BCS Title Hypothetical

[Swampmaster]

In the next 5 years (seasons), what do you think is more likely:

1. Alabama wins more than 1 BCS title
2. Florida wins 1 BCS title

My view: I think Fla wins a title, but not before alabama wins a couple more.

[grantgator]

I believe next year is the last year of the BCS.

[Tebowism0823]

lol....so much for the question. BCS is going away and rightfully so. I believe we have a better shot at winning it next year then Bama does so......

[UFFL]

I think we will be better than Bama next year, and the year after that.

[tilly]

I'm not convinced Bama was that much better than us this year. We would have given them a very good game...especially after seeing them versus UGA and aTm. So I see no reason to think we don't continue to improve and bring in top recruits that will keep us toe to toe.

My point is...they are in no better shape looking 5 years ahead than we are.

...and yes...the BCS ends next year

[gatordee]

This year is set up for us. IMO it is the easiest schedule we have had in some time. No excuses and a bie before the UG game. When is the last time a team (UG/UF) that had the bie week lost?

[UFFL]

Our easiest schedules will always be in even years where we get USC and LSU at home, with UGA neutral and FSU away. Next year isn't too easy.

[cholz17]

This year is set up for us. IMO it is the easiest schedule we have had in some time. No excuses and a bie before the UG game. When is the last time a team (UG/UF) that had the bie week lost?

I believe UF and UGA have bie weeks before the game, hmm

[GatorByte]

lol....so much for the question. BCS is going away and rightfully so. I believe we have a better shot at winning it next year then Bama does so......

I wish I shared your optimism. What exactly makes you think we have a better shot? Their schedule? I'd say that our chances would be equal to theirs at the very best, simply based on how few question marks they have compared to us.

Last offseason even many Bama fans I talked to were seeing 2-3 losses on their schedule with personnel losses. Many others were also predicting a drop-off for them, and we all saw how that worked out.

They definitely had some luck (with teams in front of them losing), but really only had 3 games that were close all year. We had what... 5-6 games that could be considered close? We were very fortunate to be 11-2. I think we still have to improve quite a bit.

[ValdostaGatorFan]

So with the playoffs coming after next year and the right schedule, We could play Bama or aTm or LSU 3 times in one year. I think the SEC game is about to lose a lot of significance when the playoffs roll around

[whitelakegator]

We had a great season. IMHO, we lose way too much on defense to win the SEC. Plus, I do not think JD is the guy that will lead us to the promised land. For whatever reason though, he's all we got. 10-3 would be a decent season for us and I would consider that a "win".

[geauxgator1]

We had a great season. IMHO, we lose way too much on defense to win the SEC. Plus, I do not think JD is the guy that will lead us to the promised land. For whatever reason though, he's all we got. 10-3 would be a decent season for us and I would consider that a "win".

People used to say that about Chris leak, too. I think our D will be very good as long as WM is our HC. I also think the offense will be much improved. JD just needs a little more experience and some help up front. We will be good again, but if we win 9 or more games, it will be a successful year. Our schedule looks pretty tough again.

[vaxcardinal]

sounds like folks didnt like the good ole days when we always had auburn/georgia as back to back games and no "bie" week.

And I'm not even sure why someone would spell "bie" this way, I could see maybe "bi"...(which some folks would be ok with:ninja:)

[whitelakegator]

People used to say that about Chris leak, too. I think our D will be very good as long as WM is our HC. I also think the offense will be much improved. JD just needs a little more experience and some help up front. We will be good again, but if we win 9 or more games, it will be a successful year. Our schedule looks pretty tough again.

Leak was 22-11 going into his senior year so he deserved a little heat. We went 11-2 with JD and I don't feel comfortable with him at all. Barely passing for 140 yds/game is pretty awful(even for a 1st year starter).

Even Bama lost three games a couple years ago so I think it is foolish to say "our defense will always be very good". Losing Floyd was huge and we lost everyone right up the middle of the D. I hope we can "plug and play" but I'm really hoping for 10-3 next year.

[GatorByte]

Leak was 22-11 going into his senior year so he deserved a little heat. We went 11-2 with JD and I don't feel comfortable with him at all. Barely passing for 140 yds/game is pretty awful(even for a 1st year starter).

Even Bama lost three games a couple years ago so I think it is foolish to say "our defense will always be very good". Losing Floyd was huge and we lost everyone right up the middle of the D. I hope we can "plug and play" but I'm really hoping for 10-3 next year.

A lot of fans will be upset with 10-3, but that is realistic imo. Everything depends on Jeff and how he progresses.

[Bazza]

First things first.....Bama could easily win another NC next season - because of A.J. McCarron's amazing talent. He may not get the recognition he deserves - but he does in my book. Also factor in the rest of the Bama team and it's their season to lose.

Now as far as the Gators......remember last season was the first one with JD at QB and BP as OC working together. Next season they will build on what we did last season - so that's a huge plus for the offense - and specifically JD as QB.

I DO believe JD will lead us to a NC and I DO believe in him. But to get there we will have to go through Alabama and therein lies our main obstacle.

I will not predict we will win either the SEC CG or get to the NC game as we still have a lot of work ahead of us on both O and D.

What favors us is our schedule - specifically we don't play aTm and "Johnny Football" next season!

We have to beat Georgia. That will be our toughest game, IMHO.

[bgator85]

It comes down to schedule. Quite frankly, Bama didn't deserve to get there 2 years ago and probably only got in this year because LSU and A&M had to play us while they played Tennessee and Missouri. Next year they play Tennessee and Kentucky, so as far as cross division games go, they continue to get pampered by the SEC scheduling office.

[jcorb3233]

For Bama to win more than 1 National Championship in the next 5 years, that would mean they would have won 5 Championships (or more) in a 9 year span, and 4 (or more) in a 7 year span. That seems extremely unlikely, especially given that the last two championship teams got beat (one of which didn't even win their division). That fact, plus the switch to the playoff system giving more teams a chance at a title, would make me say that Florida winning a Championship is more likely. But I'd say Alabama fans CLAIMING multiple national titles over the next 5 years is the most likely scenario of all.

[RealDeal]

Alabama will win at least one more title in the next 5 years, but UF should be able to get one also with all the talent muschamp is bringing in---alabama can't win every year. In 2013, 11-1 and and SEC title matchup with alabama or A&M is a good chance.

[DrewLaing]

In the next 5 years (seasons), what do you think is more likely:

1. Alabama wins more than 1 BCS title
2. Florida wins 1 BCS title

My view: I think Fla wins a title, but not before alabama wins a couple more.

Don't know if Bama will continue to win titles at the rate they have been. With Texas A&M and Ole Miss getting more competitive, along with LSU, Georgia, USCe and UF...may be tough for alabama to continue their dominance. JMO

[orangeblueorangeblue]

The BCS isn't going away.

[Jonas]

The BCS isn't going away.

Yeah it is. Have you not heard about the playoff? They aren't using the BCS system to determine seeding.

[atlantagator86]

I'm not convinced Bama was that much better than us this year. We would have given them a very good game...especially after seeing them versus UGA and aTm. So I see no reason to think we don't continue to improve and bring in top recruits that will keep us toe to toe.

My point is...they are in no better shape looking 5 years ahead than we are.

I have to disagree on the first part. Despite our overall success last season, our offense was weak and our power running game would have been terribly mismatched against Bama's size on defense.

Bur I agree with the rest. I don't think there's any reason to think we can be as good or better than Bama or anyone else in the SEC over the next 5 years.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Yeah it is. Have you not heard about the playoff? They aren't using the BCS system to determine seeding.

I have heard of the playoff and the lack of seeding. I thought the BCS would still exist outside of the championship game(s).

[OaktownGator]

I wish I shared your optimism. What exactly makes you think we have a better shot? Their schedule? I'd say that our chances would be equal to theirs at the very best, simply based on how few question marks they have compared to us.

Last offseason even many Bama fans I talked to were seeing 2-3 losses on their schedule with personnel losses. Many others were also predicting a drop-off for them, and we all saw how that worked out.

They definitely had some luck (with teams in front of them losing), but really only had 3 games that were close all year. We had what... 5-6 games that could be considered close? We were very fortunate to be 11-2. I think we still have to improve quite a bit.
Bama did get lucky to win the SEC. They had the easiest possible schedule they could get, LSU gave away their game, and UGA was one play and boneheaded clock management away from beating them in the SECCG.

Even though we had issues on offense this year, we'd have played them very tight if we got to the SECCG and certainly could have beaten them.

Our schedule looks more manageable this year and I expect we'll be better on offense. Maybe a whole lot better.

Not sure how far our defense will slide, but I have a lot of confidence in Muschamp on that side of the ball and we have a lot of young talent. I expect we'll be very strong by year end defensively. If we can keep to one loss in regular season, we could well be in the hunt for the SEC and BCS titles.

[geauxgator1]

Leak was 22-11 going into his senior year so he deserved a little heat. We went 11-2 with JD and I don't feel comfortable with him at all. Barely passing for 140 yds/game is pretty awful(even for a 1st year starter).

Even Bama lost three games a couple years ago so I think it is foolish to say "our defense will always be very good". Losing Floyd was huge and we lost everyone right up the middle of the D. I hope we can "plug and play" but I'm really hoping for 10-3 next year.

"foolish?" I'd say a reasonable assumption.
Point is JD has one year under his belt and it doesn't appear people are believing he can improve. That's not a reasonable assumption. Going into his second year with more experience in the system and OC, and what should be a better OL, things are looking up I'd say on that end. If after next year he doesn't come around, then maybe we can talk. Muschamp, wisely or not, limited the offensive scheme, kept it a ground and pound, played his cards close to the vest, and it looks like that was a genius move. We won a lot of games with a very average offense at best. What would JD have done with Percy, Hernandez, and those guys? Maybe not what Tebow did, but another issue is the talent he had wasn't as good as we would have wanted. Can't make chicken salad out of you know what.. and no, I'm not saying our guys are chicken s---t, just not the caliber or depth we need to win the SEC. 11-1 regular season and JD was our qb. What have we got to complain about?

[whitelakegator]

"foolish?" I'd say a reasonable assumption.
Point is JD has one year under his belt and it doesn't appear people are believing he can improve. That's not a reasonable assumption. Going into his second year with more experience in the system and OC, and what should be a better OL, things are looking up I'd say on that end. If after next year he doesn't come around, then maybe we can talk. Muschamp, wisely or not, limited the offensive scheme, kept it a ground and pound, played his cards close to the vest, and it looks like that was a genius move. We won a lot of games with a very average offense at best. What would JD have done with Percy, Hernandez, and those guys? Maybe not what Tebow did, but another issue is the talent he had wasn't as good as we would have wanted. Can't make chicken salad out of you know what.. and no, I'm not saying our guys are chicken s---t, just not the caliber or depth we need to win the SEC. 11-1 regular season and JD was our qb. What have we got to complain about?

Hopefully, the light goes off for JD or someone takes it from him. I guarantee we don't go 11-2 with a repeat on offense next season. Losing six or seven starters on defense is a lot to overcome. 10-3 will be a great season for this team. I think going 11-2 this season is going to bring some unrealistic expectations for next year. We barely beat several teams because we can't throw down field. There were many occasions we had open receivers but JD couldn't find them for whatever reason(too many excuses made for him imho). Looking at JD and the reload on defense...I see 10-3 and we'll have crazies calling for CWM's head.

And "foolish" is probably not the best word to use...my bad on that.

[maxgator]

I believe UF and UGA have bie weeks before the game, hmm

I see what you did there...

[socraticsilence]

People used to say that about Chris leak, too. I think our D will be very good as long as WM is our HC. I also think the offense will be much improved. JD just needs a little more experience and some help up front. We will be good again, but if we win 9 or more games, it will be a successful year. Our schedule looks pretty tough again.

Chris Leak's worst year was better than JD at his very best frankly to compare the two is insulting to a great gator (our alltime passing leader), additionally our schedule will always be hard- going into last season we were told repeatedly that 2013 would be Boom's make or break year- if he wins less than 10 he's on the hot seat in 2014, heck if he he wins 10 but drops a 3rd straight to Georgia he's going to have to fight to keep the Bull Gators from rising up.

[whitelakegator]

Leak threw for more yards than Danny boy? I know Danny has 117 tds vs 60 for Leak. Never knew that.

[whitelakegator]

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/leaders/pass-yds-player-career.html

Look at this list...it should scare the crap out of everyone that our guy. passed for 1646 yards for a whole season with 12 TDs and 5 picks.

I didn't even notice that the list is only since 2000...wow...here's the all-time list:

CAREER YARDS
Player, Team Years G Att. Cmp. Int. Pct. Yards TD
Case Keenum, Houston ...................................... 2007-11 57 2,229 *1,546 46 .694 *19,217 *155
Timmy Chang, Hawaii ......................................... 2000-04 53 *2,436 1,388 *80 .570 17,072 117
Graham Harrell, Texas Tech ............................... 2005-08 45 2,010 1,403 34 .698 15,793 134
Ty Detmer, BYU .................................................. .... 1988-91 46 1,530 958 65 .626 15,031 121
Kellen Moore, Boise St. ...................................... 2008-11 53 1,658 1,157 28 .698 14,667 142
Colt Brennan, Hawaii ........................................... 2005-07 38 1,584 1,115 42 #.704 14,193 131
Philip Rivers, North Carolina St. ..................... 2000-03 49 1,710 1,147 34 .671 13,484 95
Colt McCoy, Texas ................................................. 2006-09 53 1,645 1,157 45 .703 13,253 112
Kevin Kolb, Houston ........................................... 2003-06 50 1,565 964 31 .616 12,964 85
Dan LeFevour, Central Mich. ............................ 2006-09 53 1,763 1,171 36 .664 12,905 102

[OaktownGator]

No doubt we need a more efficient passing game.

But people thinking we need to pass for a lot of yards or who don't appreciate the TD to Int ratio, are missing out on a lot of strong football.

We don't need to pass for a ton of yards. That's not what Muschamp is trying to build and not what we need to be a championship football team. We just need to be able to keep the defense somewhat off balance, expose what they are trying to do, and take what the defense gives us when they over commit to stopping some aspect of the offense. And protect the damned ball... it is no coincidence that the only games we lost the TO battle and special teams, we lost.

Very few big passing teams win championships in football. Even in the NFL, which has done everything possible to force themselves into a passing league, two of the most "old school" style teams are in the Super Bowl.

And the ole ball coach himself has gone to the old school style of football. Because he knows it is the best way to win.

[Jonas]

I have heard of the playoff and the lack of seeding. I thought the BCS would still exist outside of the championship game(s).

There will be "BCS" bowls, but I don't think they will be called that. The BCS polls were just about putting #1 and #2 into the title game, and that's no longer going to be the case.

[whitelakegator]

No doubt we need a more efficient passing game.

But people thinking we need to pass for a lot of yards or who don't appreciate the TD to Int ratio, are missing out on a lot of strong football.

We don't need to pass for a ton of yards. That's not what Muschamp is trying to build and not what we need to be a championship football team. We just need to be able to keep the defense somewhat off balance, expose what they are trying to do, and take what the defense gives us when they over commit to stopping some aspect of the offense. And protect the damned ball... it is no coincidence that the only games we lost the TO battle and special teams, we lost.

Very few big passing teams win championships in football. Even in the NFL, which has done everything possible to force themselves into a passing league, two of the most "old school" style teams are in the Super Bowl.

And the ole ball coach himself has gone to the old school style of football. Because he knows it is the best way to win.

You have to have balance. And Bama has it on offense. But you have to be able to put the fear of the pass into the opponents. Right now, no one should be scared of JD...nobody. I don't think anyone on that top ten list won a title. My point was how freaking bad we are on that side of the ball. Yes, we went 11-2 with our 1880's offense. I assume CWM had little faith in JD and did the best he could. I do not think that luxury is available next season. I stand behind 10-3 being a great season for us.

[geauxgator1]

Hopefully, the light goes off for JD or someone takes it from him. I guarantee we don't go 11-2 with a repeat on offense next season. Losing six or seven starters on defense is a lot to overcome. 10-3 will be a great season for this team. I think going 11-2 this season is going to bring some unrealistic expectations for next year. We barely beat several teams because we can't throw down field. There were many occasions we had open receivers but JD couldn't find them for whatever reason(too many excuses made for him imho). Looking at JD and the reload on defense...I see 10-3 and we'll have crazies calling for CWM's head.

And "foolish" is probably not the best word to use...my bad on that.

No problem.. As we would expect SOS to have great offenses, and Meyer to have them as well,( except in his meltdown period), I think WM defenses will likely be comparable, of course no guarantees, and yes we lose some studs, but he has stockpiled the defensive players rather well.

[geauxgator1]

Chris Leak's worst year was better than JD at his very best frankly to compare the two is insulting to a great gator (our alltime passing leader), additionally our schedule will always be hard- going into last season we were told repeatedly that 2013 would be Boom's make or break year- if he wins less than 10 he's on the hot seat in 2014, heck if he he wins 10 but drops a 3rd straight to Georgia he's going to have to fight to keep the Bull Gators from rising up.

If he wins 10 games this year, and lstill loses to UGA, I don't think anyone will complain too hard even the bulls.

[geauxgator1]

Chris Leak's worst year was better than JD at his very best frankly to compare the two is insulting to a great gator (our alltime passing leader), additionally our schedule will always be hard- going into last season we were told repeatedly that 2013 would be Boom's make or break year- if he wins less than 10 he's on the hot seat in 2014, heck if he he wins 10 but drops a 3rd straight to Georgia he's going to have to fight to keep the Bull Gators from rising up.

I'm not saying JD is Leak, imo he's a much better athlete, and as to whether or not he can become a great QB or passer as Leak did, remains to be seen. People didn't think Leak could win the NC is what I was saying. JD doesn't have the talent around him that other qb's had. I would like to see JD with a good OL and recievers to work with. Leak didn't have to run for his life all the time either, nor did Tebow until his last year, nor did Wuerffel. Most of the time we had a very good OL and life as QB is much easier when you have some time to pick your spots. I know he is a long way off still, but give him this next year and we will see if it will come together for him. I'm betting he will click.

[whitelakegator]

If he wins 10 games this year, and lstill loses to UGA, I don't think anyone will complain too hard even the bulls.

Prediction: If we win ten games it will be because JD major a huge huge jump. 3200yds 20 TDs 8 picks - That's only 250 yds per game. That would put him in the top 40. He finished 99th last year. If he has trouble breaking 200 yds/game we will struggle to win eight games.

[geauxgator1]

Prediction: If we win ten games it will be because JD major a huge huge jump. 3200yds 20 TDs 8 picks - That's only 250 yds per game. That would put him in the top 40. He finished 99th last year. If he has trouble breaking 200 yds/game we will struggle to win eight games.

I don't think the offensive philosophy will change much next season. I bet WM stays ground and pound. It worked this past year. JD doesn't need to make a huge improvement, just be smarter when he's in the pocket and the protection breaks down. He can scramble and run and it should buy him time, and just get rid of the ball when he needs to. He can put a lot of pressure on the defense when he plays smart.

[whitelakegator]

AJ was 85th so who knows. Jd has nowhere near the pocket awareness as aj though. Interesting how close yet far apart we are.

[95Gator]

I believe next year is the last year of the BCS.

Hahaha. Fantastic second post in this thread.

[OaktownGator]

Prediction: If we win ten games it will be because JD major a huge huge jump. 3200yds 20 TDs 8 picks - That's only 250 yds per game. That would put him in the top 40. He finished 99th last year. If he has trouble breaking 200 yds/game we will struggle to win eight games.

Dude - you're stuck in the 90s. Since USC with Leinart in 2004 not a single BCS champ has passed for 250 ypg, and the average has been around 200 ypg.

Besides 2004, only reFSU in 99 and the Sooners in 2000 passed for 250 ypg. In 16 BCS seasons, only three championship teams passed like that. Most pass for 200 to 210 ypg... and run the ball, protect the ball, play defense and special teams.

The 2002 Bucknuts passed for just 150 ypg and won the championship.

We do need more balance, but that is mostly about being able to effectively take what the defense gives when they over commit to taking something away, and being efficient on 3rd and 5, and in the RZ. We won't be a championship team if we need to throw the ball for 250 ypg or more... that will indicate we have problems on defense. With the team Muschamp is building, if we can pass efficiently at 200 to 210 ypg, we'll win a ton of games and be set up to win championships.

[socraticsilence]

If he wins 10 games this year, and lstill loses to UGA, I don't think anyone will complain too hard even the bulls.

I think your overestimating how well Boom is regarded by some people, he's done a decent job so far but its not like he's blown anyone away additionally his approach is antithetical to a large portion of our fan base (remember some people gave Urban crap and he actually produced on the field); drop 3 straight to Georgia to begin his career and the John Cooper comparisons will be raised.

[Swampmaster]

ga and fla will likely have the same SEC record in 2013---the winner of the ga/fla game wins the east.

[geauxgator1]

I think your overestimating how well Boom is regarded by some people, he's done a decent job so far but its not like he's blown anyone away additionally his approach is antithetical to a large portion of our fan base (remember some people gave Urban crap and he actually produced on the field); drop 3 straight to Georgia to begin his career and the John Cooper comparisons will be raised.

Maybe so with the boosters, but i don't think Foley is so much intimidated at this point. We were 11-2, that buys him some time. By anyone's standards, this team overachieved this year.

[OaktownGator]

Maybe so with the boosters, but i don't think Foley is so much intimidated at this point. We were 11-2, that buys him some time. By anyone's standards, this team overachieved this year.

For sure. And any booster that doesn't realize how well Muschamp has done so far has a lot more money than brains.

[socraticsilence]

He did well, we got a ton of breaks though its not like we should be giving him a huge extension or anything. And I think you guys are underestimating just how much going 0 and 3 vs. the Dawgs would hurt his perception especially given the brand of football he likes isn't exactly well-received and that as a Dawg he'd get extra flak.

[Bazza]

You know an argument could be made if we were able to change from the most penalized team in the conference to the least penalized team we would win the conference championship right there.

Can we change our culture?

Would think we could with the right coaching.

[OaktownGator]

You know an argument could be made if we were able to change from the most penalized team in the conference to the least penalized team we would win the conference championship right there.

Can we change our culture?

Would think we could with the right coaching.
We're always the most penalized regardless of the coach. And the same coaches coach teams that are far less penalized when they coach elsewhere.

I do think we can coach more discipline in the team and we should... the illegal procedure penalties kill me. But there is also bias within SEC officials at work here and it's always clearly demonstrated in simple things like holding calls and illegal blocks on kick returns. We get called far more than other teams, even in situations where other teams are doing a lot more holding.

[bamascott2]

Bama did get lucky to win the SEC. They had the easiest possible schedule they could get, LSU gave away their game, and UGA was one play and boneheaded clock management away from beating them in the SECCG.

Even though we had issues on offense this year, we'd have played them very tight if we got to the SECCG and certainly could have beaten them.
Yes, we would have had no chance against the Gators. We wouldn't have matched up well with them at all.

:tongue:

[tilly]

I have heard of the playoff and the lack of seeding. I thought the BCS would still exist outside of the championship game(s).

But there will be no BCS title as the OP mentions.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tablet using Gator Country

[Matthanuf06]

No doubt we need a more efficient passing game.

But people thinking we need to pass for a lot of yards or who don't appreciate the TD to Int ratio, are missing out on a lot of strong football.

We don't need to pass for a ton of yards. That's not what Muschamp is trying to build and not what we need to be a championship football team. We just need to be able to keep the defense somewhat off balance, expose what they are trying to do, and take what the defense gives us when they over commit to stopping some aspect of the offense. And protect the damned ball... it is no coincidence that the only games we lost the TO battle and special teams, we lost.

Very few big passing teams win championships in football. Even in the NFL, which has done everything possible to force themselves into a passing league, two of the most "old school" style teams are in the Super Bowl.

And the ole ball coach himself has gone to the old school style of football. Because he knows it is the best way to win.

That's ridiculous honestly. We had the best defense in the nation and lucked into our record. In coin flip scenarios we hit more than we didn't.

Winning titles has a simple formula. All else equal your offense and defense, combined has to be better than everyone else. The key point is combined. You don't get brownie points for doing it a certain way. We found out this year the absolute best D cannot win with an O that bad. At the end of the day our offense has to put up points. CWM is the HBC and he can decide how he wants to do it. But he needs an above average O this year, frankly a really good O. Our D will step back and while average O would have gotten us the crystal this year we will need pretty good O next year

[OaktownGator]

That's ridiculous honestly. We had the best defense in the nation and lucked into our record. In coin flip scenarios we hit more than we didn't.

Winning titles has a simple formula. All else equal your offense and defense, combined has to be better than everyone else. The key point is combined. You don't get brownie points for doing it a certain way. We found out this year the absolute best D cannot win with an O that bad. At the end of the day our offense has to put up points. CWM is the HBC and he can decide how he wants to do it. But he needs an above average O this year, frankly a really good O. Our D will step back and while average O would have gotten us the crystal this year we will need pretty good O next year

In all honesty, you don't know enough about football or you don't pay enough attention. Likely you were one of the people before the season picking a 7-5 record... because you don't understand the game, or the strength of the team Muschamp is building. Our record was no fluke. If we had not had an uncharacteristic chitstorm of TOs against UGA, we'd have been undefeated in the regular season. That's a fact.

That same UGA team that needed six TOs to beat us, came within 10 yards and a brainfart of beating Bama. That's a fact.

Will our defense backslide a bit? Sure. Do we need more efficient offense? Sure. In fact I stated both points. Thanks for reiterating. But likely your definition of an above averge offense doesn't align with what we need to win games. Too many people around here are stiil in SOS 90s era jock... Got news for you - he's changed his jock. Winning the TO battle, winning the LOS, playing great defense and special teams... He actually coaches his team to win games that way, because it works.

[Matthanuf06]

In all honesty, you don't know enough about football or you don't pay enough attention. Likely you were one of the people before the season picking a 7-5 record... because you don't understand the game, or the strength of the team Muschamp is building. Our record was no fluke. If we had not had an uncharacteristic chitstorm of TOs against UGA, we'd have been undefeated in the regular season. That's a fact.

That same UGA team that needed six TOs to beat us, came within 10 yards and a brainfart of beating Bama. That's a fact.

Will our defense backslide a bit? Sure. Do we need more efficient offense? Sure. In fact I stated both points. Thanks for reiterating. But likely your definition of an above averge offense doesn't align with what we need to win games. Too many people around here are stiil in SOS 90s era jock... Got news for you - he's changed his jock. Winning the TO battle, winning the LOS, playing great defense and special teams... He actually coaches his team to win games that way, because it works.

Actually it's just statistics 101 that comes from a fine education from the University of Florida. Now I'm sure you went to the school so why are you forgetting what you learned? You must have been one of those folks that thought ND was better than Bama because they were undefeated with a respectable schedule.

I don't care if we have a SOS type offense. What I do care about is an offense. And what I do know is a 1960s style smash mouth predictable O is not the way to go. It doesn't work. Damn take a look at the NFL, folks like you misrepresent pro style. Every team in the playoffs spun the hell out of the ball, used innovative offenses from college, or used the spread.

[Swampmaster]

unfortunately, as long as saban is at alabama, I think alabama wins more national titles in the next 10 years than florida. Hopefully, UF gets a couple.

[OaktownGator]

Actually it's just statistics 101 that comes from a fine education from the University of Florida. Now I'm sure you went to the school so why are you forgetting what you learned? You must have been one of those folks that thought ND was better than Bama because they were undefeated with a respectable schedule.

I don't care if we have a SOS type offense. What I do care about is an offense. And what I do know is a 1960s style smash mouth predictable O is not the way to go. It doesn't work. Damn take a look at the NFL, folks like you misrepresent pro style. Every team in the playoffs spun the hell out of the ball, used innovative offenses from college, or used the spread.
What would the fine Statistics profs at UF tell you about the need to throw for 250 ypg to win a championship, when only three of sixteen BCS champs have done it? And none since the 2004 season?

That's where this conversation between you and I started, and you telling me I'm ridiculous when I pointed this out. It's abundantly clear that you never took that Stats 101 course... or none of it sunk in. :joecool:

[Bazza]

However we do it....we need a better % in Red Zone scoring and less penalties.

My 2 cents.

:)

[Bazza]

unfortunately, as long as saban is at alabama, I think alabama wins more national titles in the next 10 years than florida. Hopefully, UF gets a couple.

I agree with this.

Saban is amazing.

Alabama is amazing.

Don't hate me or take this the wrong way but I'm glad we didn't play them this year.

Next year with another year under Driskel and Peases's belt, should we play against them - we would fare better.

[Matthanuf06]

What would the fine Statistics profs at UF tell you about the need to throw for 250 ypg to win a championship, when only three of sixteen BCS champs have done it? And none since the 2004 season?

That's where this conversation between you and I started, and you telling me I'm ridiculous when I pointed this out. It's abundantly clear that you never took that Stats 101 course... or none of it sunk in. :joecool:

They would say that is terrible cherry picking analysis.

And besides your starting point seems to require a great defense. While that is great, it is a massive assumption when constructing a team. You can't go into it saying "lets have a mediocre O and a great defense." A great defense is very difficult to achieve. You have a far better chance at achieving excellence by striving for it on both sides of the ball, so one side can carry the other when need be.

[OaktownGator]

They would say that is terrible cherry picking analysis.
So I "cherry picked" for a discussion on championship football by citing the stats for all of the BCS championship football teams.

It appears you would prefer to look at stats for teams that don't win championships. :laugh:

And besides your starting point seems to require a great defense. While that is great, it is a massive assumption when constructing a team. You can't go into it saying "lets have a mediocre O and a great defense." A great defense is very difficult to achieve. You have a far better chance at achieving excellence by striving for it on both sides of the ball, so one side can carry the other when need be.
Of course we need great defense.

Defense wins championships isn't just a cliche.
The 2008 Sooners had the highest scoring offense in CFB history. They were held to 14 points by our defense. There probably wasn't a Sooner fan alive that believed that was even remotely possible.

The 2006 Bucknuts and Heisman winner "Honk if you've sacked me" Troy Smith held to seven offensive points... by a team that "didn't even belong in the game".

The only BCS title winner I can think of that didn't have a great defense was Auburn... and their defensive line overpowered the Oregon OL and thoroughly disrupted Oregon's "unstoppable" offense. So, it was still defense that ruled the day.

As far as great defenses being difficult to achieve, it is no coincidence that Muschamp builds great defenses where ever he goes. The guy knows how to coach defense. And he's been loading up talent on that side of the ball, so there is plenty to work with, even though we're losing some key players. We'll likely have some growing pains, but a couple months into the season, I expect we will have a top 10 defense (or better), based on the talent he's working with, and the progression we've seen in our players the first couple of years.

The definition of "excellence" on offense is the real issue here.
Nobody is arguing for "mediocre" offense, or against "striving for excellence" on offense. What is being argued is the definition of excellence.

Throwing for 250 ypg, has nothing to do with winning football, and in fact is rarely what championship teams do, as clearly illustrated by BCS history.

Minimizing negative plays, maximizing 3rd down conversion percentage, RZ conversion percentage, passing efficiency and of course TO margin are all far more important statistics. That's where you win ball games. Throwing the ball around the park a lot gets people excited and looks great against mediocre defenses. But it is a recipe for negative plays, TOs, and poor 3rd down and RZ conversion percentage, when you play against elite defenses.

If we protect the football, run the ball well (which looks like we'll probably be able to do), and convert efficiently on 3rd downs and in the RZ, we'll be an excellent offense, whether we throw for 100 yards or 300 yards.

Go Gators!

[Swampmaster]

If we protect the football, run the ball well (which looks like we'll probably be able to do), and convert efficiently on 3rd downs and in the RZ, we'll be an excellent offense, [/B]

those are a lot of ifs.

[OaktownGator]

those are a lot of ifs.

Sure. And I'm not saying we will do all those things.... just that it's a far better measure of "excellence" than how many passing yards we go for.

[crestviewgator]

AJ was 85th so who knows. Jd has nowhere near the pocket awareness as aj though. Interesting how close yet far apart we are.

Have you seen the oline AJ has had ... if ours play that well you will see a much better JD book it!!

[Tebowism0823]

Chris Leak's worst year was better than JD at his very best frankly to compare the two is insulting to a great gator (our alltime passing leader), additionally our schedule will always be hard- going into last season we were told repeatedly that 2013 would be Boom's make or break year- if he wins less than 10 he's on the hot seat in 2014, heck if he he wins 10 but drops a 3rd straight to Georgia he's going to have to fight to keep the Bull Gators from rising up.

Everything about your post is a joke and predictable from you. You hate Boom, we get it. Move on!

[Tebowism0823]

I think your overestimating how well Boom is regarded by some people, he's done a decent job so far but its not like he's blown anyone away additionally his approach is antithetical to a large portion of our fan base (remember some people gave Urban crap and he actually produced on the field); drop 3 straight to Georgia to begin his career and the John Cooper comparisons will be raised.

And your lack of knowledge about Muschamps supporters is showing. He has full support and is liked by all; well at least the ones that matter in the end. Muschamp has already begun to prove himself and doesn't need to prove anything to the likes of you.

[Tebowism0823]

Yes, we would have had no chance against the Gators. We wouldn't have matched up well with them at all.

:tongue:

Read much? He never said anything close to what you typed.

[Tebowism0823]

Sure. And I'm not saying we will do all those things.... just that it's a far better measure of "excellence" than how many passing yards we go for.

I agree with everything you posted. There seems to be some posters currently here that are hating on all things UF football right now. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. The ones hating on JD are the ones that never mention a line that couldn't pass block, or the lack of skill players, or the fact that we had a different OC once again. Then of course there's the clowns who continue to throw jabs at Boom for being a "dawg". As Ron White says, "You Can't Fix Stupid" :)

As far as the stats you're using to make your point, when somebody still argues even when proven wrong with facts, they just want to argue. I wouldn't waste your time.

[Juggernautz]

I'm not convinced Bama was that much better than us this year. We would have given them a very good game...especially after seeing them versus UGA and aTm. So I see no reason to think we don't continue to improve and bring in top recruits that will keep us toe to toe.

My point is...they are in no better shape looking 5 years ahead than we are.

...and yes...the BCS ends next year

Maybe Louisville as well?

[GatorAvatar]

If he wins 10 games this year, and lstill loses to UGA, I don't think anyone will complain too hard even the bulls.

Three straight losses to UGALY will not bode well for CWM.

[Matthanuf06]

So I "cherry picked" for a discussion on championship football by citing the stats for all of the BCS championship football teams.

It appears you would prefer to look at stats for teams that don't win championships. :laugh:

Of course we need great defense.

Defense wins championships isn't just a cliche.
The 2008 Sooners had the highest scoring offense in CFB history. They were held to 14 points by our defense. There probably wasn't a Sooner fan alive that believed that was even remotely possible.

The 2006 Bucknuts and Heisman winner "Honk if you've sacked me" Troy Smith held to seven offensive points... by a team that "didn't even belong in the game".

The only BCS title winner I can think of that didn't have a great defense was Auburn... and their defensive line overpowered the Oregon OL and thoroughly disrupted Oregon's "unstoppable" offense. So, it was still defense that ruled the day.

As far as great defenses being difficult to achieve, it is no coincidence that Muschamp builds great defenses where ever he goes. The guy knows how to coach defense. And he's been loading up talent on that side of the ball, so there is plenty to work with, even though we're losing some key players. We'll likely have some growing pains, but a couple months into the season, I expect we will have a top 10 defense (or better), based on the talent he's working with, and the progression we've seen in our players the first couple of years.

The definition of "excellence" on offense is the real issue here.
Nobody is arguing for "mediocre" offense, or against "striving for excellence" on offense. What is being argued is the definition of excellence.

Throwing for 250 ypg, has nothing to do with winning football, and in fact is rarely what championship teams do, as clearly illustrated by BCS history.

Minimizing negative plays, maximizing 3rd down conversion percentage, RZ conversion percentage, passing efficiency and of course TO margin are all far more important statistics. That's where you win ball games. Throwing the ball around the park a lot gets people excited and looks great against mediocre defenses. But it is a recipe for negative plays, TOs, and poor 3rd down and RZ conversion percentage, when you play against elite defenses.

If we protect the football, run the ball well (which looks like we'll probably be able to do), and convert efficiently on 3rd downs and in the RZ, we'll be an excellent offense, whether we throw for 100 yards or 300 yards.

Go Gators!

It is fine for bar discussion, but don't try to pass it off as statistics. And the truth is YPG is a bad statistic to begin with. Looking at poor statistics and doing poor analysis with them can only result in meaningless conclusions.

And FYI this streak of SEC champions has had nearly as much to do with offense than defense. Bama was 5th in the nation on a per play basis last year. Go down the list of MNC winners and you'll see a similar trend.

And your assumption that offenses that lean pass are more apt to get shut down is false. Sure, passing offenses have far more variability on a per play basis, with more risk. The reward is much higher as well. And besides a great defense, by definition, is more likely to hold a great offense under their average. Just like a great offense is more likely to hurt a great defenses average.

[OaktownGator]

It is fine for bar discussion, but don't try to pass it off as statistics. And the truth is YPG is a bad statistic to begin with. Looking at poor statistics and doing poor analysis with them can only result in meaningless conclusions.

And FYI this streak of SEC champions has had nearly as much to do with offense than defense. Bama was 5th in the nation on a per play basis last year. Go down the list of MNC winners and you'll see a similar trend.

And your assumption that offenses that lean pass are more apt to get shut down is false. Sure, passing offenses have far more variability on a per play basis, with more risk. The reward is much higher as well. And besides a great defense, by definition, is more likely to hold a great offense under their average. Just like a great offense is more likely to hurt a great defenses average.
I should probably take Tebowism's advice, but I'll respond this last time, and I'm done.

If you want to come on here talking about statistics like you know something about them, try actually using them to support your position.

I specifically demonstrated how passing ypg at the mythical 250 ypg level proposed by another poster as critical to us winning next season, have very low correlation to winning championships (<20% for BCS overall, and 0% since 2004). That is a statistically supported fact.

So now you throw your hands up in the air, and say you don't like that stat. Well, if you actually believe it's a bad stat, why in the wide wide world of sports were you arguing with me about it?

Just freaking bizarre.

Peace. Out. Go Gators.

[whitelakegator]

Ok...so let me REPHRASE...Alabama had the 31st overall offense in the FBS. We were 103.

I'm sorry you CLUNG to the 250 yds/game number like a life raft at the Titanic.

Let's be real and call a spade for what it is...our offense sucked no matter you try to rationalize it. It wasn't a championship offense. The defense was and we missed out on a great opportunity. I don't bet against the Gators on anything...if I did...I would certainly give you odds that we end up outside the top 20 next year on defense.

The whole point of my even saying JD will have to improve massively is because the defense will take a step back. We may have to win some games 31-28 or 35-31.

There's nothing mythical about 103rd in offense.

EDIT: Doing a "little" research myself...the worst offense I could find so far is Bama at 42nd a couple years back. Most in the last ten years are top 20. To reiterate, that crap we saw last year isn't going to win anything. Does that make sense? Close to the vest is one thing, having a vest three sizes too small is entirely another. The offense needs a lot of work regardless of the rationalizations made on here.

[OaktownGator]

Ok...so let me REPHRASE...Alabama had the 31st overall offense in the FBS. We were 103.

I'm sorry you CLUNG to the 250 yds/game number like a life raft at the Titanic.

Let's be real and call a spade for what it is...our offense sucked no matter you try to rationalize it. It wasn't a championship offense. The defense was and we missed out on a great opportunity. I don't bet against the Gators on anything...if I did...I would certainly give you odds that we end up outside the top 20 next year on defense.

The whole point of my even saying JD will have to improve massively is because the defense will take a step back. We may have to win some games 31-28 or 35-31.

There's nothing mythical about 103rd in offense.
Our offense will need to improve... even if we field another top five quality defense, we need more efficient offense to compete effectively against elite defenses.

No arguments there.

I think we would all be well advised to understand how Muschamp is architecting the team to win ball games, and understand what a good offense is in that context, though. An efficient offense that dominates the LOS, protects the ball, moves the chains, gets explosive plays and puts the ball in the end zone - he'll go for that. Passing numbers can vary a good deal and still fit within that criteria.

[Matthanuf06]

I should probably take Tebowism's advice, but I'll respond this last time, and I'm done.

If you want to come on here talking about statistics like you know something about them, try actually using them to support your position.

I specifically demonstrated how passing ypg at the mythical 250 ypg level proposed by another poster as critical to us winning next season, have very low correlation to winning championships (<20% for BCS overall, and 0% since 2004). That is a statistically supported fact.

So now you throw your hands up in the air, and say you don't like that stat. Well, if you actually believe it's a bad stat, why in the wide wide world of sports were you arguing with me about it?

Just freaking bizarre.

Peace. Out. Go Gators.

I prefer advanced stats used correctly. Now we don't have to bust out confidence intervals here, but we can't stoop so low to pick arbitrary numbers in small sample sizes to try to prove a point.

[socraticsilence]

You know an argument could be made if we were able to change from the most penalized team in the conference to the least penalized team we would win the conference championship right there.

Can we change our culture?

Would think we could with the right coaching.

I think penalties are overrated in fans eyes- unless you can just hold with impunity(Bama) I don't think they hurt too much(its not like this is a new thing the Spurrier and Meyer teams were also heavily penalized), our problem currently is that our offense is so conservative that a single holding penalty and at times even a false start essentially ends a drive since our play calling is basically short run, short run, short pass- if we become more explosive and air it out more 5 and 10 yard set backs wont be completely catastrophic.

[socraticsilence]

In all honesty, you don't know enough about football or you don't pay enough attention. Likely you were one of the people before the season picking a 7-5 record... because you don't understand the game, or the strength of the team Muschamp is building. Our record was no fluke. If we had not had an uncharacteristic chitstorm of TOs against UGA, we'd have been undefeated in the regular season. That's a fact.

That same UGA team that needed six TOs to beat us, came within 10 yards and a brainfart of beating Bama. That's a fact.

Will our defense backslide a bit? Sure. Do we need more efficient offense? Sure. In fact I stated both points. Thanks for reiterating. But likely your definition of an above averge offense doesn't align with what we need to win games. Too many people around here are stiil in SOS 90s era jock... Got news for you - he's changed his jock. Winning the TO battle, winning the LOS, playing great defense and special teams... He actually coaches his team to win games that way, because it works.

I realize the current trend is to worship Bama, but its not the only way to win- heck, Bama found that out when a "soft" "gimmick" spread team came in to T-town and dropped 21 in the first quarter on them. Honestly the "needed 6 turnovers" thing is a red herring- did we get lucky and "need 5 turnovers" to beat FSU-- after all we trailed in that game going into the 4th, while UGA basically controlled the game for much of the day.

[socraticsilence]

And your lack of knowledge about Muschamps supporters is showing. He has full support and is liked by all; well at least the ones that matter in the end. Muschamp has already begun to prove himself and doesn't need to prove anything to the likes of you.

If you think a say 8 or 9 win season with a 3 straight loss to UGA wouldn't make Boom sweat 2014 your crazy. Heck if he doesn't win an SEC title (not just an East title) by 2015 he's gone- you don't go 5 years at Florida and not win the SEC and keep your job that's just the way it is- if you want to accept mediocrity start rooting for the Noles.

[OaktownGator]

I realize the current trend is to worship Bama, but its not the only way to win- heck, Bama found that out when a "soft" "gimmick" spread team came in to T-town and dropped 21 in the first quarter on them. Honestly the "needed 6 turnovers" thing is a red herring- did we get lucky and "need 5 turnovers" to beat FSU-- after all we trailed in that game going into the 4th, while UGA basically controlled the game for much of the day.
Play great defense and special teams, and win the TO battle... those have always been the biggest keys to winning football.

What did Meyer always emphasize in the plan to win? There's your answer above.

It's got nothing to do with Bama... it's the most tried and true way to win championships. Which is why Muschamp has the same "plan to win" as Meyer did, although with different types of players and schemes, and more emphasis on winning the LOS and wearing down opponents to help win the 4th quarter.

Personally, I'm good with that, cuz it works.

When he has his players in his systems with Pease and company, we'll be fine on offense. Just takes a little time after the cluster function the Meyer left us on offense, and knowing the first priority is to play great defense.

As far as Bama goes, they were in a rebuilding year. A&M got them because Bama's defense was not great this year, due to losing so many players to the NFL.

But Bama still had enough to win the national championship, thoroughly decimating an undefeated Notre Dame team.

Maybe they actually know a little something about winning football there. :joecool:

[OaktownGator]

If you think a say 8 or 9 win season with a 3 straight loss to UGA wouldn't make Boom sweat 2014 your crazy. Heck if he doesn't win an SEC title (not just an East title) by 2015 he's gone- you don't go 5 years at Florida and not win the SEC and keep your job that's just the way it is- if you want to accept mediocrity start rooting for the Noles.
Since when is it "mediocre" to go 11-2 in your second season, playing the toughest schedule in the country, while rebuilding a program that the prior coach openly stated was "broken"?

There are all kinds of doom and gloom scenarios we could invent where any coach would get fired. But why invent them, when the evidence shows our current coach has the program going in the right direction? And why declare other posters as "accepting mediocrity" when there is no evidence of that either?

It's clear that you don't like Muschamp for some reason. That's certainly your right. But it's clearly not based on his performance.

[baygator1]

Since when is it "mediocre" to go 11-2 in your second season, playing the toughest schedule in the country, while rebuilding a program that the prior coach openly stated was "broken"?

There are all kinds of doom and gloom scenarios we could invent where any coach would get fired. But why invent them, when the evidence shows our current coach has the program going in the right direction? And why declare other posters as "accepting mediocrity" when there is no evidence of that either?

It's clear that you don't like Muschamp for some reason. That's certainly your right. But it's clearly not based on his performance.

No kidding. Part of the mediocrity is coaching in Kansas (and other parts), part of it graduated, and some transferred.

Muschamp has assembled a fine staff. He's recruiting his rear end off. And he's nearly overcome the urban debacle.

[whitelakegator]

CWM has done a great job so far. Next year will be telling. If he can manage ten wins in '13 then he's a keeper. 8-5? The seat will be very very warm. I'm worried that he's too conservative on offense(or JD just plain stinks). Hopefully, he gets out of his offensive comfort zone and opens it up next year.

[OaktownGator]

I prefer advanced stats used correctly. Now we don't have to bust out confidence intervals here, but we can't stoop so low to pick arbitrary numbers in small sample sizes to try to prove a point.
The data point I responded to was the data point you specifically chose to remark on (calling my post "ridiculous").

My sample size was every national championship team in the BCS era. With our sample size exactly equal to our population, what confidence level and confidence interval should we get in our data from a 100% sample size?

No B.S. - just a straight answer, Mr Statistics.

Of course we could increase the population from BCS champions to all CFB champions. But that would just further highlight the point in my original post, as most of CFB history saw far, far less passing than we have in the past couple of decades.

If you feel like doing the legwork to increase the target population and increase the sample size appropriately, have at it.

If not, we can all assume this is just another in a series of deflections.... that I would hope we woudn't "stoop so low" to. :joecool:

[RealDeal]

the 2012 offense was bad--no way to sugarcoat it. but, UF had bad wide receivers, 1 decent RB and a mediocre Oline---not a good combination. Alabama has 3 O-lineman who may go in rounds 1-2 of the draft, a RB who will go in the top 15 and a QB who has won 2 straight national titles, good WRs---big differences.

[OaktownGator]

CWM has done a great job so far. Next year will be telling. If he can manage ten wins in '13 then he's a keeper. 8-5? The seat will be very very warm. I'm worried that he's too conservative on offense(or JD just plain stinks). Hopefully, he gets out of his offensive comfort zone and opens it up next year.
Fair points.

I expect the offense will be better, with a better and deeper OL, more experience at QB, and more talent at WR. And perhaps in part from need, depending on how quickly our defense comes around.

And we are going to win at least 10 games this season. No worries there.

[GatorByte]

And we are going to win at least 10 games this season. No worries there.

"No worries" about winning at least 10 games is pretty unrealistic imo.

Serious question... what do think CWM would be thinking if he read a statement like that?

[whitelakegator]

Fair points.

I expect the offense will be better, with a better and deeper OL, more experience at QB, and more talent at WR. And perhaps in part from need, depending on how quickly our defense comes around.

And we are going to win at least 10 games this season. No worries there.

Losing Quinn, Floyd, Elam, and five others on defense is the problem. We won 11 games with a triple digit offense(not triple option). Reason? The defense. We won't have that luxury next season. The o line and wrs aren't as bad as people make them sound. Too many times you saw wrs running open and JD just couldn't see them. That is a problem. It is even a bigger problem when it is the last game of the season after weeks of bowl game practice.

I don't buy into that "new system" baloney. So if Aaron Murray got a new OC this season everyone would expect garbage? Come on...

[OaktownGator]

"No worries" about winning at least 10 games is pretty unrealistic imo.

Serious question... what do think CWM would be thinking if he read a statement like that?
That I have confidence in the program he's building including the coaching staff and players.

And perhaps that I looked at the schedule, which sets up better than the one we had last year.

It is possible we don't win 10, but I think it is unlikely. And I expect CWM will take it a lot more personally than I do if we finish with less than 10 wins.

[OaktownGator]

Losing Quinn, Floyd, Elam, and five others on defense is the problem. We won 11 games with a triple digit offense(not triple option). Reason? The defense. We won't have that luxury next season. The o line and wrs aren't as bad as people make them sound. Too many times you saw wrs running open and JD just couldn't see them. That is a problem. It is even a bigger problem when it is the last game of the season after weeks of bowl game practice.

I don't buy into that "new system" baloney. So if Aaron Murray got a new OC this season everyone would expect garbage? Come on...
I know the losses on defense are an issue. But we fielded a fairly strong defense the year before and we were in much worse shape in terms of talent and experience, plus we had a new coaching staff. We'll see some growing pains, but I have a lot of confidence in the talent and coaching... by mid-season we'll be strong on defense.

On offense, this is the second year with experience in Pease's system for JD and all the players. We should see more of the offense including more shifts and motions, to help keep opposing defenses off balance.

JD should improve a good deal, although I agree that vision/reads are an issue. I think his biggest issue may be getting good presnap reads, which he should be able to learn with enough film study and practice. If I'm wrong on that, then the offense could be challenged again, for sure. But even so, it is very likely we'll at least have a more effective OL, which gives all the skill position players a shot to make more plays.

[JohnC1908]

Losing Quinn, Floyd, Elam, and five others on defense is the problem. We won 11 games with a triple digit offense(not triple option). Reason? The defense. We won't have that luxury next season. The o line and wrs aren't as bad as people make them sound. Too many times you saw wrs running open and JD just couldn't see them. That is a problem. It is even a bigger problem when it is the last game of the season after weeks of bowl game practice.

I don't buy into that "new system" baloney. So if Aaron Murray got a new OC this season everyone would expect garbage? Come on...

Tell us all what game the receivers were wide open. Please tell us all about these can't miss prospects on the OLine and at WR the NFL is drooling over.

[Swampmaster]

And we are going to win at least 10 games this season. No worries there.

winning 10 and losing 2--not a great season after winning 11 with a mediocre offense.

[socraticsilence]

Since when is it "mediocre" to go 11-2 in your second season, playing the toughest schedule in the country, while rebuilding a program that the prior coach openly stated was "broken"?

There are all kinds of doom and gloom scenarios we could invent where any coach would get fired. But why invent them, when the evidence shows our current coach has the program going in the right direction? And why declare other posters as "accepting mediocrity" when there is no evidence of that either?

It's clear that you don't like Muschamp for some reason. That's certainly your right. But it's clearly not based on his performance.

Its based quite a bit on performance and a bit on approach-- namely I grew up watching Spurrier teams then went to college watching Meyer teams- I don't like boring offenses and frankly a boring 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense is what Boom wants, additionally its not what we've built our success on over the last two decades (you know the period where we've been nationally relevant as a program), I don't want us to become just another boring SEC team like Bama or LSU that's not Florida football, that's what was so awesome about watching A&M whoop Bama, it showed that you don't have to play a boring cookie cutter style of football to have success in this league, and then we got to see a real offense again in the Sugar Bowl, hopefully Boom takes the lessons Charlie taught him to heart and opens up the offense if not I don't see us being all that great next year.

In terms of performance what part of our offense over the last two season was in any way acceptable-- do you think we can have a Top 10 (in the SEC) offense this year, maybe even a Top 75 offense nationally- because that would be a huge leap forward.

[socraticsilence]

That I have confidence in the program he's building including the coaching staff and players.

And perhaps that I looked at the schedule, which sets up better than the one we had last year.

It is possible we don't win 10, but I think it is unlikely. And I expect CWM will take it a lot more personally than I do if we finish with less than 10 wins.

Well obviously, I mean you wont be filing for unemployment if that happens while he very well might be.

[gatorr4life]

For Bama to win more than 1 National Championship in the next 5 years, that would mean they would have won 5 Championships (or more) in a 9 year span, and 4 (or more) in a 7 year span. That seems extremely unlikely, especially given that the last two championship teams got beat (one of which didn't even win their division). That fact, plus the switch to the playoff system giving more teams a chance at a title, would make me say that Florida winning a Championship is more likely. But I'd say Alabama fans CLAIMING multiple national titles over the next 5 years is the most likely scenario of all.

Lol good post.

[OaktownGator]

Its based quite a bit on performance and a bit on approach-- namely I grew up watching Spurrier teams then went to college watching Meyer teams- I don't like boring offenses and frankly a boring 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense is what Boom wants, additionally its not what we've built our success on over the last two decades (you know the period where we've been nationally relevant as a program), I don't want us to become just another boring SEC team like Bama or LSU that's not Florida football, that's what was so awesome about watching A&M whoop Bama, it showed that you don't have to play a boring cookie cutter style of football to have success in this league, and then we got to see a real offense again in the Sugar Bowl, hopefully Boom takes the lessons Charlie taught him to heart and opens up the offense if not I don't see us being all that great next year.

In terms of performance what part of our offense over the last two season was in any way acceptable-- do you think we can have a Top 10 (in the SEC) offense this year, maybe even a Top 75 offense nationally- because that would be a huge leap forward.
I believe your assumption about Muschamp wanting a "3 yards in a cloud of dust" offense is wildly incorrect. He didn't hire Pease for that.

In terms of what part of our offense was acceptable, TO margin, physical run game and TOP - those areas were all directly related to our record. The two games we turn the ball over, we lose.

I know some people would have been happier if we had our first year QB trying to throw the ball all over the park last season behind an OL that couldn't pass protect, but we'd have turned the ball over a ton more, and not won the fourth quarter the way we did... We'd have been a seven to eight win team with the players we had on offense.

The offense will evolve as we get more experienced talent understanding Pease' system. Part of that will depend on how quickly the light comes on for our QB.

Defense still wins championships... Muschamp is doing it the right way.

[socraticsilence]

I believe your assumption about Muschamp wanting a "3 yards in a cloud of dust" offense is wildly incorrect. He didn't hire Pease for that.

In terms of what part of our offense was acceptable, TO margin, physical run game and TOP - those areas were all directly related to our record. The two games we turn the ball over, we lose.

I know some people would have been happier if we had our first year QB trying to throw the ball all over the park last season behind an OL that couldn't pass protect, but we'd have turned the ball over a ton more, and not won the fourth quarter the way we did... We'd have been a seven to eight win team with the players we had on offense.

The offense will evolve as we get more experienced talent understanding Pease' system. Part of that will depend on how quickly the light comes on for our QB.

Defense still wins championships... Muschamp is doing it the right way.


We'll see, I honestly hope you're right but I think Will might just be an ultra conservative coach like say Rex Ryan (interestingly enough the only actual pro team that runs it anywhere near as much as our supposedly "pro style" approach does- I'm cool with a pro style team- if that team is say Washington).

[OaktownGator]

We'll see, I honestly hope you're right but I think Will might just be an ultra conservative coach like say Rex Ryan (interestingly enough the only actual pro team that runs it anywhere near as much as our supposedly "pro style" approach does- I'm cool with a pro style team- if that team is say Washington).
I think what Mschamp wants to build is along the lines of Mid-80s Gator teams or the great Canes teams - dominant defense, strong, explosive special teams, multiple pro style offense with a strong run game and big play ability... and with addition of some of the Boise shifts and motions to get the defense to expose itself presnap, and create mismatches with flex players.

We'll see how long it takes to get there.

[geauxgator1]

I think what Mschamp wants to build is along the lines of Mid-80s Gator teams or the great Canes teams - dominant defense, strong, explosive special teams, multiple pro style offense with a strong run game and big play ability... and with addition of some of the Boise shifts and motions to get the defense to expose itself presnap, and create mismatches with flex players.

We'll see how long it takes to get there.

Well, that pretty much sums it up. He wants the best of all worlds, but the offense isn't quite there yet, so the offense does the best it can right now, which is play conservatively and try not to lose the game. The defense (and special teams) are our strengths, so let them win the games. WM did an excellent job.