Florida taking notice of Rudock

Although Michigan has ran the ball on 53.6% of its plays this year, more than 60% of its offensive production this season under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh has come in the air.

Much of that has to do with the success of redshirt senior quarterback Jake Rudock.

After serving as Iowa's starting quarterback from 2013-14, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound Rudock decided to transfer from the school and join Michigan after he had lost the starting quarterback job to C.J. Beathard. Ultimately, it was a move that turned out to be a wise one for the former Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas High School standout.

In his lone season with the Wolverines as their transition quarterback into a new era, Rudock has completed 64% of his passes for 2,739 yards and 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Rudock ranks in the top 30 nationally in completion percentage and 44th nationally in passer rating (138.9). Michigan is 54th nationally in passing offense, while Florida ranks 77th in that category -- a number that is padded by Will Grier's success at the top of the season and doesn't really tell how much Treon Harris has struggled.

"The consistency and play at that quarterback that they brought in there and how he's handled what they want to do offensively, his efficiency in knowing where to go with the ball, that's really what kind of opens your eyes right there," Florida head coach Jim McElwain said.

"You can see he really has a grasp on what they want to do. His efficiency throwing it, with what they're doing with the run game and how it matches, they're doing an outstanding job on offense and staying really kind of balanced with his ability to not turn the ball over and take advantage of what the defense gives him."

Under Harbaugh, Michigan operates under a similar offensive style as Florida -- a balanced pro-style system that incorporates a myriad of personnel groupings and formations.

So far, Rudock, an All-Big Ten honorable mention, has managed games well and avoided making very many costly mistakes for the 9-3 Wolverines -- although he hasn't had too great of a variety of weapons to work with on offense.

"You can tell he knows his system," sophomore cornerback Jalen Tabor said. "He knows what he's doing. He knows his reads. The ball's out of his hand quick. I like him. I just think he knows his reads, but if you're there on the receiver he's going to throw the ball I feel like you're going to give me a shot. All I want is a shot."

While Michigan's passing attack has been solid this year under Rudock, Florida's defense has been dominant -- especially against opposing passers. The Gators are 11th in the country with only 174.8 passing yards allowed per game and also 11th in opposing passing rating (106.59). UF is also tied for 28th nationally and third in the SEC with 14 interceptions.

Florida has been plus-10 in the turnover margin this season -- tied for 16th in the nation -- while UM is 103rd in that respective category at minus-6. Ten of its 16 turnovers this season have been interceptions.

The Gators know they'll need to force turnovers playing Michigan, especially against Rudock, and then capitalize on them in order to come out of the Citrus Bowl with a victory next Friday. Getting to Rudock with the pass rush will be a big key for Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

"They run a great scheme," sophomore cornerback Quincy Wilson said. "We've just got to play disciplined. They like to throw the ball around a little bit. He will throw the ball, so we've got some opportunities to make some turnovers."