You're a fly on the wall watching Florida State's coaching brain-trust bust out the game tape of the University of Florida's Juggernaut Gators. If you don't hear these points come up, bet on Florida to cover the spread, because they're the only way the 'Noles can stay with the Dynamic Gators, who come in riding a seven-game win streak, including six victories by 30 or more points.
Step 1: Fast Start
The double-digit leads Florida State has spotted to teams like NC State and Virginia Tech in victories won't suffice. Tebow and company cash every check and know how to go for the throat early.
If the 'Noles spot Florida a two-score lead early, the run game won't be as viable (which will be addressed later), and the Gators' athletic pass rushers like Carlos Dunlap will be pinning their ears back and going after Christian Ponder.
In Florida's last three contests against ranked opponents, against then-No. 4 LSU, then-No. 6 Georgia, and then-No. 25 South Carolina, the Gators had first-half leads of 17, 14, and 28 points, respectively. If Florida State joins this list, they're likely to suffer a margin of defeat similar to LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina's stompings of 30, 39, and 50 points.
Florida State can use this to their advantage though. The Gators haven't hit a team who has shown the capacity to hit them back early since September, while the Seminoles have fought hard for the majority of their victories.
If the Gators are suddenly confronted with a challenge early, they will have to summon up the emotion to answer the bell in the clutch, something they failed to do at home against Mississippi.
Florida State can ignite the crowd and let the Gators know they are in for a battle with a fast start, but a stumble out of the gate will largely negate any legitimate chance to pull a massive upset.
Step 2: T.O.P.
What's that? Time of Possession, the stat that Florida State needs an edge in to have a chance on Saturday. The Gators don't need much time to score, and the best way to stop an Offense with a talent and tactical edge is to keep them on the sidelines.
But want to know how scary Tebow and company are? In their 50-point drubbing of the Gamecocks, they held the ball only 20 seconds longer than South Carolina, a 30:10 to 29:50 edge. That's 20 seconds, 50 points. Florida's dominance in all three phases helped pad that lead, but to unload that kind of beatdown and have the ball for a paltry 20 more seconds is scary.
Florida State is going to have to run the football. Be it Antone Smith, Jermaine Thomas, Christian Ponder, or the WRs like Reed and Easterling, the Seminoles will need to move the chains early and often to keep Florida's offense from obtaining its rhythm.
The Gators' three units of Offense, Defense, and Special Teams are feeding off each other. If the Seminoles come out and quickly go three-and-out often, the momentum and possible field position advantages would leave Florida in excellent shape.
Holding on to the football will be paramount. If the 'Noles fail to sustain drives, they shouldn't count on having much of a chance.
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