Notebook: UF prepares for tough defense
Even with emotions still running high after No. 3 Florida’s recent Southeastern Conference title berth, Urban Meyer isn’t concerned about any sort of mental letdown heading into Saturday’s game against No. 24 South Carolina.
“The good thing is, when you watch South Carolina on film, it gets your attention real fast,” Meyer said after Tuesday’s practice. “That tight end (Jared Cook) is going to be a first round draft pick, they’re playing as well as they have on offense and they’re the No. 1 defense in the league.
“This is the most difficult week we’ve had getting ready.”
Meyer said it’s the Gamecock defense that has him most concerned. Not only is it tops in the SEC, but the unit also ranks third nationally allowing 256.5 yards a game.
The main reason for South Carolina’s defensive success is the use of its multiple sets. The Gamecocks may line up with three to four down linemen and can have anywhere from eight to nine in the box, which makes their blitzing packages some of the hardest for offenses to work through.
“We’re gonna have to settle down (on offense),” Meyer said. “We have not faced this kind of multiplicity (from a defense). If we don’t, we’re in for a long day.”
Meyer said he’s yet to find a weakness in South Carolina’s defense, but that he figures the only way to counter the multiple looks is to tighten up the offensive packages and have the offensive line do arguably its best blocking job of the season.
The offensive line is expected to be very close to full strength this weekend with redshirt sophomore Carl Johnson (knee) making strides in practice and redshirt senior Jim Tartt starting to work more through his shoulder injury.
Meyer said Johnson was limited Tuesday, but will be ready Saturday.
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