Florida

Florida Gators Passing Offense vs. Texas A&M Passing Defense

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2024

Florida Gators Passing Offense vs. Texas A&M Passing Defense

The Florida Gators bring a burgeoningly-explosive passing offense against a rather stingy Texas A&M pass defense. Now, both teams play their just their third game and one game versus an FCS opponent. However, players don’t control who they play.

As a result, the numbers count just the same and the film aligns well. One thing you should expect is that SEC speed, regardless of team, is really a constant. Even Vanderbilt can boast fast skill position players. This matchup, between the Florida passing game and the Aggies’ pass defense, looms large in determining who walks away with the victory.

Sound Tackling

Normally, college defensive backs would rather chew glass than tackle without help. Yet, the Aggies will make the open field tackle without hesitation. They drive down and secure the stop. After the catch, within arm’s reach, the A&M defenders are sure tacklers. Furthermore, the Gators need to expect a fight from snap to whistle.

TAMU brings a bully aspect to the field. While Florida will lean on speed and quickness, the Aggies will never care. Florida needs to use their explosion to negate this trait. Yet, it looks as though the offense, or at least, this week’s version doesn’t lend itself to progress.

Reversion to Mediocrity

With Billy Napier expected to reinstate Graham Mertz as the starter, that shortens the field for the Aggies. Linebackers won’t need to deepen their drops. Additionally, defensive backs can hang back a bit.

Mertz will not threaten the Aggies vertically. Now, he truly should, but too often, he errs on the side of caution. Despite the litany of explosive options on offense, Mertz chooses the absolute opposite approach. When DJ Lagway enters the game, expecting a much different tact. Florida will take the chance to throw the ball vertically.

Serious Advantage

On paper and on film, the Florida passing game should easily dispatch the TAMU pass defense. Of the nine players that caught a pass over the first two games, six averaged over fourteen yards per reception. Meanwhile, the Aggies cannot stand toe-to-toe with Florida receivers. That includes tight end Arlis Boardingham, who provides an immediate issue for coverage linebackers and safeties.

In this game, two Florida players look primed for monster receiving days. First, Trey Wilson broke out against Samford with six catches and 143 yards with a touchdown. Next, Boardingham will find open spots and the opportunities to turn upfield and make big plays. All he needs is the ball.

Outcome

Florida, by whatever metric you choose, from a passing offense standpoint should enjoy a big day ahead of them. Their biggest opponent will not wear maroon and white. Instead, the offense and play calling remain the elephant in the room and hold this unit back. Can Florida overcome coaching decisions as well as the Aggie pass defense?

Source link

Florida

FTBOA Partners With Florida Coast Equipment

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

FTBOA Partners With Florida Coast Equipment

Florida Coast Equipment has entered into a partnership agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association making Kubota the exclusive tractor, mower, utility vehicle, and construction equipment sponsor of the Florida Thoroughbred industry, starting in 2026.

The long-term agreement, announced Dec. 23, places Florida Coast Equipment and the Kubota brand front and center to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, a $3.2 billion industry with more than 90,000 Thoroughbreds and 33,500 jobs.

The Florida Coast Equipment name will now be prominently displayed throughout the FTBOA headquarters, events, and communications, including an advertising package on FTBOA.com, Wire to Wire, and the Florida Horse Farm and Services Directory.

“This partnership goes beyond sponsorship. Florida Coast Equipment is proud to serve as the local dealer of choice for Florida’s Thoroughbred community—working alongside breeders and owners every day with the equipment, service, and support they rely on,” said Florida Coast Equipment online sales manger Timothy Morris Jr. “Both the FTBOA and Florida Coast Equipment are deeply rooted in Florida agriculture and share a commitment to long-term relationships, stewardship, and doing things the right way. That shared mindset is what makes this partnership a natural fit and positions it for lasting impact across the industry.”

“When it comes to horsepower, nobody knows it better than Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, and the team at Florida Coast Equipment and Kubota,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “This partnership unites two pillars of Florida agriculture, and we couldn’t ask for a better fit.”

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.

Source link

Florida

Preview: December 23 vs. Florida | Carolina Hurricanes

Published

14 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Preview: December 23 vs. Florida | Carolina Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers square off for the second time in five days on Tuesday, going head-to-head at Lenovo Center.

—

When: Tuesday, Dec. 23

Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network App | Learn More

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

—

Canes Record: 22-10-3 (47 Points, 1st – Metropolitan Division)

Canes Last Game: 6-4 Loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, Dec. 20

—

Panthers Record: 19-14-2 (40 Points, T-5th – Atlantic Division)

Panthers Last Game: 6-2 Loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Dec. 20

Source link

Florida

Florida football finalizes hire of Joe Craddock as quarterbacks coach

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Florida football finalizes hire of Joe Craddock as quarterbacks coach

Florida football will be hiring Joe Craddock as its next quarterbacks coach, according to a report by Swamp247.

The move adds a veteran offensive mind with extensive play-calling and quarterback-development experience under Jon Sumrall’s first staff with the Gators.

Craddock comes to Gainesville after spending the past two seasons with Tulane, where he served as the Green Wave’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to that, he held the same role at Troy.

At Troy, Craddock’s offenses consistently ranked near the top of the Sun Belt across multiple statistical categories, combining downfield passing efficiency with a balanced run game.

Before his time at Troy and Tulane, Craddock built a resume that includes offensive coordinator stops at UAB, Arkansas and SMU, along with earlier developmental roles at Clemson.

Craddock’s coaching career began after a playing stint at Middle Tennessee, followed by professional experience overseas before transitioning into coaching at the high school level and quickly rising through the college ranks.

With the Orange and Blue, Craddock is expected to work closely with the Gators’ signal-callers as the program looks to establish consistency and development at the position under Sumrall.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Source link