.
* The Fano brothers are really good players. Logan made one of the 5 best defensive plays of the game.
* JT quietly had maybe his best game as a Ute, Vaughn got rooked by Pearsall… twice… but came back with a key pressure on Mertz on a corner blitz that resulted in him overthrowing Pearsall in the EZ.

Glad we have 2 extra days to shake off the celebration – we’ll need it to prep for Baylor.

[Ma’ake Kava]

Really long interview with Nate on 700. Humble, engaging kid.

Mitchell welcomed him to the club of QBs who’ve mishandled the ball, and Nate said he did what they preach – have short term memory and move on to the next play.

It’s temporary, but through camp and last night this 2 headed QB system is doing well. The way the game unfolded we didn’t need potent QB production in the 2nd half, but these guys both scored, and hopefully they get gameplans for Baylor that will stay one step ahead of the Bears’ DC.

[Ma’ake Kava]

My hunch is it will be Vincent at the 2. Passpro is a must, and the rookies usually take some time picking that up.

[Ma’ake Kava]

I’m including the various pressure packages as part of the pass rush.

If you’re getting pressure with just DL, then zone vs man doesn’t matter as much.

If you need to pull guys out of coverage – safeties, LBs, the occasional CB or NB blitz – then the need for tight coverage goes way up.

[Ma’ake Kava]

Hot & humid is a serious cooling problem. Elevation is an oxygen problem.

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