No 'ho-hum' talk here: Time to pay tribute to the Florida Gators' 19-game winning streak

GAINESVILLE -- OK, here's the link to today's story, analyzing the Gators' 19-game wining streak. LINK! Bear Bryant, General Neyland, Shug Jordan, Johnny Vaught -- those guys would be proud. Not of the article, but of the Gators' current winning streak.

A few stats to supplement the story: Entering Saturday's game against South Carolina (6-4, 3-4 SEC), Florida is ranked No.1 in the SEC in total defense (232.4 ypg), scoring defense (10.1 ppg), passing defense (134.4 ypg), pass defense efficiency (85.9 quarterback rating), average starting field position (36-yard line), opponents' average starting field position (26-yard line), punt-return yards allowed (0.5 ypg) and kickoff return yards (26.5 ypg).

Is Florida the most complete team in the nation? Yes, all apologies to Texas and Alabama, but the Gators are the most complete team in the nation. Here are some more impressive factoids and statistics about the Gators' special teams units. By the way, I'm of the opinion that Florida doesn't have to pass the ball more than 10 times against Alabama to win the SEC championship game. Can I get an over/under on the number of completions Tebow will have against Alabama? Anyone?

--UF has won the SEC special teams player of the week four times this year, the most in school history.

--Caleb Sturgis is one of only three kickers in school history to have two 50-plus yarders in the same season.

--Sturgis is a semi-finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

--UF has faced kick off units that rank among the best in the nation each week. SEC opponents have combined to return eight kicks for touchdowns on the year, but UF has held SEC opponents to just 21.2 yards per return.

--Vanderbilt's Warren Norman was hled to under 20 yards a return after entering the game with three touchdowns.

--Georgia's Brandon Boykin was held to less the 20 yards a return after he entered the game with two 100-yard returns.

--Georgia's average starting field position in the second half against UF was the 14-yard line.

--Arkansas' Dennis Johnson who ranks among the nation's top kick-off return specialists was held to less than 25 yards a return.

--Punter Chas Henry is a Ray Guy Award semi-finalist.

--UF did not allow a punt return yard until the ninth game of the season.

--The Gators were the last team in the nation to allow a punt-return yard.

--Henry has allowed just 13 punt-return yards this year, second best in the nation.

--UF has allowed the least amount of punt return yards in the nation since 2005.

-jo-

Comments

[Gator John in Pinecrest-LOVIN' IT!]

Jo,

Good piece. The old ball coach will have something for us this week. I expect another slugfest until late third quarter or so. SC defense is good.
What's your sneak peek at your prediction if you can give it this early?
I'm going 30-13, but tight until the 4th....

[Goody]

Slightly interesting that Spurrier has waited all season -- the week before Florida -- to take away play calling from his son. Won't matter and actually might make the offense worse. Florida is a 15-point favorite on the road in what's supposed to be the Gators' second toughest road game of the season. Wow, now that's respect. Florida's fans have apparently forgotten how good Florida is but Las Vegas certainly has not. Florida will match Auburn's 1993-94 winning streak of 20 games (third all-time in SEC history) on Saturday ... but I'm not giving my prediction just yet.

-jo-

[dan]

great piece jo, i like your perspective. 24-14 Gators, agree close early but we should pull away in the 2nd half.

[2bits]

I think this game will go either the way of Vandy or Miss St. Either way, I dont think SoCar has the firepower to beat us, and their D will slow down our offense. However, if we turn the ball over and give them great field position, we could be lookin at a 7-10 point game, and possibly be down headed to the 4th. If we dont turn it over, i think we win by 17-20 points. This game fits the old adage that any possession that ends in a kick is a good possession for UF. I'll go with 30-13 Gators.

[dfw]

jo,

has vegas projected a line for the SEC Championship Game yet?

[Camel]

Yeah in large part to the very dependable SEC officiating crew

[Sarasota_'Cane]

I have a feeling that Spurrier and Butch will be bringin a lil'Carolina SWAGGER this weekend.

[Goody]

Haven't seen a line for the SEC championship game. I'm thinking UF by 5.

-jo-

[DieHardG8r]

Gonna be one heck of a show by Tebow and the Gators...keep the faith Gators, our guys have the goal clearly in sight.

[paul]

That 5 ( vs. Bama) is certainly possible based on MoV. UF just has to play at least average on both sides of the ball, and they take it.

Their avg, is superior to most teams very good.

Good stuff. Keep winning, and stop whining for those who need that message.

[Gator John In Pinescrest -Lovin' It!]

Jo,

I just did an inspection for a Joe Goodman buying a house with a wife named Kim...You?

[s'ti lla tuoba eht U]

GAYtors r 3-4-1 ats.
Now i know why u'all are in bad mood about your team. You goobers are losing your pay check from the waffle house.
I'm in a very good mood betting against you girls.
THANKS GOMER..

[Goody]

Not me. My first name isn't Joseph.

-jo-

[s'ti lla tuoba eht U]

Way to challenge yourself GAYtors. OHHHH, we can't schedule MIAMI because the SEC is SO SO tough. Where's the tough game meth heads..
-10 LSU,
-15 So. Carolina,
-16 Georgia,
-21 Kentucky,
-22 Mississippi St.,
-25 Arkansas,
-30 Tennessee,
-35 Vanderbilt,
-37 Troy,
-63 Charleston Southern.

Now joey b good, don't go changing this thread to protect your flock and dittoheads. Let them read and respond to this.. (I know in the past you have a habit of changing the topic to help them out).

Just MAN-up and play us every year, if you had any onions you GAYtors would demand it.

[Paul]

Almost as weak as that Big East schedule young lady.

GO GATORS

[Joe & Kim Goodman]

Jo,

I just did an inspection for a Joe Goodman buying a house with a wife named Kim...You?

Posted by: Gator John In Pinescrest -Lovin' It! | November 11, 2009 at 03:57 PM

It's actually me and my wife you idiot! So much for privacy! I knew we shouldn't have moved to Pinecrest!