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Gruden Says These Cats Are Dangerous

October 20, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


ORLANDO, FL - WEDNESADAY, OCT. 21, 2010 - On paper, it appears to be a case of two teams heading in opposite directions.

After a brutal opening schedule that saw the Florida Tuskers drop two of three games in a 12-day period, the team appears to be on the rise with a 33-20 road win over Hartford and a "bye week" to heal their wounded.

Sacramento, on the other hand, has lost two in a row and limps into the Citrus Bowl record with a 1-3 record. But Tuskers head coach Jay Gruden says his team had better bring its "A" game if it wants to beat the Mountain Lions and stay on track for an appearance in the UFL Championship Game.

"Mountain Lions-like any animal-- are most dangerous when they are wounded and have their backs against the wall," Gruden said. "Realistically, they can't afford another loss if they want to get to the title game. I've preached to our guys all week, they had better get ready for a war. Sacramento has good players, outstanding coaches and they know how important this game is for their chances."

Florida should need little motivation than to look back to Week 2 of the regular season when the Mountain Lions rallied for a 24-20 win over the Tuskers. In that game, Daunte Culpepper rallied his team to 17 fourth quarter points as the Mountain Lions overcame a 21-7 deficit.

Containing Culpepper, who threw for 374 yards in the first game, will be a key according to Gruden. "We have to find a way to keep him in the pocket and force him to throw to his check downs and then make sure we make the tackles after he dumps it," Gruden said. "When he gets moving outside the pocket he is incredibly dangerous because of his arm strength. He can throw it on still make the accurate throw down the field."

Gruden also hopes to see a more consistent effort from his offense. Against the Mountain Lions in the first game, the Tuskers had numerous opportunities to put the game away early but failed to capitalize. Leading 21-7 late in the game, the Tuskers had a 4th and one on the Sacramento's 16 but failed to convert. "Incredibly bad call on my part," Gruden said. "A field goal gives us a three-score lead and really changed the complexion of the game. You should be able to pick up a yard, but the bottom line in pro football is taking the points when you can get them."

Orlando's offense sputtered several times in the game, turning it over on interception deep in Sacramento territory in the first quarter and then having to settle for a fourth quarter field goal after getting a first and goal on the Mountain Lions 2-yard line.

The one unknown in this game will be how the Tuskers perform on both sides of the ball. Starting linebacker Tim McGarigle is out following thumb surgery and the Tuskers had to find a late-week replacement for back-up defensive tackle Langston Moore, who tore a biceps muscle in practice. The Tuskers also released back-up corner Corey Small and back-up offensive lineman Fred Matua; meaning the Tuskers will be playing up to eight players who were not on the field in the first Sacramento game.

"The bye week was a huge help and we had a good week of practice," Gruden said. "We still haven't put as complete game together on offense and defense, but I think we are getting close."

Game time is 7 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl. Good seats, starting at $15, remain available by calling 407-377-6639 or purchasing at the gate.

TUSKERS NOTES: ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Jon Gruden-the brother of Tuskers head coach Jay Gruden-is expected to attend the game; as is actor Denzel Washington, whose son --John David Washington-plays for the Mountain Lions...The Tuskers will create awareness for Breast Cancer research by wearing a pink ribbon decal on their helmets, as well as pink gloves and sweatbands...although QB Daunte Culpepper has received a lot of attention as the former UCF quarterback returns to the Citrus Bowl, the Mountain Lions have several other ties to the Sunshine State...Offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek was the former head coach at UCF; while Mountain Lions center Mike Mabry also played at UCF...Sacramento wide receivers Taye Biddle and Marcus Maxwell were standouts on the Tuskers last season and line coach Art Kehoe spent nearly three decades at the University of Miami...Tuskers lineman Na'Shan Goddard and newcomer Cletis Gordon (DB) appear beside each other on the Tuskers alphabetical roster and also share the exact same birthday---April 23, 1983...Goddard owns two Super Bowl rings, picking up hardware with both the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints...Following the Sacramento game, the Tuskers will enjoy another bye week before welcoming Jeff Garcia and the Omaha Nighthawks to the Citrus Bowl on Nov. 5.



United Football League Stories from October 20, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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