After Florida’s offensive line was manhandled in both run blocking and pass protection during Saturday’s 17-9 loss to Georgia, tackle Xavier Nixon and center Jonotthan Harrison called a players-only meeting early Sunday afternoon.
The message was simple.
“We need to step up,” guard Jon Halapio said. “We need to be more consistent. Just all around, we’ve just got to get better.”
Harrison said the group watched film and discussed areas that need improvement.
Florida rushed for a season-worst 75 yards Saturday, and quarterback Jeff Driskel was sacked five times. Nixon and right tackle Chaz Green were each flagged for a false start.
While offensive coordinator Brent Pease said the line could have been better in one-on-one matchups, Harrison traced the group’s struggles to communication.
Halapio said the volatility of the rivalry game was also a factor, as the Gators lost their composure.
Harrison shoved Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins after a play in the first quarter. Jenkins hit Nixon’s knee as he fell to the turf, forcing Nixon to leave the game with an injury.
“We lost our composure as an offensive line,” Halapio said. “We were too aggressive after plays … We were doing too much talking, talking trash to the Georgia front, and we should’ve just done our jobs better.”
Halapio said solving the problem with pass protection is as simple as getting back into practice.
“That’s more repetition,” Halapio said. “We need reps … That’s basically it.”
Notes: Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Jelani Jenkins' hamstring injury is no longer a concern in practice. Jenkins originally suffered the injury Oct. 6 against LSU before tweaking it Saturday. … Quinn said he is hopeful defensive tackle Leon Orr will be available Saturday. Orr was hospitalized earlier this week with the flu. … Cornerback Cody Riggs has not played since fracturing his right foot against Texas A&M on Sept. 8, but Quinn said there have been no conversations among Florida's staff about the possibility of a redshirt. …Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said quarterback James Franklin will start Saturday. Franklin has missed two games this season because of a shoulder injury suffered Sept. 8 and a knee injury on Oct. 6.
