SEC PREVIEW: Florida
What a Florida Fan Thinks: “Best team in the East. No problems this year. Tennessee can’t beat us, Georgia is too young and we always beat them. LSU and Auburn? Well, we probably split those. I’m think 11-1.”
What a Georgia Fan Thinks: “Keep talking. We will see what the little pansy that you have a quarterback does when Quentin Moses is breathing down his damn neck. I told you that Meyer’s spread wouldn’t work last year and it work this year either. If only D.J. had played in the Cocktail party, we would have steamrolled the Gaytors. I think they win 9, that schedule is miserable.”
What Do I Think?: Let’s look at why the Gators are highly thought of in the preseason. Urban Meyer, Chris Leak, entire receiving corps returns, Urban Meyer’s record in year two, and the defense. Okay, now, why are the Gators not picked higher? Chris Leak, spread offense, and a terrible offensive line.
First, I’m starting to really sour on Urban Meyer. It isn’t because I think the spread will never work in the SEC. I honestly think he is very innovative with his offensive play calling and has learned that the true spread is not an effective offense against the speedy defenses that abound in the SEC. My main problem with Meyer is he comes off as more cheerleader than coach. I know that is interesting commentary coming from a guy whose alma mater employs a head coach that treats Xs and Os like Superman treats kryptonite, but I’m saying it nonetheless. Meyer is beginning to remind me of Terry Bowden with the public displays of affection for his team. Can you really command respect and attention when you are showing motivational, feelgood movies about “champions?” Okay, maybe if you are Pete Carroll, but that stuff only works when you are winning and winning big. A couple of 8 win seasons and that type of crap starts to ring a little hollow. Then Coach Meyer will have to coach and what happens then. The only thing that keeps me from going totally over the fence is that the record speaks for itself, 48 wins and 11 losses. He keeps the alumni happy by winning at home a lot (27-2). That is a good way to keep your job. The guy has been untouchable, but he hasn’t been anywhere longer than two years. We shall see.
Of course, none of that has anything to do with this season. Honestly, the Gators will go as far as the offensive line takes them. With a solid defense, the offense will only need to put up 24 points per game and they will win 10 easy. However, putting up 24 a game is going to be tough if you can’t run the ball and every time your quarterback drops back he is getting snowed under.
As for Leak, I have given my thoughts about him previously. Others have chimed in with there thoughts (here and here). I have to agree with both Orson and Pat Forde, Leak has been a lot of hype and little payoff. However, I remember another guy who took big steps their last year when maybe the pressure of living up to the hype wasn’t as important as going out on top. Will that happen for Leak this year? That is up to him, but never underestimate a senior quarterback who has a lot of experience to fall back on. My only worry is that unlike Campbell, who took his big step due to the confidence boost provided by one Al Borges, Leak should have made that step last year with Meyer. I just wonder if a slight retooling of the offense won’t be just the thing to give Leak that push.
Finally, with regard to the schedule, is it tough? Sure, ridiculously tough. It is the reason Florida will have one or two more losses than they should this year. But I have a hard time saying a good team will fail because it plays a tough schedule. If they can make it to the Vanderbilt game with two losses, they will win the East. I think they do it, I’m saying 10-2.
Easily Win: Western Carolina and Kentucky
Should Win: Southern Miss, UCF, Vanderbilt
Coin Toss: Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida State
Might Lose: Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Georgia
Will Lose: None
Florida Factoid You May Not Have Known: Florida is 0-5-1 against the spread in their last six games with Alabama.
What a Georgia Fan Thinks: “Keep talking. We will see what the little pansy that you have a quarterback does when Quentin Moses is breathing down his damn neck. I told you that Meyer’s spread wouldn’t work last year and it work this year either. If only D.J. had played in the Cocktail party, we would have steamrolled the Gaytors. I think they win 9, that schedule is miserable.”
What Do I Think?: Let’s look at why the Gators are highly thought of in the preseason. Urban Meyer, Chris Leak, entire receiving corps returns, Urban Meyer’s record in year two, and the defense. Okay, now, why are the Gators not picked higher? Chris Leak, spread offense, and a terrible offensive line.
First, I’m starting to really sour on Urban Meyer. It isn’t because I think the spread will never work in the SEC. I honestly think he is very innovative with his offensive play calling and has learned that the true spread is not an effective offense against the speedy defenses that abound in the SEC. My main problem with Meyer is he comes off as more cheerleader than coach. I know that is interesting commentary coming from a guy whose alma mater employs a head coach that treats Xs and Os like Superman treats kryptonite, but I’m saying it nonetheless. Meyer is beginning to remind me of Terry Bowden with the public displays of affection for his team. Can you really command respect and attention when you are showing motivational, feelgood movies about “champions?” Okay, maybe if you are Pete Carroll, but that stuff only works when you are winning and winning big. A couple of 8 win seasons and that type of crap starts to ring a little hollow. Then Coach Meyer will have to coach and what happens then. The only thing that keeps me from going totally over the fence is that the record speaks for itself, 48 wins and 11 losses. He keeps the alumni happy by winning at home a lot (27-2). That is a good way to keep your job. The guy has been untouchable, but he hasn’t been anywhere longer than two years. We shall see.
Of course, none of that has anything to do with this season. Honestly, the Gators will go as far as the offensive line takes them. With a solid defense, the offense will only need to put up 24 points per game and they will win 10 easy. However, putting up 24 a game is going to be tough if you can’t run the ball and every time your quarterback drops back he is getting snowed under.
As for Leak, I have given my thoughts about him previously. Others have chimed in with there thoughts (here and here). I have to agree with both Orson and Pat Forde, Leak has been a lot of hype and little payoff. However, I remember another guy who took big steps their last year when maybe the pressure of living up to the hype wasn’t as important as going out on top. Will that happen for Leak this year? That is up to him, but never underestimate a senior quarterback who has a lot of experience to fall back on. My only worry is that unlike Campbell, who took his big step due to the confidence boost provided by one Al Borges, Leak should have made that step last year with Meyer. I just wonder if a slight retooling of the offense won’t be just the thing to give Leak that push.
Finally, with regard to the schedule, is it tough? Sure, ridiculously tough. It is the reason Florida will have one or two more losses than they should this year. But I have a hard time saying a good team will fail because it plays a tough schedule. If they can make it to the Vanderbilt game with two losses, they will win the East. I think they do it, I’m saying 10-2.
Easily Win: Western Carolina and Kentucky
Should Win: Southern Miss, UCF, Vanderbilt
Coin Toss: Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida State
Might Lose: Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Georgia
Will Lose: None
Florida Factoid You May Not Have Known: Florida is 0-5-1 against the spread in their last six games with Alabama.
posted by Buford T. Justice at 4:45 PM
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