UF had the 5th ranked defense in the country. They were ranked 2nd against the pass. So all this talk about a kid wanting to play in the scheme Diaz runs is pointless. Not only do kids rarely notice **** like that, but even if they did, it wouldn't currently be in our favor. UF is very solid on defense and they might send two CB's to the NFL in the 1st round. That's reallllllly hard to recruit against.
No kidding. As much as I despise the Gators their current reputation around here is bizarro world. It's like the mocking started when they struggled offensively against Massachusetts in the opener and nobody bothered to acknowledge all the defensive strengths. Florida led the nation in allowing fewest touchdown passes at 8, and they were the only team in the country with twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes (8-16). Contrast to the Canes who were almost exactly the opposite, surrendering 17 touchdown passes with only 8 picks.
The Gators allowed an extremely low completion percentage at 45.1 (second nationally to Michigan) while Miami was mediocre at 58.7.
BTW, the 45.1% that Florida allowed was so fantastic it would have led the nation in any of the previous 10 seasons. Michigan put together a surreal pass defense season while allowing only 43.6%. Pass defense is my favorite category. There have been seasons with tremendous YPA defense like Alabama with the all-time freakish 4.3 in 2011, but nobody has even threatened that 43.6% from Michigan this year.
The commentators have actually been overly reserved or unknowing regarding Florida's recent pass defense excellence. You hear more about it in scouting circles than during the telecasts.
