The Florida Gators dropped their first game of the 2020 season after losing to the Texas A&M Aggies 41-38. The Gators offense had another great game as they scored on eight out of 10 possessions. However, the Gators defense continued to disappoint and cost the Gators the game.
The defense continues to have a horrible season. They struggle on third downs and are getting attacked over the middle. They had no answers for Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher and his offense.
Florida’s offense continued to roll with great quarterback play for their redshirt-senior Kyle Trask. The Gators offense has looked its best since Dan Mullen was hired as the Gators head coach. The passing attack has been incredible while the ground game has been producing. Here are the three takeaways from the Florida-Texas A&M game.
Three Takeaways From Florida-Texas A&M
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The Defense Lost Florida The Game
The Florida Gators defense is officially a problem. This defense has had one of the worst starts in program history. The Gators have already allowed over 100 points in the first three games of the season. That hasn’t happened at the University of Florida since 1917.
Todd Grantham has over-complicated the defense and is having a hard time getting his players set. In the first two years at Florida, Grantham had his defenses playing fast and aggressive. Florida’s defense in the first three games has looked slow, confused and soft.
Grantham needs to make changes with personnel and playmaking. Marco Wilson is a liability and was constantly picked on last game. Sophomore Jaydon Hill has played well and should get more snaps.
Freshman Tre’Vez Johnson should start at the STAR position as he’s quick, aggressive and plays with a high motor. Amari Burney should also get less snaps and try to use Tyron Hopper and Derek Wingo on passing downs.
Grantham also needs to simply his defense. There’s no doubt Florida has the talent on defense but it’s not working out. Let your players play fast and loose. Florida has a very tough game coming up and this loss needs to be a wakeup call for the Gators defense.
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Kyle Trask Has Another Great Game
While the Gators defense has been terrible, the offense is having an amazing start to the season. One of the reasons Florida’s offense has looked so good early in the season is because of their quarterback.
Kyle Trask played well in the loss to Texas A&M as he completed 23 out of 32 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns. On the season, Trask has thrown for 996 yards, 14 touchdowns, one interception and has a 91.5 quarterback rating. Trask’s quarterback rating ranks fourth in the nation.
His completion percentage is at 71.8% and leads the SEC in touchdowns passes. He’s in the mix for the Heisman Trophy and could make the final three finalist if he continues to play like he’s been playing.
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Nay’Quan Wright needs more touches
One of the bright spots in Florida’s loss to Texas A&M was the emergence of redshirt-freshman Nay’Quan Wright. The Carol City native has been a very nice surprise for the Gators in the 2020 season.
Wright is coming off his best game of his collegiate career. Wright rushed for 31 yards on six carries and scored his first career touchdown. He also had one reception for 26 yards.
Wright is starting to turn into a quality running back and should probably get more playing time next game. Besides running the ball well, Wright has also done a good job of passing blocking and could get moved up to the backup running back on Florida’s depth chart.
