The Other Side: Q&A with a Florida beat writer

We’re going to start something new here on the blog. As we advance through the rest of the season, we’re going to ask a beat writer who covers Arkansas’ opponent that week a few questions. We call it “The Other Side.”

From the zany to the serious, we hope to bring in a few more insightful comments as the Hogs get prepped for their opponent, Florida, this week in this edition of “The Other Side.”

This week we welcome Gators beat writer Michael DiRocco of the Florida Times-Union, who also has a blog, Piece of Di Roc. Check it out some time. Before you do, through, discover a few nuggets on the Gators and the outside perception of the Razorbacks courtesy of DiRocco.

——

Slophouse: So, seriously, what happened against Ole Miss? How did the Rebels pull it off?

MD: Florida took the Rebels lightly — one coached admitted as such off the record — and the Gators killed themselves with three turnovers. Two came on back-to-back plays in the third quarter that led to 10 points. The Rebels, though, did make two huge plays late: blocking the PAT and then stuffing Superman for no gain on fourth down.

SH: After Tim Tebow’s promise and crocodile tears to the Gator fans on Saturday, what’s the chance he throws for less than 500 yards and runs for another 300 against Arkansas? You just know he’ll do it.

MD: The only thing defenses should fear more than a healthy Tebow is a healthy, angry Tebow. That’s what the Razorbacks will get on Saturday. I put the over-under on his total offense at 325 yards. (Psst, take the over).

Tim Tebow is one angry Gator after losing to Ole Miss.

SH: Were the fans pretty disappointed after the loss Saturday and how are the players reacting to Tebow and the fans’ reaction in practice this week?

MD: The fans were more stunned than disappointed, but there has been some grumbling about the fourth-down play call (I have no problem with giving Tebow the ball there; he’s UF’s best short-yardage runner) and the offense in general. Offensive coordinator Dan Mullen would not be a popular speaker at any Gator clubs this week. As for the players, they seem to have rebounded OK — but we really won’t know that until Saturday. I do know this: the Gators would be a much better team if the locker room was filled with guys who take losses as hard as Tebow does.

SH: What weaknesses do the Gators have right now on offense or defense?

MD: On offense, it’s definitely the line. Especially the left side, where the Gators are down to their fourth-string guard. The unit has struggled opening holes for the backs at times and has not done a good job handling blitzes. Defensively, there are still questions about the secondary. It gave up a long TD pass to Ole Miss and the unit has yet to face a quality, experienced quarterback.

SH: How does a defense stop Tebow? Has a team drawn up that blueprint so far in his career?

MD: Pound him, pound him, pound him. In the pocket and when he runs. Miami’s plan was to blitz linebackers up the middle, and that worked pretty well for the ‘Canes. Ole Miss had success with blitzes, so the Gators will see a ton of blitzes until they prove they can handle that.

SH: Besides Tebow, who does Arkansas really need to worry about Saturday?

MD: Percy Harvin. He had 268 yards of total offense and two touchdowns against the Rebels. It looks like his heel has healed (no pun intended), which means a steady dose of Harvin left, Harvin right, Harvin up the middle, Harvin deep, Harvin selling concessions, Harvin lining the field . . .

SH: Give us one word to describe the Gators this season.

MD: Cautious.

SH: Give us one word to describe the Razorbacks this season.

MD: Ugh.

SH: Give us your score prediction and how you see the game unfolding.

MD: Florida 31, Arkansas 14. Tebow and Harvin have big days, and the Gators’ special teams will make a big play. Don’t expect UF to let off the gas once the game is in hand, either. LSU is next for UF, and the Gators certainly want to make sure things are running smoothly for the showdown with the Tigers.

SH: Thanks for the time, Michael.

Photo by Phil Sandlin, Associated Press

– Brandon Marcello
Subscribe to RSS feed | Follow us on Twitter | Add us on Facebook