A Quick Primer: The Florida Offensive and Defensive Strategy

The Florida Gators underwent a full-scale strategic makeover with Will Muschamp taking over for Urban Meyer, particularly on the offensive end. Gone is Meyer's 'spread' offense, with Muschamp wanting to bring Florida's offense to a pro-style, lead zone run game in line with his mentor, Nick Saban's Alabama. As Tyler describes, this changeover has taken place in fits and starts. Muschamp wants to create a team in the image of Saban's, but it is unclear whether he has the personnel to do it.

Offense

Offensively, Muschamp brought in Charlie Weis to lead the offensive changeover. Spencer Hall and Chris Brown do a great job explaining Weis' offensive philosophy here and here. Weis' philosophy might be he does not have a philosophy, and his Florida offense reflected that. Sometimes he features run-heavy teams; sometimes he leads teams that cannot run the football. In broad terms, Weis looked to control the ball through a combination of a standard pro-style run game and ball control pass routes, such as stick, option routes, and screens. Florida's offense then attempted to take deep shots off of plays such as the deep cross. Weis also attempted to mix in some spread elements to utilize the available personnel, to varying success.

Florida's offense sputtered this year for the reasons outlined by Tyler. First and foremost among these was inconsistent quarterback play, but Florida's problems went further. Their two primary playmakers--Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps--are explosive but small and unable to take consistent pounding as featured backs.

Weis left for Kansas, leaving the Florida offense in Brian White's hands. White is perhaps best known for running Wisconsin's offense at the end of Barry Alvarez' tenure, so Ohio State fans should be familiar with his general philosophy. I do not expect any wholesale changes for the Gator Bowl, but look for White to try to establish the zone run game.

The Florida Defense

Florida's defense underwent less of a transition and, as Tyler points out, has had better success. Will Muschamp comes from the defensive side of the football, and generally plays a single high, middle of the field safety with an aggressive front, akin to Saban's Alabama.

Muschamp is known for an aggressive style, but he does not do so carelessly. As demonstrated above, expect Florida to "screw down" their safety in running situations. On passing downs, Muschamp will feature plenty of zone blitzes and line stunts. One interesting thing to watch for early is how does Muschamp and Florida attempt to defend Braxton Miller's run threat on third down.