SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2014 IS AN EPIC DAY IN NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL, AND THE FLORDIA GATORS ARE IN THE BUBBLE.

 Treon Harris provides right spark for Gators

As I try to rap my head around the 2014 NCAA College Football season, I sit in dismay at best. I make no bones about being a die hard Orange and Blue bleeding Gator fan, however as Blogger/SportsWriter I must be honest with my self as well as the Nation and my fans who read my Blogs. So, lets start here, I personally feel that Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp’s may have saved his career at Florida with his decision to pull the trigger and bench Jeff Driskel for Treon Harris, I am sure this had to be an emotionally difficult one for Florida’s head coach, but it’s proved to be the right move. With the Gators floundering at 3-3 and regressing offensively, Muschamp had no choice but to replace his embattled redshirt junior quarterback for the true freshman, who has led the Gators into the SEC East Division race with back-to-back wins.

 Treon Harris is a lighten Bolt and has most certainly brought a spark to a Florida team and Florida’s 12th man (Gator Nation) that all began the month in danger of missing a bowl game in consecutive years. But after routing Georgia by 18 and handling Vanderbilt by 24 on the road, there’s renewed energy in Gainesville, as the Gators have rallied around their new signal-caller.” Sometimes it takes a drastic decision like that to get the team going,” senior center Max Garcia said.  Treon is far from a savior, but there’s something about him that has invigorated this team. In the four games prior to Harris’ ascent, Florida averaged just 255 yards and 17.5 points per contest. In Florida’s last two wins, the Gators have averaged 437 yards and 36 points. Harris has galvanized his teammates, who are playing better around their silent leader. Guys naturally gravitate toward the 5-foot-11 sparkplug, who is standing tall and slowly developing as more responsibility is thrust on his shoulders.

"Treon is a guy that has been overly coachable since he's been on campus,” Muschamp said. “He continues to work hard. He's a guy that the game comes easy to him.” Harris certainly has a long way to go with his progression as a starter, but as Garcia sees it, Harris has pushed the team to play better. There’s more urgency because he’s so green.
The playbook was simplified for Harris against Georgia, leading him to throw just six times and the Gators to run for 418 yards. The playbook expanded some against Vandy, and Harris threw for 215 yards and six first downs on 13 of 21 passing. He also ran for 49 yards and two touchdowns, including a nifty 33-yarder in the Gators’ 17-point fourth quarter.

Muschamp says Harris has “it.” We saw “it” when he rescued the Gators from a 9-0 hole early in the season at Tennessee. We saw “it” when his first two collegiate passes went for 148 yards and two touchdowns. We saw “it” when he waved Muschamp off Saturday after taking a shot to his throwing shoulder. “I went over, said, 'You all right?' He said, 'Go over and worry about someone else, I'm fine,’” Muschamp said. “That's part of the physical part of it, but also the mental side of it, the toughness aspect of it you've got to have at that position, especially here.” “It” isn’t overwhelming, but it’s working. “He’s just a playmaker,” Garcia said. “That’s just what he does naturally.”

While dangerous with his arm and legs, Harris’ best attribute might be how he deals with pressure. Florida offensive coordinator Kurt Roper said Harris does a great job of "not seeing" the pass rush while simultaneously seeing downfield and buying time. What hindered Driskel so much was his incessant pressing against the rush or when things broke down. Harris has had better composure in those situations, extending plays more and not forcing mistakes. “He has an incredible pocket presence," Garcia said. "He feels when the pressure is coming left or right. “He’s so calm and his demeanor is something that I haven’t seen in a freshman. He’s so cool, calm and collected. It’s crazy to see.”
It’s really paid off on third down, where Harris has completed 9 of 15 passes (.600) for 120 yards. A few times against Vandy, Harris stood in the pocket and found receivers when the Commodores brought heat. He stayed relaxed and evaluated his options, like when he hit Quinton Dunbar for a 60-yard bomb on a play designed for an intermediate route.

For someone so young, Harris has an innate ability to avoid pressure, read defenses and go through his progressions. “I think he enjoys playing so much that he doesn’t feel the outside pressures,” Roper said. “Obviously, he understands the role, but I think he just goes and plays and doesn’t let the other things influence him.” And here the Gators are, a win over South Carolina and some help away from a trip to Atlanta for the SEC championship game. There’s more cohesion, and Harris is a major part of that. It was a painful process to get to this point, but change has gone a long way.  “It’s unfortunate that we went through three losses to get to where we are now, but I have full confidence in this team and we’re peaking at the right time,” Garcia said. “Now that we are producing on the field, like we are on the practice field and in the locker room, I don’t think anyone can stop us.”

South Carolina Gamecocks at Florida Gators preview: Three Keys and Prediction

Three Keys to a USC victory in the Swamp

3. Avoid turnovers. While not as good as it has been the past two years, the Gators still have one of the better defenses in the SEC, certainly much better than the past couple of teams we've played. Florida has a defensive front that's very capable of producing pressure, and its corners, especially Vernon Hargreaves, will make Carolina pay if Dylan Thompson throws errant balls. Carolina's line must protect Dylan, and when pressured, Dylan needs to make good decisions with the football. Given how bad the defense is, Carolina won't win this game if it gives Florida extra possessions.

2. Stay creative on offense. Lost amidst the gnashing of teeth over the Gamecocks' defensive woes is the brilliance of Carolina's offense. Steve Spurrier and his staff have drawn up some truly creative gameplans this season, and for the most part, Dylan, Pharoh Cooper, and the rest of the gang have executed. With the Gamecocks defense continuing to struggle and a tough Gators defense across the line, the Gamecocks must keep the offensive magic going against the Gators if they're going to have a chance to win.

1. Defensive lineup changes must pay dividends, and the Gamecocks must stop the run to at least some extent. Lorenzo Ward is finally making some significant lineup changes. The starting linebacker duo will be Skai Moore at Mike and Jonathan Walton at Will. Moore is not big enough to be a natural Mike, particularly against a bruising Florida running game, but I like the move. The Gamecocks weren't getting much production out of Marcquis Roberts, T.J. Holloman, or Kaiwan Lewis at the position, so Moore is unlikely to do worse. At the very least, perhaps he can disrupt the short passing game over the middle with his athleticism. The key to the roster change here is getting Walton on the field more. Walton has played well when he's gotten the chance and needs more playing time. This change is essentially about getting the best two linebackers on the field regardless of how well they fit the position they're playing. That's something Ward should have tried long ago given how poorly his previous lineups have worked out.

The other change is moving Brison Williams back to safety. This move has its pros and cons. The con is that Williams has been a liability as a tackler all season due to his arm injury, and putting him back at safety may magnify that problem, particularly against a Florida team that will want to run the ball as much as possible. On the other hand, Williams is a natural safety and knows the position well, and getting him back at his natural position means less Chris Moody, who has been a major liability for Carolina all season long. Rico McWilliams and Chris Lammons will start at corner, and I think they're capable against Florida's weak passing game.

In any event, we need to hope that these changes are part of the puzzle to better defensive play. The biggest key to this game defensively, though, is going to be something I'm not optimistic about: Defensive line play. The Gators have found their identity as a power run team in recent weeks, and you can be sure they're going to run the ball as long as they're able tomorrow. If South Carolina can force passing downs from the Gators, the 'Cocks have a chance. Our secondary is defending the pass better and better lately, and moving Brison back to safety should help even more in that regard. But if we can't win some battles up front, the Gators aren't going to pass the ball downfield much.

My Personal Predictions Verses South Carolina ~ the defensive lineup changes are something I've wanted to see, and that gives me some hope that the defense will play better against Florida. That said, these changes are likely to help Carolina much more in passing defense than rushing defense. With a formidable Gators run game matching up against Carolina's pitiful defensive line, it seems unlikely that Carolina will be able to force the Gators to pass much. That's a shame, because the Florida passing game versus an improving Carolina pass defense is a good matchup for us, but it's a reality at this point that we're unlikely to have success stopping the run. I think Carolina will again impress offensively, but it won't be enough. 35-27 Gators.

Let’s Look Around the NCAA at The Top games on Saturday November 15, 2014. Hers how I see it;


1. Western: Everybody figured there'd be meaningful games played in November in the western division of the SEC. Little notice was paid to this week's contest in Tuscaloosa when the schedule was first unveiled, but it certainly has the attention of the college football world now as No. 1 Mississippi State visits No. 3 Alabama. With projected Heisman favorite Marcus Mariota and Oregon in a bye week, Bulldogs QB Dak Prescott has an opportunity to win over more voters if he performs well on the big stage. That plot line is completely secondary for him, of course, as a victory would all but wrap up the division for his team that was barely an afterthought at the start of the season. His task will be anything but easy against the Crimson Tide defense, which ranks third nationally against the run. Quite simply, Alabama does not miss tackles.

Prescott and his constant running mate, TB Josh Robinson, must hope their blockers can create lanes allowing them to avoid contact with Tide LB Reggie Ragland and his fellow stoppers. It would help if Prescott can get WR De'Runnya Wilson involved as well. While Alabama hasn't put up points in bunches every game, QB Blake Sims has delivered when needed. WR Amari Cooper requires constant attention, but the Crimson Tide are at their best when their ground game is working. TB T.J. Yeldon, who sustained an apparent ankle injury on a pivotal play at LSU last week, expects to be ready. LB Benardrick McKinney and the Bulldogs' defenders must be equally sure with their tackling. This is going to be an old fashion Barnyard Battle; however I like Dak Prescott to be the difference maker for Miss. ST in Tuscaloosa at 3:30 and lead his team to victory rolling over the Tide 28-21.

2. Classic: The intense Sunshine State rivalry between the 'Noles and the 'Canes is back in prime time after lacking in relevance for a few years. No. 2 Florida State still has a lot more on the line as it heads down to face unranked Miami, but the Hurricanes would love to put a crimp in the Seminoles' national championship aspirations. Though Florida State remains unscathed, QB Jameis Winston and Co. haven't dominated as they did during last season's title run. The Seminoles have not run the ball with consistency, and Winston himself has been intercepted 11 times while he perhaps has relied too heavily on big-play WR Rashad Greene. He'll try for a crisper start in hostile environs while getting WR Jesus Wilson and TE Nick O'Leary involved in the first few series. The Hurricanes, who've won three in a row, have played better on both sides of the ball since their most recent setback against Georgia Tech. LBs Denzel Perryman and Thurston Armbrister will look to set the tone just as quickly when Winston takes the field. TB Duke Johnson has been Miami's steadiest offensive force averaging 7.7 yards per rushing attempt. But the improvement of freshman QB Brad Kaaya has made his job easier. But they'll want to steer clear of the Seminoles' hard-hitting LB Reggie Northrup and S Jalen Ramsey. Vegas as must know something about this game that will be played under the lights down in Miami. Even I am surprised that there is only a 2 point spread? However, I must disagree with the brilliant minds in Vegas, as I pick FSU to roll beating Miami 35-21.

3. Epic: No. 11 Nebraska heads to No. 22 Wisconsin in a key Big Ten West matchup that has the look of an old-fashioned slugfest. There aren't likely to be many aerial fireworks in this contest featuring a pair of top-10 rushing offenses. The Cornhuskers had a timely bye last week that should allow TB Ameer Abdullah to be at full strength after he tweaked a knee against Purdue. QB Tommy Armstrong also helps out with the Nebraska ground game, so Badgers' LB Derek Landisch and S Michael Caputo must be ready to close. Wisconsin will counter with TB Melvin Gordon, the nation's top rusher with 1,501 yards and 19 TDs. 'Huskers' LB Zaire Anderson and S Nate Gerry will undoubtedly concentrate their efforts on him, but the platoon of QBs Tanner McEvoy and Joel Stave must provide enough cover to keep the lanes clear. The Huskers should be fine on Saturday; they will beat the Badgers 28-17.

4. Thriller: No. 9 Auburn's date at No. 14 Georgia doesn't pack as much playoff punch as prognosticators expected as recently as a couple of weeks ago. But in this case fans should just enjoy the ride, as it figures to be a high-scoring affair with big plays galore. Both teams are built to put up big scores, and neither defense has exactly been exemplary. Much of the anticipation centers on the return of Bulldogs TB Todd Gurley after an NCAA-imposed four-game suspension. While Nick Chubb has performed well in Gurley's absence and still figures to be part of the rotation, Gurley's ability to elude tacklers and find that extra gear that exceptional backs have will make the Georgia offense more effective. Bulldogs QB Hutson Mason has helped out with 15 TD throws with only three INTs. Auburn should move the ball efficiently as well, but the Tigers must eliminate the critical miscues that proved their undoing last week against Texas A&M that effectively ended their national championship hopes. It didn't help that WR D'haquille Williams went out with a knee injury in that game, and he remains week-to-week. QB Nick Marshall will have to compensate with WR Sammie Coates, who is just getting back to full speed himself, and with TB Cameron Artis-Payne. My Pick of the day is Auburn will beat Georgia in Athens between the hedges. Georgia can’t stop the run and Auburn beats Georgia in a grinder on the ground. Auburn wins 38-35.

5. Tragedy: No. 17 Clemson's fate was likely sealed way back in September when the Tigers couldn't take advantage of a Winston-less Florida State. The Tigers must nonetheless do what they can to stay within shouting distance in the ACC Atlantic. Their challenge this week is a trip to Coastal Division contender No. 23 Georgia Tech, which is playing its own game of catchup trying to maintain proximity to front-runner Duke. There is good news for Clemson this week as QB Deshaun Watson is expected to start after missing over a month with a hand injury. That also should be good news for WRs Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, but they must beware of Yellow Jackets S Jamal Golden, who has three of the team's 10 picks. Georgia Tech, of course, will run the ball early and often. When QB Justin Thomas doesn't keep it himself, his most frequent pitch men are RBs Zach Laskey and Synjyn Days. Tigers' LB Stephone Anthony will lead the effort to solve the Yellow Jackets' option. I like Georgia Tech in the Game, that spread option is hard to stop once they get to Rolling. Georgia Tech Beats Clemson in Atlanta 28-24.

6. Coming-of-age: No. 7 Ohio State as a team, and freshman QB J.T. Barrett specifically, have come a long way since their early loss to Virginia Tech. Fans got to see just how far last week when the Buckeyes went into East Lansing and dismantled the Michigan State defense. They have to hit the road again, and their opponent this week, Minnesota, is trying to author its own evolving story. Barrett makes extensive use of WRs Devin Smith and Michael Thomas, and RB Dontre Wilson also is an effective catcher out of the backfield. Then there's RB Ezekiel Elliott, the Buckeyes' most frequent ground weapon. They all will give Golden Gophers' LB Damien Wilson and his front-line teammates a lot of concerns. But Minnesota's dominant performance against Iowa last week, which gave it possession of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy and the Little Brown Jug from the Michigan series in the same season for the first time since 1967, has their fans in a hopeful mood. QB Mitch Leidner's big passing day was a big part of it, getting TE Maxx Williams involved while also mixing WR KJ Maye in on some alternative formations. But the key remains TB David Cobb, who will be the main focus for OSU LB Joshua Perry. Urban will take the Buckeyes into the home of the Golden Gofers and win. Ohio State pulls away in the 2nd half and beats Minnesota in Minneapolis  28-17.

 7. No. 21 Marshall has had its loyal followers of the edges of their seats all season as it looks to run the table and put itself in contention for a major bowl bid. The suspense is likely to continue right up until the time the playoff committee announces which champion of the group-of-five leagues will be rated the highest at season's end. But first things first for the Thundering Herd, who must get past defending league champ Rice in what could be their last big test before the C-USA title game. QB Rakeem Cato is the headliner for Marshall with 2,316 passing yards and 22 TD throws, with WR Tommy Shuler leading a balanced group of pass catchers. But Cato is far from the Herd's only producer from scrimmage. RB Devon Johnson has another 15 scores on the ground. He sat out last week's win at Southern Miss with a sore knee but should be ready to go. The Owls, who have rattled off six consecutive wins after a 0-3 start, are directed by QB Driphus Jackson. He has 15 scoring throws while adding 330 yards by land. RB Jowan Davis and WR Jordan Taylor are his top weapons. My Pick is Marshal will continue to Roll, beating Rice by three TD’s. Marshall wins a textbook game 35-14. This is how I see it unfolding today, and this is a big day indeed! Enjoy your NCAA Football Saturday, and I will catch up with all you guys next week. True Story ~ Donnie Bolena