Florida likes to go deep early. I wouldn't go blitz happy but rather bait him into interceptions and make them earn every yard. It's going to be frustrating to watch because Brantley will have time to throw, but we don't have defensive lineman who can pressure, so it's probably the best strategy to wait it out and hope for a tipped ball or something.
Alternate. Send the house, rush three, send the house, rush 4, rush 3, send the house. Keep the green QB on his toes and punish UF if they don't get the right call against our defense. Make the QB beat us. Then if we are down by 14, play soft and go for the INTs.
Brantley inexperienced? Think Chavis hasn't noticed that? BLITZ, BLITZ, BLITZ, but cover their out guy (TE) over the middle. Our cover guys can cover their receivers man y man.
You have to come full bore and rattle him early. First impressions are critical. If he thinks we're coming at him from the get go, then he will be leery of it the rest of the game.
Chavis' strength is coaching up linebackers and this is the game that the linebacker play will be paramount. I have a really good feeling about holding this Florida offense in check.
I don't think the gators can run on you. Is Thompson still hindered by the hamstring? If so the safeties can cheat. In any case, work inside out. Since florida can't hurt you with their inside running game bring the pressure from the interior, bring it often. This will cut down the opportunity of folk getting deep and will force long throws to the outside. Float the non blitzing lb into coverage where you are forcing the throw and you will have a better opportunity for interceptions.
IMHO, I believe Florida is going to try to turn their speedsters loose on us like Georgia did with Ealey. Spread us out to create space and try to run on us especially with a new QB and a less than stellar receiving corps. Chavis will have to stop that first and try to force them to the air.
What will a Brantley offense look like? From what's being written out of Florida . . . Meyer would like start Brantley conservatively but there will be more passing. Possibly more sacks and turnovers because Brantley is not as strong or mobile as Tebow. Possibly more I-formation/play action instead of a steady diet of shotgun. Both of these teams have spectacular receivers that the sophomore quarterbacks will have to get the ball to. I think both teams would live or die by the pass this Saturday.
Re: What will a Brantley offense look like? Cooper and Hernandez. They haven't seen a lot of balls playing with a running quarterback, but they are a big part off Florida's #1 passing efficiency ranking. With a throwing quarterback, those guys can be very, very good.
