This one looked to be a modest game at best for Florida before I witnessed the debacle that was the Gator offense last week. Now I am just guessing as to what may transpire on Sat. My guess is that UF will improve somewhat but still not have all the offensive kinks out. I believe the Gator defense and special teams will make up for it though: 27-14 Fla
USF a good but not great team, new head coach in Skip Holtz. Who knows, but truthfully I expect that the Gators will rebound and pound them pretty good. Might score 50 ( on offense) points on USF.
Seriously....that would be surprising. I heard a DJ on the radio this morning in TB question Meyer's ability to get it done offensively without Tebow. Now there is a budding controversy for ya.
Well Tebow did leave a big hole for you guys. Not only was he a great college QB, he was an incredible short yardage FB, and a firey/emotional leader of the team. No doubt the offense has to be different this year with Brantley, which is why I asked who was going to be your short yardage runner, and if you would implement a Wildcat series. You no doubt have speed at all the skill positions, are the WR's good route runners and have good hands to go along with the speed? I was also a little suprised at the number of freshman that were reported in your 2 deep but you and Bill didn't seem to think it meant anything. But maybe it will, who knows.
Terry, that's several questions. I'll try to answer a couple. Wildcat/short yardage formations. Right now we have two QB's or ex QB's that could likely lineup in those formations. Jordan Reed who came as a QB but has been converted to a TE. He was out with an injury last Sat. There ae expectations that he would lineup in that position. With Reed out, the backup QB, Trey Burton, did line up there at least one time near the goal line and did run for a td. I would expect that a couple of the bigger running backs might get short yardage calls also. As to the number of freshmen in the two deep, the reason I said I am not concerned is that we do have players other than freshmen who can play most of those positions. If the freshmen can pass older players then I don't have a concern. Two of our freshmen linemen, Powell and either Easley or Floyd were in the DL rotation and graded out very high. Also a Freshman linebacker started ahead of some older players. Right now I think it is the quality of the freshmen that are getting them playing time and not a lack of depth. Just my opinion.
The Tampa media.....print and TV...is getting wound up on their coverage of the game. Holtz is quoted as saying that USF has a chance to win but wouldn't fare too well in a best out of 10. That's OK....all he needs is the one outcome on Saturday. I think UF will be as ready as they can be but will it be enough? As the dude writing the article in the St. Pete Times says....if all a team had to do to improve when they have played poorly is get angry about it and want to do better then Vandy would be on a level of the New England Patriots by season's end.... :wink:
If any Gator fan wants to slip me a Ben Franklin, I will pick USF which will guarantee a UF victory! :wink: Slip me two of 'em and I'll convince Cindy to do the same!
Tom I have to say that is going above and beyond for you to offer such a kind hearted gesture and then to even think about convincing Cindy in your effort of generosity is breathtaking.... RC :wink:
How would you Gators describe your offense under Brantley? Is it still the Spread, but a different Spread than what Tebow ran or is it more Pro Style? Does Brantley get up under center more than Tebow? Do you run more I formation and 1 back offenses?
I'm not sure even Meyer knows what to call that last Sat. "Hike and run back to cover" is a good description.
OK I had him confused with the kid who's mother tried to interfere with Meyer and he quit and went to Maryland I think. I see this kid is one who left after an incident with the law and played just up the road from me at Blinn before going to Auburn. Looks pretty impressive.
Came in to my office this morning and there was a green and yellow Go Bulls! sign draped over my computer screen..... Man....it's great to be back in my home state....
Terry, Cam Newton was at Florida and did have an incident where he bought a stolen computer then one thing lead to another. However I don't think he left just because of that. He was not on bad terms with Meyer over that incident, he had the ability to earn his way back. However he was also looking at 3rd string behind Tebow and Brantley. It was pretty obvious that Brantley was the future man. I always liked Cam and by all accounts he was not a bad kid. I am rooting for him to do well. However I think Auburn rotates back on our schedule next season so I won't be rooting for him that day. Our offense now? It's still the spread option but with the option not emphasized as much as under Tebow. Also when the option is run the QB will pitch the ball more often. Our spread now has probably moved from the Tebow spread toward the pro spread. Gators 37 - 14 Gator Bill
Bill, I think your prediction is spot on. I would dare say that your offense is probably not back to normal Florida offense but greatly improved from the first week.