Huguenin: Contenders face offensive issues
Florida and Alabama remained first and second in this week’s BCS standings, and they appear to be on a collision course to meet in the SEC championship game — which would be a de facto semifinal in the national title chase.
But if their offenses don’t come around, one or both easily could veer off course before the end of the regular season.
Both play great defense, and because of that, it often seems like their coaches are playing not to lose rather than playing to win. And, yes, there is a difference.
Why take chances offensively when your defense is dominant? Because, chances are, at some point this season, the offense is going to have to come through. But can Alabama or Florida count on their offenses — especially if they were to meet in the SEC title game?
Florida is No. 8 in the nation in total offense, at 457.0 yards per game. But that’s misleading. Forty percent of the Gators’ offensive output came in the first two games, against Charleston Southern and Troy. Take those games out, and Florida is averaging 382.4 yards per game, which would be 56th nationally — one spot below Tennessee.
The pass offense numbers provide an especially stark contrast. As it is, Florida is just 80th in the nation, at 198.7 yards per game. But take out the first two games and that number drops to 152.8 yards per game, which would be 110th nationally — one spot ahead of Kentucky.
Rivals.com
10/26/9
Magnolia Tribune
