Pat O'Donnell and the D'Onofrio: Keys to victory over U***

[Kyle]

O'Donnell will be important. So will Goudis. And Morris. And Duke. And basically everyone. We'll need to bring our A game in all phases. The defense is improved, yes, but still unproven when it comes to facing opponents on a roughly equal talent level. FAU was not only less talented to start with but completely inexperienced at QB and plus they had several players suspended just before the game, including i think the starting tight end and their second best wide receiver. Yet even at that they sustained one long drive against Miami's 1st string defense before stalling inside the red zone. So i think we're a ways away from being able to proclaim ourselves a "no way" defense.

Not trying to be pessimistic. In fact just the opposite, since unrealistic expectations once shattered can have a draining effect on both the fans attending a game and the players themselves. Therefore i hope that two or three sustained drives against the defense won't have UM fans thinking "oh great, the defense sucks once again, we're doomed." In my opinion the true test is not to completely shut down Florida (unrealistic) but to keep them from taking control of the game (of the clock and of the battle for field position). Just so long as Florida doesn't consistently pick up first downs against us i think that we'll have more than a decent chance of winning, provided of course that the offense doesn't leave points on the field once again.

 

[CANE]

1. Control the line of scrimmage

2. QB play

3. Turnovers

 

[GonzoCane]

"Big time punters step up in big time games."

"Joaquin said punt it--and we not doin' it. I put my heart into this kick, dog. Let's go man."

I laffed. Those classic Cane quotes don't have the same kick to them when you put them in a certain context. Special teams are important and with a big play can flip a game. But so are the other phases. If we play the way I think we are capable we will win this game. But it has to be the most complete game of Golden's tenure for us to do so. I'm skeptical. I'll admit I'm with Dwin on the "show me" posts. Everybody has to wear their big boy pants on this one. But it's a great opportunity to take that step forward. besides, it's the Gator. Hit 'em in the mouth and see if they fold like a cheap circus tent like their AD did. BTW, this game should be played every year. Any self-respecting Cane or Gator fan understands this.

 

[frostycane]

I have never felt like a punter can win a game, but they sure as **** can have a big effect on a game. The OP makes a very good point. If, we consistently win the field position battle and, minimize our own 3 and outs, it will go a LONG way to thwarting their offense. That punter this weekend sure as heck did a great job of forcing us to have to drive the length of the field. And it worked somewhat. We either hit a big play for a td or really didn't do much. We only had one 4 min drive, and it was in the 4th quarter. Obviously our offensive pace dictates that somewhat as well, but we could have very easily put up a lot more points had we had some better field position...

 

[Newkirk]

This kinda reminds me of the games against south fl and duke last year. Defense had a solid performance against a grabge south fl offense only to be lit up by duke a week later. FAU 102 in offense last year. Hard to take anything from that game defensively. To many unknowns besides the slight issues witness'd. (s, pierre, lb play etc)

The key match ups will be Miami's offense vs uf's defense. Can any of the wr's present enough of a threat to require a double team? UF may opt to stop the run so the Miami wr's have to ready for one on one match ups and win them. That is the key IMO. other wise UF will just stack the box and stop Miami's only primary threat. The Miami Te's are a sleeper that could also play a huge factor one way or another.

Look for Miami to utlize Duke in the passing game against UF's lb's. Adv Miami.

 

[caneinpsl]

Big game? As always it's simple. Control the line of scrimmage, run the football, and don't turn the ball over. We control the ball, and I don't think their offense is strong enough to keep them in the game. TO's or lot's of 3 and outs would spell trouble though. Our offense isn't built to win T.O.P., but we can't afford to have our defense out there 60% of the game either. O-Line needs to whoop up like they are supposed to this Saturday.

 

[Gatorhater]

Oline has to match swamp scum dline sec violence. It must get nasty to protect Morris and allow Duke to get in open and prevent him from being held up to front 7 punishment. On D we must deliver pain to reptile qb every play to take him out of being factor in second half. Skill, talent scheme will not be enough, we need to match the violence. I predict, Fig and DP make tebow jr. pay for every yard and by 4 quarter he is a pocket passer out of fear. Artie Burns is new to system, so he follows his natural talent, instincts and skills to cover like a glove, gets a pick and takes it to the house. Duke: 1 td on pass; 1td special teams. Coley and Lewis 1 td each. Canes win 31 to 23 and new sheriff is in town.

 

[SoFlaSmitty]

I get what the OP is trying to say that if our punter pins them deep it will be very hard for them to drive over and over down the field on us. Thinking maybe he figured we all knew the basic keys to winning the game such as the way both lines hold up against their lines.