SEC Football: Three Things We Watched For, Week Four Recap

1. How Will Austin Appleby Perform?

Not well enough. Appleby looked good in the first half. As a result, the Gators jumped out to an early 21-0 lead. But things came apart from there. The Gators would ultimately lose the game 38-28.

Appleby completed 23 of his 39 passes for three touchdowns. Those stats look pretty good. However, he also threw a horrible interception after Tennessee took the lead. He tried to force the ball to Antonio Callaway and the Volunteers picked it off.

However, the blame for this collapse cannot be laid solely at the feet of Appleby. The nation’s top-ranked defense completely let the Gators down throughout the game. Tennessee’s offense, even in the first half, had little trouble driving the ball down the field.

In addition, play-calling in the second half was far too conservative until it was too late. Doug Nussmeier decided he would simply run the ball up the middle on first and second down. Then when that failed he would have Appleby try to pass on third down and long. Obviously, that strategy proved ineffective.

Simply put, Austin Appleby didn’t get the job done, but neither did the rest of the Florida team. Football is a team sport. You win as a team, and you lose as a team. Florida lost not because of Appleby, but because Tennessee executed better as a team. As a result, the Volunteers have the inside track in the SEC East race.

Thanks for Reading! Check in Tomorrow for More SEC Football News!

Be sure to share “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. Also, be sure to check back on Friday for our “Three Things To Watch For in Week Five” of SEC Football action.