Who do think will win the NC this year? Pick your 5 favorites.

[acegator]

If you were a betting person, what five teams would you pick to win the NC this year excluding odds. Let's pretend for fun that you would win a million bucks if you get it right. Put your teams down in order that you think they will win.

[geauxgator1]

BAMA
OSU
UF
A&M
Oregon

[theghost]

I'd add Louisville to the list. They should easily go unbeaten. Their SOS make not get them to the title game if there are more than 2 unbeaten's.

[GATORAZ]

UF
BAMA
OSU
Stanford
Oregon

[GATORAZ]

I'd add Louisville to the list. They should easily go unbeaten. Their SOS make not get them to the title game if there are more than 2 unbeaten's.
One of the worst schedules I have ever seen they are not getting in. 1 loss teams from other conferences will get in before them.

[LimeyGator]

I have a bad feeling there will be 2 undefeateds, one being Ohio State courtesy of their ridiculously straightforward schedule, and they will win it after playing someone other than an SEC team in the NCG...

Then we will hear how incredible Urban is and it will wind many Gators up beyond for the entire 2013/14 off season...

[GATORAZ]

I have a bad feeling there will be 2 undefeateds, one being Ohio State courtesy of their ridiculously straightforward schedule, and they will win it after playing someone other than an SEC team in the NCG...

Then we will hear how incredible Urban is and it will wind many Gators up beyond for the entire 2013/14 off season...

I dont think that is going to happen but I would sure would laugh people take the Urban stuff way too serious.

[Chompsuey]

Bama
OSU
Stanford
UF
Uga

I think aggy is overrated and Oregon will miss Kelly allowing cardinal to win the PAC. If UF doesn't make it I would love to see bama smash OSU.

[Tebowism0823]

UF
Bama
OSU
N.Dame
Oregon

[CSpantheGatorFan]

Bama-This may be the first year Bama doesn't need luck to win the NC under Saban. (Colt McCoy injury, undeserved rematch, easy SEC schedule). Should be a loaded team.

OSU- Urban Meyer, talented team, and most of all an easy schedule. I think they drop one to Wisconsin or Michigan, but I'd still put them up there as a favorite.

Oklahoma- I think the Big 12 takes a step back this year and they will be the beneficiary. Although history suggests they will blow a game or two, if they can end with one loss, they would have a great chance to play for the NC.

Louisville- Charlie Strong (So glad he didn't take the UT job), Teddy Bridgewater, and a pretty easy schedule for a program that seems to keep improving. Should have a really good chance at a 0-1 loss regular season and Big East championship.

Stanford- They play Oregon at home and the Pac-12 North should come down to that game. I could see a one loss season for them.

I'm not saying these are the five best teams, but I think these teams have a great chance to play for the 2013 BCS NC Game.

I'd throw UF, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan in the Wildcard category. All have some questions, but if they answer them, they could really make some noise in their respective conferences and make a run at the NC Game.

JMOT.

[SkyChimp]

I have a bad feeling there will be 2 undefeateds, one being Ohio State courtesy of their ridiculously straightforward schedule, and they will win it after playing someone other than an SEC team in the NCG...

Then we will hear how incredible Urban is and it will wind many Gators up beyond for the entire 2013/14 off season...

Wells said mate! I think OSU will be over rated this year and I'm not looking forward to the bloody Urban hype from the press. The Gators will be massive and will drag other teams all over the field. We're going to have a great season. It's gonna be smashing! :yes:

[g8rboy]

Bama
Texas A&M
UF
Georgia
LSU

[Welshgator]

If Ohio State makes it to the NC game I would love for UF or Bama to stick it to them

Bama
LSU
UF
Stanford
Louisville

[GATORAZ]

This is Louisville's schedule next year you cant go to the NC game with a schedule like this the computers are going to kill them.

Ohio Bobcats
Eastern Kentucky
at Kentucky
Florida International
at Temple
Rutgers
UCF Knights
at USF Bulls
at Connecticut
Houston
Memphis
at Cincinnati

[Wormwood56]

Bama
Ohio State
Oregon
Georgia
Florida

[g8r925]

UF
Bama
Texas a&m
OSU
Stanford

[mh2os]

Bama
tOSU
Oregon
Clemson

[geauxgator1]

Bama
OSU
Stanford
UF
Uga

I think aggy is overrated and Oregon will miss Kelly allowing cardinal to win the PAC. If UF doesn't make it I would love to see bama smash OSU.

I think A & M is only a good team without Manziel. As long as he is healthy, they can win any game. They have a relatively tough schedule, but are pretty solid on defense too.

[garettk]

Is FSU back? This could influence my decision. ;)

[ValdostaGatorFan]

UF
Bama
OSU
aTm
Clemson

[theghost]

Bama-This may be the first year Bama doesn't need luck to win the NC under Saban. (Colt McCoy injury, undeserved rematch, easy SEC schedule). Should be a loaded team.

OSU- Urban Meyer, talented team, and most of all an easy schedule. I think they drop one to Wisconsin or Michigan, but I'd still put them up there as a favorite.

Oklahoma- I think the Big 12 takes a step back this year and they will be the beneficiary. Although history suggests they will blow a game or two, if they can end with one loss, they would have a great chance to play for the NC.

Louisville- Charlie Strong (So glad he didn't take the UT job), Teddy Bridgewater, and a pretty easy schedule for a program that seems to keep improving. Should have a really good chance at a 0-1 loss regular season and Big East championship.

Stanford- They play Oregon at home and the Pac-12 North should come down to that game. I could see a one loss season for them.

I'm not saying these are the five best teams, but I think these teams have a great chance to play for the 2013 BCS NC Game.

I'd throw UF, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan in the Wildcard category. All have some questions, but if they answer them, they could really make some noise in their respective conferences and make a run at the NC Game.

JMOT.


This is the most realistic, non-homer list I've seen posted yet. Agree w/ your assessements. I'd add UGA to the wildcard bunch as well. I'm curious why those listing UF as a top 5 favorite aren't listing UGA. Other than homerism, it makes no sense. UGA lost about as much as we did...and return as much as we do..but are much better offensively than we are. If anything, I'd say they should be a top-5 candidate and us more of a wildcard.

Regarding Louisville's schedule, yes it's easy. But you never know what will happen. The last time the Big East had an undefeated they played us in the Sugar Bowl and got stomped. But if they are the only unbeaten it would be hard to see them not going.

[sleeze]

UGA lost 9 or 10 defense....

there not in the Discussion....Aaron Murray has Disappeared against good Defenses.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

UGA lost 9 or 10 defense....

there not in the Discussion....Aaron Murray has Disappeared against good Defenses.

Murray has beaten the Gators two years in a row. He looked pretty good against Bama too.


Louisville? Are we talking round ball? They lost to 5-7 Connecticut (who in turn lost to Western Michigan) at home and got blown out by a decent Syracuse team. They beat 3-9 USF by 2, a winless Southern Miss team by 4 and 3-9 FIU by 7.

You guys made them look like world beaters and just played a poor game. Louisville as a NC contender next year is laughable.

OSU plays Bama and SEC notches another one.
Clemson (if they beat UGA)
USCe (if they beat UGA)
UGA (if they beat Clemson, USCe and Florida)
Dark horse - A&M

[Tito22]

Alabama over Ohio St
Georgia
The field

[gator1986]

Florida
Alabama
OSU
Oregon
Stanford

[whitelakegator]

OSU
Bammer
A&M
OU
Oregon

I think we go 10-3 next year and I will be ecstatic with that. USC and Spurrier could make some noise as well.

[GataBaitx3]

OSU
Bammer
A&M
OU
Oregon

I think we go 10-3 next year and I will be ecstatic with that. USC and Spurrier could make some noise as well.

10-3?! Ummmmm....

[gator1986]

OSU
Bammer
A&M
OU
Oregon

I think we go 10-3 next year and I will be ecstatic with that. USC and Spurrier could make some noise as well.

I can't see who all we would lose to? We should have 1 no more.

[geauxgator1]

Murray has beaten the Gators two years in a row. He looked pretty good against Bama too.


Louisville? Are we talking round ball? They lost to 5-7 Connecticut (who in turn lost to Western Michigan) at home and got blown out by a decent Syracuse team. They beat 3-9 USF by 2, a winless Southern Miss team by 4 and 3-9 FIU by 7.

You guys made them look like world beaters and just played a poor game. Louisville as a NC contender next year is laughable.

Everybody beat the Gators two years ago. Murray is good, but not a NC QB. Good thing has a lot of talent around him.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

Everybody beat the Gators two years ago. Murray is good, but not a NC QB. Good thing has a lot of talent around him.

Anybody not wearing Gator colors that watched the SECC game last year disagrees with you. UGA would have destroyed ND too.

Speaking of ND, how are they going to start the season ranked in the top 10?

[theghost]

Everybody beat the Gators two years ago. Murray is good, but not a NC QB. Good thing has a lot of talent around him.

This is really a poor arguement. Murray is every bit as good as Chris Leak (and his stats and W/L record prove it). Tee Martin won a national championship. If he wasn't 5'10 he'd likely be a 1st round draft choice.

I just hope we get similar production out of Driskel that the dogs get out of their "not a NC QB".

[whitelakegator]

I can't see who all we would lose to? We should have 1 no more.

Ten wins is awesome. We overachieved this year. The defense will take a step back IMHO. This is the SEC. We are spoiled. I know, I know "11-2". I'm not getting into it anymore. Tens wins in the SEC is great.

[geauxgator1]

This is really a poor arguement. Murray is every bit as good as Chris Leak (and his stats and W/L record prove it). Tee Martin won a national championship. If he wasn't 5'10 he'd likely be a 1st round draft choice.

I just hope we get similar production out of Driskel that the dogs get out of their "not a NC QB".

Murray has so much talent around him they should win the NC. If he is as good as Leak, then maybe he will, but I wouldn't bet on it.

[theghost]

Ten wins is awesome. We overachieved this year. The defense will take a step back IMHO. This is the SEC. We are spoiled. I know, I know "11-2". I'm not getting into it anymore. Tens wins in the SEC is great.

You are spot on. We could have easily lost more games last year....as well as won maybe 1 more. Going to LSU is a toss-up. UGA is a toss-up. FSU isn't gong to roll over. Tennessee will give us a fight (although they are probably a year or two away from being a better than .500 club....which people forget, we were just 2 seasons ago). South Carolina has pay-back on their minds...and we go to their place. Not to mention a tougher Vandy. Miami returns 20 starters. Arkansas isn't a pushover.

[theghost]

Murray has so much talent around him they should win the NC. If he is as good as Leak, then maybe he will, but I wouldn't bet on it.

I agree GG. UGA has recruited as well as any of the top 10 teams...except maybe Bama (but who has?). I wouldn't bet on it either...as long as Saban is at Bama it's basically: Bama vs. The Field (i.e. the other 120 D1 teams).

[sleeze]

Still cant wrap around the fact that UGA is a contender after losing basically their entire defense.

Clempsum might get them the first game.

[sleeze]

Murray has beaten the Gators two years in a row. He looked pretty good against Bama too.

Louisville? Are we talking round ball? They lost to 5-7 Connecticut (who in turn lost to Western Michigan) at home and got blown out by a decent Syracuse team. They beat 3-9 USF by 2, a winless Southern Miss team by 4 and 3-9 FIU by 7.

You guys made them look like world beaters and just played a poor game. Louisville as a NC contender next year is laughable.

OSU plays Bama and SEC notches another one.
Clemson (if they beat UGA)
USCe (if they beat UGA)
UGA (if they beat Clemson, USCe and Florida)
Dark horse - A&M

He has beaten Florida...but it was not because of him....his stats arent good against The Gators or LSU. Bamas secondary wasnt as good as Gators or LSU.

I admit he is a heck of a QB..and should be good on Offense.......but again losing too much on Defense.

Defense wins championships.

[15gator05]

Anybody not wearing Gator colors that watched the SECC game last year disagrees with you. UGA would have destroyed ND too.

Speaking of ND, how are they going to start the season ranked in the top 10?

No offense but ole miss would have destroyed notre dame.

[geauxgator1]

No offense but ole miss would have destroyed notre dame.

I don't know about Ole Miss, but LSU, A & M, UGA, UF, USC, would have.

[Juggernautz]

The obvious 5.

[15gator05]

I don't know about Ole Miss, but LSU, A & M, UGA, UF, USC, would have.

If i had to put money on the game id put it on ole miss, that's all im saying. Lol

[geauxgator1]

If i had to put money on the game id put it on ole miss, that's all im saying. Lol

Ole Miss??? Maybe this next year or 2014.. they have bought errr brought in some good HS talent in the last year or two.

[theghost]

Sleeze, we lost: Floyd, Hunter, (2 starting DT's), all of our starting LBs, and both of our starting Safety's. In addition to a few other contributors (Okine). UGA lost: Jones, Ogeltree, and Rambo (juniors), along with several others. Basically they are in a similar situation that we are on D (with returning starters...and players w/ experience).

Here's an article for you to get an accurate account of how many they actually lost:
http://espn.go.com/colleges/georgia/football/story/_/id/9011101/on-georgia-bulldogs-defense-attrition-preclude-success

From the article:

When Todd Grantham says that Georgia has eight or nine starters returning on defense, he's not exactly fibbing, but that number certainly exaggerates the level of experience that his rebuilding group will have in 2013.

Yes, players such as Devin Bowman, Connor Norman and Chase Vasser earned a start here and there, but a more accurate count is that Georgia has four regular starters returning in cornerback Damian Swann (14 starts in 2012), inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera (nine), defensive end Garrison Smith (eight) and outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (six).

[socraticsilence]

Bama
Oregon
OSU
A&M
UGA

[socraticsilence]

Murray has so much talent around him they should win the NC. If he is as good as Leak, then maybe he will, but I wouldn't bet on it.

If we could swap Murray and Driskel, I think we'd be a top 5 team and have a legitimate shot at the title as is we're probably the 3rd best team in the East.

[1984Gator]

Florida
A&M
LSU
Bama
USCe

[socraticsilence]

You are spot on. We could have easily lost more games last year....as well as won maybe 1 more. Going to LSU is a toss-up. UGA is a toss-up. FSU isn't gong to roll over. Tennessee will give us a fight (although they are probably a year or two away from being a better than .500 club....which people forget, we were just 2 seasons ago). South Carolina has pay-back on their minds...and we go to their place. Not to mention a tougher Vandy. Miami returns 20 starters. Arkansas isn't a pushover.

Miami is a game I think a lot of people are overlooking- they have a good QB and its our second game with a secondary that will have some holes in it due to inexperience- that wouldn't be a shocking loss, I think we'll win but if the scoring is in the 20s and not the 10s we could be in real trouble.

[socraticsilence]

If i had to put money on the game id put it on ole miss, that's all im saying. Lol

I think we beat ND no doubt but lets be real our offense probably on puts up 14 to 20 on them, so it'd be close.

[15gator05]

I think we beat ND no doubt but lets be real our offense probably on puts up 14 to 20 on them, so it'd be close.

Sure but i don't think they have anyone that would bother us offensively. Golson is no bridgewater. The only mismatch they had was eifert. They only one we had was reed.

[socraticsilence]

Sure but i don't think they have anyone that would bother us offensively. Golson is no bridgewater. The only mismatch they had was eifert. They only one we had was reed.

Oh no doubt- it'd be like the LSU game- both teams would run the ball until one collapsed it'd be a 14-10, 17-12 type of game.

[rstonegator]

UF
Bama
Mich
SC
Stanford

[dawny]

UF,Bama, SC, Ohio because the media needs to hype up Urban before he plays the real teams in the SEC,

[JaxLizard]

At some point we are going to have our offense be able to sustain some drives, until that happens, I can't put UF in that conversation. I say Bama, Georgia, USCock, Oregon and OSU, with the nod going to Bama or Georgia.

[gator1986]

At some point we are going to have our offense be able to sustain some drives, until that happens, I can't put UF in that conversation. I say Bama, Georgia, USCock, Oregon and OSU, with the nod going to Bama or Georgia.

I got the same question for Georgia, and on defense for them too. They lost pretty much their whole defense so I feel that they are not going to make it. Their offense was great against subpar teams, other than the SECCG against Alabama. Florida's offense should improve drastically next season with everyone having a full spring to practice under Pease. We have the running game I believe to where you don't have to pass it that often, run for a 1st down or 2, then all we have to be able to do is play action and air it out like Alabama. I think we should have the offense for that. And our offensive line I believe it will be greatly better than last year.

[theghost]

I got the same question for Georgia, and on defense for them too. They lost pretty much their whole defense so I feel that they are not going to make it. Their offense was great against subpar teams, other than the SECCG against Alabama. Florida's offense should improve drastically next season with everyone having a full spring to practice under Pease. We have the running game I believe to where you don't have to pass it that often, run for a 1st down or 2, then all we have to be able to do is play action and air it out like Alabama. I think we should have the offense for that. And our offensive line I believe it will be greatly better than last year.

Again, we lost as much...or more than UGA did on D. They also return 10 starters on O. Advantage UGA.

[4everaGator]

People are weighing the Louisville game too heavily. We were disgusted with that matchup and our preparation showed it. I think several of our guys didn't want to get their uniforms dirty (I know - it was in the dome with no dirt). We had everything to lose and not much to play for. Louisville on the other hand got a dream matchup with everything to gain, nothing to lose. Their QB was on fire and played the game of his life. For most of our guys, including our QB it was the opposite, they played the worst games of the season.

[Swampmaster]

Alabama
Oregon
Texas A&M
Stanford
Ohio State

[whitelakegator]

People are weighing the Louisville game too heavily. We were disgusted with that matchup and our preparation showed it. I think several of our guys didn't want to get their uniforms dirty (I know - it was in the dome with no dirt). We had everything to lose and not much to play for. Louisville on the other hand got a dream matchup with everything to gain, nothing to lose. Their QB was on fire and played the game of his life. For most of our guys, including our QB it was the opposite, they played the worst games of the season.

Oh, the old that game doesn't really count rationale. UNTIL, yes, until, I actually SEE the offense get better after three consecutive years of being bad then I will agree. Until then, the jury is out.

PS UGA will score at will next year. Us? Not so much.

[socraticsilence]

I got the same question for Georgia, and on defense for them too. They lost pretty much their whole defense so I feel that they are not going to make it. Their offense was great against subpar teams, other than the SECCG against Alabama. Florida's offense should improve drastically next season with everyone having a full spring to practice under Pease. We have the running game I believe to where you don't have to pass it that often, run for a 1st down or 2, then all we have to be able to do is play action and air it out like Alabama. I think we should have the offense for that. And our offensive line I believe it will be greatly better than last year.

We lost too many line starters for to think we'll be improved without seeing any evidence.

[socraticsilence]

People are weighing the Louisville game too heavily. We were disgusted with that matchup and our preparation showed it. I think several of our guys didn't want to get their uniforms dirty (I know - it was in the dome with no dirt). We had everything to lose and not much to play for. Louisville on the other hand got a dream matchup with everything to gain, nothing to lose. Their QB was on fire and played the game of his life. For most of our guys, including our QB it was the opposite, they played the worst games of the season.

That's just it though, it wasn't really an off game by Driskel it was an above average game for him- sure he threw a pick 6 but he also threw a TD both of those are things that were rare. We had a terrible offense last season, one of the worst in modern Florida history, I know there were a lot of positives for the team as a whole but the offense wasn't one of them- it was among the worst in the SEC as a complete unit and dead last in the SEC below powers like Vandy and Mizzou in terms of passing- we were worse than more 100 teams in offense and I don't understand why some keep pretending we were Bama- a methodical attack that could turn it on when necessary but choose not to and instead decided to grind teams down-- we didn't make that choice we were just horrible.

[socraticsilence]

Oh, the old that game doesn't really count rationale. UNTIL, yes, until, I actually SEE the offense get better after three consecutive years of being bad then I will agree. Until then, the jury is out.

PS UGA will score at will next year. Us? Not so much.

Right, UGA worst case scenario is our 2007 team with a less dynamic but better passing QB. I think our defense will be good but I'm not entirely sure where people are getting the idea our defense will be as good or better than last years plus an improved offense- you guys do realize that we lost basically every major star on defense other than our corners (one of whom may lose his job to VH3), Easley and the 2 freshmen right? That our best returning pass rusher is a guy coming off a major knee injury?

I don't think the bottom falls out a 9 or 10 win season is certainly a fair expectation but we had a ton of breaks go our way last season (fitting given the previous 2 seasons- especially 2010, we had a ton of breaks go against us) and if we just have a small regression to the mean in fumbles for instance-- we could very easily be a 4 or 5 loss team, its the danger of the Muschamp ultra low margin approach vs. a Spurrier or Meyer style gameplan-- when you want every game to be a 17-10 type of contest vs. a 35-17 type of ball game and thus limit possessions and run the clock constantly every small mistake is magnified and you have far, far less room for errors.

[whitelakegator]

Right, UGA worst case scenario is our 2007 team with a less dynamic but better passing QB. I think our defense will be good but I'm not entirely sure where people are getting the idea our defense will be as good or better than last years plus an improved offense- you guys do realize that we lost basically every major star on defense other than our corners (one of whom may lose his job to VH3), Easley and the 2 freshmen right? That our best returning pass rusher is a guy coming off a major knee injury?

I don't think the bottom falls out a 9 or 10 win season is certainly a fair expectation but we had a ton of breaks go our way last season (fitting given the previous 2 seasons- especially 2010, we had a ton of breaks go against us) and if we just have a small regression to the mean in fumbles for instance-- we could very easily be a 4 or 5 loss team, its the danger of the Muschamp ultra low margin approach vs. a Spurrier or Meyer style gameplan-- when you want every game to be a 17-10 type of contest vs. a 35-17 type of ball game and thus limit possessions and run the clock constantly every small mistake is magnified and you have far, far less room for errors.

Ten wins would tell me we are headed in the right direction. We lose a ton on defense without the fire power to make up for it. Muschamp seems to be a genius on D so I think we'll be alright(not like last year's championship caliber defense but decent nonetheless).

[gator0316]

at this point i dont think fl should be included ,lost to many defensive players and offense has to improve quit a bit.they may put it together but it to earlie for nc talk.

[1gatorbear]

OSU
Bama
Georgia
FSU
USC

[GATORAZ]

at this point i dont think fl should be included ,lost to many defensive players and offense has to improve quit a bit.they may put it together but it to earlie for nc talk.

Florida should def be included. If you look at what we have coming back you wont find many defensive lines better in the entire country. Florida also returns one of the best CB combination in the country. The offensive line will be better than last year and we have a talented back field. Other teams lost players as well. This team is loaded we need to figure out the LB situation and find a vertical threat but there are no excuses this year unless Jeff gets hurt. This is a top 5 team and should win the SEC east.

[socraticsilence]

Florida should def be included. If you look at what we have coming back you wont find many defensive lines better in the entire country. Florida also returns one of the best CB combination in the country. The offensive line will be better than last year and we have a talented back field. Other teams lost players as well. This team is loaded we need to figure out the LB situation and find a vertical threat but there are no excuses this year unless Jeff gets hurt. This is a top 5 team and should win the SEC east.

You're saying barring an injury to Jeff not playing in Atlanta would be an indictment of the coaching staff? I'm pretty critical of Boom's approach offensively ( I don't think it's the right way to attack Bama under Saban-- it's playing for best copycat instead of trying to be the top dog) but that seems wildly optimistic and a good way to set Will up to fail.

[theghost]

You're saying barring an injury to Jeff not playing in Atlanta would be an indictment of the coaching staff? I'm pretty critical of Boom's approach offensively ( I don't think it's the right way to attack Bama under Saban-- it's playing for best copycat instead of trying to be the top dog) but that seems wildly optimistic and a good way to set Will up to fail.

Agreed. We lost 7 defensive starters....and lost our leading receiver (Reed), our leading rusher (Gillislee) and 3 OL starters....but if we don't get to Atlanta - barring an injury to Jeff - it's a reflection on our coaching staff??

[GATORAZ]

You're saying barring an injury to Jeff not playing in Atlanta would be an indictment of the coaching staff? I'm pretty critical of Boom's approach offensively ( I don't think it's the right way to attack Bama under Saban-- it's playing for best copycat instead of trying to be the top dog) but that seems wildly optimistic and a good way to set Will up to fail.

Soc you dont believe in CWM so it really doesn't matter. Last year I said we would be in every game and I stuck to that all year. I also said last year before the season started we should be contending for the National title in 2013 and 2014. This year we should be favored or a pick em in every football game until the SEC Championship. We have one the best Dline in the league and will have one of the better Olines. When you are that good on the line of scrimmage you should go to Atlanta.

I did not say it would be an indictment on the staff I said their are no excuses. Last year it was the first year in a new offensive system. It was Jeff's first year starting and we had the same offensive players as the year prior. All that has changed.

How are we copying Bama offensively? If anything we are closer to LSU a few years ago than Bama. Bama is a one back team we are a two back team. We run zone read with Jeff Bama does none of that. We run jet sweeps how often doe Bama do that? How often is Bama putting extra tackles on the field on 2nd and 7 like we were last year? I will say this both Bama and Florida want balance on offense and CWM is moving towards that.


The 2013 season and the 2014 season are set up for Florida to go to the SEC Championship game and contend for the National title the talent is there.

[socraticsilence]

Soc you dont believe in CWM so it really doesn't matter. Last year I said we would be in every game and I stuck to that all year. I also said last year before the season started we should be contending for the National title in 2013 and 2014. This year we should be favored or a pick em in every football game until the SEC Championship. We have one the best Dline in the league and will have one of the better Olines. When you are that good on the line of scrimmage you should go to Atlanta.

I did not say it would be an indictment on the staff I said their are no excuses. Last year it was the first year in a new offensive system. It was Jeff's first year starting and we had the same offensive players as the year prior. All that has changed.

How are we copying Bama offensively? If anything we are closer to LSU a few years ago than Bama. Bama is a one back team we are a two back team. We run zone read with Jeff Bama does none of that. We run jet sweeps how often doe Bama do that? How often is Bama putting extra tackles on the field on 2nd and 7 like we were last year? I will say this both Bama and Florida want balance on offense and CWM is moving towards that.


The 2013 season and the 2014 season are set up for Florida to go to the SEC Championship game and contend for the National title the talent is there.


2 things- First do you think Muschamp really wants that read option component we have or is it more of an artifact of the old regime that he kept given the QB he essentially inherited, Secondly, while Bama is a one back scheme I can't believe Muschamp would want to copy LSU's approach (though admittedly it does look like it) both analysts and fans credit LSU's overly conservative run focused scheme with costing them multiple titles and/or title shots over the last half decade why on earth would we want to run a crappy LSU style offense, if its balance Muschamp wants why change scheme's at all we had an immensely balance attack under Meyer why not stick with the spread option for balance instead of going to an almost unwatchable offensive approach, which even at its best is only mediocre (seriously point to a decent LSU offense- 2007 is the only one I can think of recently and that team lost 2 games despite having the most talent in America), how is being overly stubborn any better than being overly cute?

Running into the middle of the line again and again when everyone in the stadium knows that's exactly what your going to do is no better than running a reverse passing inside the red zone late in a bowl game.


As for my initial skepticism of Muschamp-- he has a chance to prove me wrong over the next two seasons if he does that awesome we'll play for at least 1 title, if he doesn't well that sucks but we can move on- what last year scared me into worrying about is that he's going to be Mark Richt- always just good enough to stick around but never quite good enough to get a team over the hump, we won a ton of games very close when things broke our way it was the inverse of the two years prior- I neither think we were as good as 11-2 nor as bad as 7-6, in reality we were probably 1 or 2 wins better in 2011 and 1 or 2 wins worse last year-- Boom is a great defensive coach I don't think anyone doubts that, the question is if he can either learn to be a great head coach and/or learn to let go enough so that his offensive coordinator can make his own decisions and not worry about Will watching over his shoulder-- that is can Boom become as good a coach as Charlie Strong is right now or better yet reach the level of Meyer and Spurrier both of whom realized-though it may have taken a bit (another reason big teams shouldn't hire Coordinators as HCs, they should poach up-and-comers from mid-Majors and small majors) that Coordinators need to be free to make their own decisions.

[GATORAZ]

I think CWM wants to be multiple on offense so we will continue to see some read option and Wildcat but I think he would like to do it less. I am glad you see we are not like Bama's offense. There are elements of the spread in the offense but I know you long for the Meyer days but those days are gone and never coming back. No reason to change the scheme we are running just needed better player on the Oline and at the WR spot. He is addressing both areas in recruiting. The Oline has been address and the WR's are coming. While Meyer left CWM plenty of talent those were two spots that he missed or made mistakes in recruiting.

Even though we lost to Louisville I think a strong argument can be made CWM is already a better coach than Strong. Look who they lost to last year.

CWM is always going to be involved in the offense and I dont think that is a bad thing.

2013 AND 2014 are good chances to get a title but I wont be down on him and ready to throw him out if he comes up a little short. Only one team can wit it every year SOS only won it once.

[GatorAvatar]

Bama
Bama
Bama
Bama
OSU

[socraticsilence]

I think CWM wants to be multiple on offense so we will continue to see some read option and Wildcat but I think he would like to do it less. I am glad you see we are not like Bama's offense. There are elements of the spread in the offense but I know you long for the Meyer days but those days are gone and never coming back. No reason to change the scheme we are running just needed better player on the Oline and at the WR spot. He is addressing both areas in recruiting. The Oline has been address and the WR's are coming. While Meyer left CWM plenty of talent those were two spots that he missed or made mistakes in recruiting.

Even though we lost to Louisville I think a strong argument can be made CWM is already a better coach than Strong. Look who they lost to last year.

CWM is always going to be involved in the offense and I dont think that is a bad thing.

2013 AND 2014 are good chances to get a title but I wont be down on him and ready to throw him out if he comes up a little short. Only one team can wit it every year SOS only won it once.


Bama's offense has actually been more diverse than people give it credit for the last few years mixing in a decent amount of Pistol and even some tackle over formations though all heavily out a single back set (always wondered about that- most other run heavy teams like LSU as you note like a blocking back).

As far as National titles I agree they're highly arbitrary, missed in the Saban-love is just how lucky they've been during their run, specifically the last two seasons (2012 actually seems unfair- if you lose at home to a team and don't even win your division you shouldn't get a rematch outside of a playoff system), I do think its a reasonable expectation for a Florida head coach to win the East at least once in his first 4 seasons- if we don't, barring extraordinary circumstances, then I do think that would be a major concern.

Finally, offensively I think we're just going to disagree, not on the talent issue- Meyer missed on WR recruits late and OL while highly recruited busted (some would point to the adverse impact on development caused by shifting your previously competent OL coach to OC), But strategically, Muschamps approach could win in the long haul, I have problems with it aesthetically as well as tactically in terms of beating Alabama. From a tactical standpoint I don't think its the right approach to attack Saban's scheme-- to be honest Meyer's approach isn't ideal either though its closer- an offense along the lines of what Boom saw at Texas or that Utah ran against them in the Sugar Bowl is closer still as is the Air Raid approach Sumlin used against them last year-- as a unit Bama is hard to attack but if you put the individual players in space and force them to make choices they can be beaten, Saban's defense has gotten a bit too big lately and its cost them some lateral coverage ability-- its why I liked our d better than theirs last season.

[GATORAZ]

Bama's offense has actually been more diverse than people give it credit for the last few years mixing in a decent amount of Pistol and even some tackle over formations though all heavily out a single back set (always wondered about that- most other run heavy teams like LSU as you note like a blocking back).

As far as National titles I agree they're highly arbitrary, missed in the Saban-love is just how lucky they've been during their run, specifically the last two seasons (2012 actually seems unfair- if you lose at home to a team and don't even win your division you shouldn't get a rematch outside of a playoff system), I do think its a reasonable expectation for a Florida head coach to win the East at least once in his first 4 seasons- if we don't, barring extraordinary circumstances, then I do think that would be a major concern.

Finally, offensively I think we're just going to disagree, not on the talent issue- Meyer missed on WR recruits late and OL while highly recruited busted (some would point to the adverse impact on development caused by shifting your previously competent OL coach to OC), But strategically, Muschamps approach could win in the long haul, I have problems with it aesthetically as well as tactically in terms of beating Alabama. From a tactical standpoint I don't think its the right approach to attack Saban's scheme-- to be honest Meyer's approach isn't ideal either though its closer- an offense along the lines of what Boom saw at Texas or that Utah ran against them in the Sugar Bowl is closer still as is the Air Raid approach Sumlin used against them last year-- as a unit Bama is hard to attack but if you put the individual players in space and force them to make choices they can be beaten, Saban's defense has gotten a bit too big lately and its cost them some lateral coverage ability-- its why I liked our d better than theirs last season.

I agree if CWM doesnt win the east in one of the next two years we should be very concerned unless Jeff gets hurt.

I get you have a problem with the aesthetics but I just like CWM want to win, dont really care how it looks. I also think you need to wait at see how the offense looks once CWM gets his players in on offense. Bama's offense was not fun to watch until this year wait until year 5 and 6 for CWM (they are not the same). I think you will enjoy the offense Jeff's Sr year and once Will Grier is back behind center.


Now to Saban's defense it is about to change. Last year we definitely had the better defense when you compare the two. The main reason is was our personnel was ready for whatever offense was in front of it. Like you said Saban's team struggles with pass happy offenses mainly because of the safeties and the size of their LB's.

Sunseri was a huge liability in pass coverage last year. Saban is probably a recruiting cycle or two behind in totally fixing this problem. They were built like this in order to beat their biggest competition which was LSU. Now that A & M is in the conference and Auburn and Ole Miss are bringing in spread elements they will be forced to adapt. This should only help us vs Bama.

[c_gator24]

Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, Stanford, Oklahoma are all contenders I think. Our defense will be fine, the pass rush will be much better with Bullard, Fowler, Easley, Powell and we have 2 shutdown corners in Marcus Roberson and Jaylen Watkins and VH3 will be good too. The offense will be way better, Purifoy will be the playmaker we've been missing along with the freshman receivers. Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor will be good. The O-line will be way better also. Driskel will be much improved IMO. I'm expecting a great season! Go Gators!

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[Tipmoose]

Bama
OSU
A&M
UGA
LSU

[socraticsilence]

GatorAz- if the D line is as good as it could be (in terms of pressure, Bama last year had a great line but it was about gap control) it should cover most of the secondary weaknesses- Miami only worries due to its position in the schedule, if we went South in November i'd take us by 3 TDs- early on I do worry about our deep ball vulnerability not because Boom isn't an excellent defensive coach or because of a talent gap but because experience isn't something you can ignore (see Major in 07). If the offense comes along and is say average not even good just say top 60 we could contend if we don't get hit early, its just that after the last 2 years I need to see offense before I buy it as improved.

[theghost]

GatorAz- if the D line is as good as it could be (in terms of pressure, Bama last year had a great line but it was about gap control) it should cover most of the secondary weaknesses- Miami only worries due to its position in the schedule, if we went South in November i'd take us by 3 TDs- early on I do worry about our deep ball vulnerability not because Boom isn't an excellent defensive coach or because of a talent gap but because experience isn't something you can ignore (see Major in 07). If the offense comes along and is say average not even good just say top 60 we could contend if we don't get hit early, its just that after the last 2 years I need to see offense before I buy it as improved.

3 TDs in November? Didn't we play Louisiana Lafayette in November? Until this offense, under Jeff, can show consistency or improvement I wouldn't take us 3 TDs vs. anyone....even Toledo!

[slayerxing]

First off: contenders
(Teams with a clear shot)

Alabama
Ohio state

Everybody else:
(Lots of other teams based on favorable schedules)

South carolina
Clemson
Louisville
Stanford
Oregon

Florida should not b in this discussion. The schedule is tough again, road games at usce and lsu, and they lost the nucleus of a defense that won all of our games, our best rb, receiver, 3 ol, and our defensive coordinator. There are no threatening wrs, no threatening tes, no rbs with starting xp, and a qb we're all unsure of. Our aa kicker is gone as well. That does not paint a picture of a championship team.

Uf could end up being very good. But itll take a lot to match last years win total with all the key losses.

[GATORAZ]

GatorAz- if the D line is as good as it could be (in terms of pressure, Bama last year had a great line but it was about gap control) it should cover most of the secondary weaknesses- Miami only worries due to its position in the schedule, if we went South in November i'd take us by 3 TDs- early on I do worry about our deep ball vulnerability not because Boom isn't an excellent defensive coach or because of a talent gap but because experience isn't something you can ignore (see Major in 07). If the offense comes along and is say average not even good just say top 60 we could contend if we don't get hit early, its just that after the last 2 years I need to see offense before I buy it as improved.

I also worry about the Miami game because its early that is why I would start Riggs at one of the safety spots. Watkins is going to play safety in nickle so we are not going to be as green back there as one would think. All the pieces are there for a very productive offense it is just about how bad does Jeff want it. He has got to work hard on the off season not only in th film room but in unsupervised team practices and bring Demarcus Robinson along

[GATORAZ]

Florida should not b in this discussion. The schedule is tough again, road games at usce and lsu, and they lost the nucleus of a defense that won all of our games, our best rb, receiver, 3 ol, and our defensive coordinator. There are no threatening wrs, no threatening tes, no rbs with starting xp, and a qb we're all unsure of. Our aa kicker is gone as well. That does not paint a picture of a championship team.

Uf could end up being very good. But itll take a lot to match last years win total with all the key losses.

Florida is better at RB position than last year
Florida is better on the OL then last year
Dunbar was our best WR last year and he is back
CWM is the D coordinator
Robinson and Purifoy can beat vertical threaTS
Jeff did fine last year
the Kicker situation is troubling

Interesting you didnt talk about any positives coming into the year

[socraticsilence]

Would feel a bit better if someone could push Jeff, not take his job but just be good enough so he'd know that the position isn't secure unless he really buckles down and makes strides. Physically its all there with him, the mental stuff is always a question til you see it as it might never be there no matter how hard you work.

[GATORAZ]

Would feel a bit better if someone could push Jeff, not take his job but just be good enough so he'd know that the position isn't secure unless he really buckles down and makes strides.
Even if JB stayed he wasnt going to push Jeff. You dont replace a QB that lost 1 regular season game last year. Jeff had the job next year no matter what. Jeff's got to find it from within. The people around Jeff are better next year as well.

[slayerxing]

Florida is better at RB position than last year
Florida is better on the OL then last year
Dunbar was our best WR last year and he is back
CWM is the D coordinator
Robinson and Purifoy can beat vertical threaTS
Jeff did fine last year
the Kicker situation is troubling

Interesting you didnt talk about any positives coming into the year

Positives:
What should be a very strong dline
Good corners
Oline depth
Punter

Thats it. Everything else is a hope,if,maybe, itll be better.

Lb corp is a huge issue
No xp at either safety
Wr corp and rb corp huge ???
Any tes??
Qb that can throw the ball CONSISTENTLY??
Ol is improved??

Tons of questions on this team for next year. Could they be great? Sure. Will we get great play out of every maybe position? Odds say probably not.

[GATORAZ]

Positives:
What should be a very strong dline
Good corners
Oline depth
Punter

Thats it. Everything else is a hope,if,maybe, itll be better.

Lb corp is a huge issue
No xp at either safety
Wr corp and rb corp huge ???
Any tes??
Qb that can throw the ball CONSISTENTLY??
Ol is improved??

Tons of questions on this team for next year. Could they be great? Sure. Will we get great play out of every maybe position? Odds say probably not.

LB corp has big questions
I think there are questions at who plays safety but the talent is there and they all will play a lot. Riggs has played safety and Watkins has a ton of experience he is playing safety in nickle. We are in nickle and dime over 60 percent of the time

RB will be better than last year
The Oline is improved you replace Wilson with Max Garcia. The whole right side is back plus you add depth with Moore.

The corners are great. Every team in the country has questions at this point in time. We have the talent on the team to answer them.

[socraticsilence]

LB corp has big questions
I think there are questions at who plays safety but the talent is there and they all will play a lot. Riggs has played safety and Watkins has a ton of experience he is playing safety in nickle. We are in nickle and dime over 60 percent of the time

RB will be better than last year
The Oline is improved you replace Wilson with Max Garcia. The whole right side is back plus you add depth with Moore.

The corners are great. Every team in the country has questions at this point in time. We have the talent on the team to answer them.

Where I worry about the Linebackers is coverage- Morrison and Taylor are great thumpers but we might be like Bama last year in that our backers are very vulnerable if isolated.

[Gatorrick22]

Murray has beaten the Gators two years in a row. He looked pretty good against Bama too.


Louisville? Are we talking round ball? They lost to 5-7 Connecticut (who in turn lost to Western Michigan) at home and got blown out by a decent Syracuse team. They beat 3-9 USF by 2, a winless Southern Miss team by 4 and 3-9 FIU by 7.

You guys made them look like world beaters and just played a poor game. Louisville as a NC contender next year is laughable.

OSU plays Bama and SEC notches another one.
Clemson (if they beat UGA)
USCe (if they beat UGA)
UGA (if they beat Clemson, USCe and Florida)
Dark horse - A&M

GTFOOH Dog.... No defense equals no Championship.

[GATORAZ]

Where I worry about the Linebackers is coverage- Morrison and Taylor are great thumpers but we might be like Bama last year in that our backers are very vulnerable if isolated.

I think Morrison was more lost last year than physically unable to perform in coverage. He wont be Bostic or Jenkins good but he should do an adequate job. Taylor on the other hand just cant cover he has to come off the field in nickle. The major question is who is beside Morrison when we have two LB's on the field. The good news is the DB's on the field with them will probably be the best group in the nation. I do share your concern with the LB's in coverage.

[number1]

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Florida

4. Georgia (I know, I know lol)

5. South Carolina

[c_gator24]

I think Morrison was more lost last year than physically unable to perform in coverage. He wont be Bostic or Jenkins good but he should do an adequate job. Taylor on the other hand just cant cover he has to come off the field in nickle. The major question is who is beside Morrison when we have two LB's on the field. The good news is the DB's on the field with them will probably be the best group in the nation. I do share your concern with the LB's in coverage.

Morrison was a true freshman who got thrown into the 2nd game and played very good. He will be fine. Neiron ball and Jeremi Powell will be the other 2 LBs with Ropo at buck. Our pass rush will help a lot too. Last year no one expected anything from us, we were suppose to go 8-5 and we went 11-2. This team will only get better in Muschamps third year.

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[GATORAZ]

Morrison was a true freshman who got thrown into the 2nd game and played very good. He will be fine. Neiron ball and Jeremi Powell will be the other 2 LBs with Ropo at buck. Our pass rush will help a lot too. Last year no one expected anything from us, we were suppose to go 8-5 and we went 11-2. This team will only get better in Muschamps third year.

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Morrison looked lost a lot last season but yes I think he will be fine. Evans covered up a lot of mistakes by the LB's and corners in the run game last year. I have a hard time seeing Jeremi Powell play if the roster weight is correct. I think Ball will be fine but still a huge question in pass coverage.

[c_gator24]

Morrison looked lost a lot last season but yes I think he will be fine. Evans covered up a lot of mistakes by the LB's and corners in the run game last year. I have a hard time seeing Jeremi Powell play if the roster weight is correct. I think Ball will be fine but still a huge question in pass coverage.

Yeah Josh Evans was very underrated IMO. Alex Anzalone and Daniel McMillan will probably play a lot too. Btw do you think Cody Riggs will stay at safety?

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[DawgFanFromAlabam]

GTFOOH Dog.... No defense equals no Championship.

You guys lost about as much as UGA but seem to have next year will be better. UGA's defense returns a lot of guys that got significant PT last year (as the "stars" sat out their suspensions). Jenkins and Geathers were major disappointments. The run defense was iffy and that's being generous. This year's defense has a chance to be as good as yours. And the offense has a much greater chance to be better than yours. Hasn't stopped quite a few of your faithful from picking the Gators as a top team next year. UGA has FAR fewer question marks tha do the Gators.

What does that have to do with you guys overhyping Louisville? Next thing you'll tell me ULL will win whatever conference they're in. :laugh:

[CharlesUF09]

You're losing your D-line, 2 of 4 linebackers, and the entire secondary.

It's not even close.

[GATORAZ]

Yeah Josh Evans was very underrated IMO. Alex Anzalone and Daniel McMillan will probably play a lot too. Btw do you think Cody Riggs will stay at safety?

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

Yes I think you have to start either Riggs or Watkins at one the safety spots you need the experience on the field we play Miami game 2.

[whitelakegator]

Jeff did fine last year


There are many many "experts" that disagree. He was simply a game manager and actually regressed throughout the year.

Fine=115th in passing?

And your response....

Fine=11 wins

I know the drill so spare me. That championship grade defense last year was/is the reason we won 11 games. Hats off to CWM for engineering that awesome unit! They were downright dominant.

[GATORAZ]

There are many many "experts" that disagree. He was simply a game manager and actually regressed throughout the year.

Fine=115th in passing?

And your response....

Fine=11 wins

I know the drill so spare me. That championship grade defense last year was/is the reason we won 11 games. Hats off to CWM for engineering that awesome unit! They were downright dominate.

Yep we won 11 games last year with one of the hardest schedules in the country. You might put 115 in passing all on Jeff I dont. The Oline and the WR's needs to play better. Florida went against the best front 7 players in the country last year just look at the upcomin draft.

Also you cant just talk about passing stats look at what Jeff did running the football he also did well with not turning over the ball most of the year. Yes Jeff did fine in his first year of starting but he needs to improve just like everybody else

[gator1986]

Again, we lost as much...or more than UGA did on D. They also return 10 starters on O. Advantage UGA.

Florida rotated more guys in on defense than any other team... So playing inexperience is not a problem

[whitelakegator]

Yep we won 11 games last year

I already filled that in for you. You could have skipped it. :joecool:

[Tito22]

Same people who think UGA has no shot at a title are same people who posted in that "we're going to beat UGA 52-3!!!" thread. Clueless about football. UGA will have one of the best offenses in the country. How they have no shot but we do based on absolutely nothing is laughable

[c_gator24]

Yes I think you have to start either Riggs or Watkins at one the safety spots you need the experience on the field we play Miami game 2.

Yeah that's true. Riggs I think will do great at safety but Jaylen Watkins is a great corner so I think he will stay there.

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[DawgFanFromAlabam]

Florida rotated more guys in on defense than any other team... So playing inexperience is not a problem

Where did you get that stat?

[theghost]

Where did you get that stat?

Same question I have. Where did he get that info. I read this week from one of our coaches that we rotated 20 players regularly on D last year. That seems very typical of any team w/ decent depth. I'm fairly sure that Bama rotated that many in and out.

Additonally, we were in many, many close games last year. This prevents building additional depth (basically, only "trusted" players get in the game). The FSU of the 90's was able to bench their starters early in the second half of most of their games, allowing them to let young players get plenty of PT.

My guess is we were above average (compared to other teams) in the number of players we rotated in/out last year on D.

GatorAZ, I like your enthusiasm for next year's outlook. I agree that we should be in every game we play...however, you cannot overlook the many losses we have to overcome. As one of the other posters mentioned, many of your assessments are assumptions or hope's (assuming the new player/starter is going to be as good or hoping they will be). We lost 3 O-lineman, our leading rusher & receiver. That's not an exaggeration....it's a fact. Additionally, we are only returning 4 legitimate starters on D. Just like UGA, we are replacing 7 starters....and just like UGA, we have players w experience.

Bottom line, I don't think UF should be - at this point - in the "top 5" for NC contenders next year. However, we certainly deserve to be in the next level of teams fighting for it. I know everyone on here thinks Miami will be a push over....I don't. I posted last year, pre-season, that Bowling Green would be a good measuring stick for us because they returned 20 starters. Everyone laughed....but they weren't laughing in the 4th quarter of that game! Miami is a much better team than BGSU is/was....and it's at their place. They will come into that game w/ a chip on their shoulder. For the fans, this game will tell us a lot. And again, I'll point out; the Lousiana-Lafayette game was played in November. We had problems last year until the very end (especially the bowl game)...and we lost a lot of talent off that team...especially in the area of "leadership". Replacing the leadership of McCray, Bostic, Elam, Floyd, Jenkins, and Gillislee isn't going to be easy. Only Easly, imo, seems to be a real leader (among the returning players). It was discuss plenty of times how it seemed the players didn't respect Driskel. I hope, now that Brissett, is gone the team will embrace him as a leader.

[Swampmaster]

If you were a betting person, what five teams would you pick to win the NC this year excluding odds. Let's pretend for fun that you would win a million bucks if you get it right. Put your teams down in order that you think they will win.

Alabama should win the title again easily

[GATORAZ]

GatorAZ, I like your enthusiasm for next year's outlook. I agree that we should be in every game we play...however, you cannot overlook the many losses we have to overcome. As one of the other posters mentioned, many of your assessments are assumptions or hope's (assuming the new player/starter is going to be as good or hoping they will be). We lost 3 O-lineman, our leading rusher & receiver. That's not an exaggeration....it's a fact. Additionally, we are only returning 4 legitimate starters on D. Just like UGA, we are replacing 7 starters....and just like UGA, we have players w experience.

Bottom line, I don't think UF should be - at this point - in the "top 5" for NC contenders next year. However, we certainly deserve to be in the next level of teams fighting for it. I know everyone on here thinks Miami will be a push over....I don't. I posted last year, pre-season, that Bowling Green would be a good measuring stick for us because they returned 20 starters. Everyone laughed....but they weren't laughing in the 4th quarter of that game! Miami is a much better team than BGSU is/was....and it's at their place. They will come into that game w/ a chip on their shoulder. For the fans, this game will tell us a lot. And again, I'll point out; the Lousiana-Lafayette game was played in November. We had problems last year until the very end (especially the bowl game)...and we lost a lot of talent off that team...especially in the area of "leadership". Replacing the leadership of McCray, Bostic, Elam, Floyd, Jenkins, and Gillislee isn't going to be easy. Only Easly, imo, seems to be a real leader (among the returning players). It was discuss plenty of times how it seemed the players didn't respect Driskel. I hope, now that Brissett, is gone the team will embrace him as a leader.

Enthuisiam isnt the word the word is realistic.

I am not overlooking anything one thing people are definitely doing is overlooking other teams loses. People say Alabama is in the top 5 but did you see what they lost last year? Nobody mentions that (I do think their team). You can do what you are doing with our team with every team in the country correct? Look at your own top 5 I could rip a few of those team to shreds with the question marks they have going into next year. One of your teams has no clue who is going to be the QB next year. Another lost their star RB TE and two of their leading tacklers I do like Stanford though.

We lost two starters on the Oline. One is being replace by a player whom already started for two years at the college level the other is replace by someone with much better feet. We also add an Olinemen that started as a freshmen for Nebraska and a JUCO olinemen.

Yes we lost our leading rusher but where was he the previous years lets not act like Gillie was tearing it up. Jones is a more talented back. You say we shouldn't be in the list I say we should. When you have a top 5 Dline in the country and a top 5 secondary you should be in the discussion. Like any team they are going to have to show it on the field.

How is Louisville going to the NC game when their strength of schedule is going to get killed by the computers?

[rpmGator]

The SEC champ will win it all.

[theghost]

No, enthusiasm...or homerism would be the word. But it's all good....

We return 11 starters, officially:

http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2013/JAN13/DBJan21.html

You say we have a "top 5" secondary & d-line...but we lost half our starters in each group? That's homerism or EXTREME enthusiasm if I've EVER seen it....not realism.

But I "realize" this is a Gator board...and I appreciate your enthusiasm.....and again, it's all good....

[GATORAZ]

No, enthusiasm...or homerism would be the word. But it's all good....

We return 11 starters, officially:

http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2013/JAN13/DBJan21.html

You say we have a "top 5" secondary & d-line...but we lost half our starters in each group? That's homerism or EXTREME enthusiasm if I've EVER seen it....not realism.

But I "realize" this is a Gator board...and I appreciate your enthusiasm.....and again, it's all good....

Name 5 defensive backfields that should be better. Name 5 defensive line that should be better you cant.

Losing half also means you return half. Name a better corner combo in the nation than Watkins Roberson and Purifoy. We are loaded in the secondary that is just the truth.

The Dline returns 3 guys that played starters snaps on one of the best Dlines in the country in Fowler Bullard and Easley. Orr & Jacobs gave quality snaps and you are adding two big time JUCO prospects.

What would you have said about the Dline at the beginning of last year?


I dont sugar coat anything with this team I have readily said Mike Taylor is terrible in coverage and have huge concerns about the LB postion

[theghost]

Name 5 defensive backfields that should be better. Name 5 defensive line that should be better you cant.

Losing half also means you return half. Name a better corner combo in the nation than Watkins Roberson and Purifoy. We are loaded in the secondary that is just the truth.

The Dline returns 3 guys that played starters snaps on one of the best Dlines in the country in Fowler Bullard and Easley. Orr & Jacobs gave quality snaps and you are adding two big time JUCO prospects.

What would you have said about the Dline at the beginning of last year?


I dont sugar coat anything with this team I have readily said Mike Taylor is terrible in coverage and have huge concerns about the LB postion

Opinions....we all have them.......

[whitelakegator]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/61852/driskel-is-ready-to-take-on-more-in-2013

Interesting read.

[CharlesUF09]

Omar Hunter came a long way last year from where he was, but he was not a world beater. Floyd was, I grant that, and he'll be extremely difficult to replace. It'll take a combination of Easley and Powell making up for him, which is entirely feasible (along with Bullard who is apparently killing it in spring practice.) Honestly, I think our D-line won't take too much of a step back, and will probably improve as it plays more as a unit. Powell should easily make up for McCray if he lives up to his billing at all.

Losing Bostic and Jelani Jenkins is a mixed bag. Jenkins was injured a lot last year, so Fowler is well set up to come in. Bostic was kind of a frustrating player. It's hard to replace his experience, but talent wise, we should be fine there.

The secondary remains mostly in tact.

Moral of the story: The defense should be top 10 next year. Possibly top 5. It'll depend on how the offense comes along.

Meanwhile, a team like Georgia will have a lot of growing up to do on defense. The offense should be great, but you have a bad turnover game or you can't stop the run, your offense can be substantially negated. It's just the unfortunate reality. Florida had to deal with this after the 2006 national championship season.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

Where did you get that stat?

Seriously 1986, I'd love to know where to get that kind of data.

UGA had players suspended for multiple games, I'd think our defense had more rotation than most. I know all the guys that are being discussed as starters this year played a lot of snaps last year. Garrison Smith, Devin Bowman, Chase Vasser (a starter before he got injured), Corey Moore and Connor Norman both played a lot while both safeties sat, Ramik Wilson, Ray Drew - they all got significant PT.

So where'd you get the stat?

[sleeze]

UGA has to replace the NT on Defense. They have to replace 2 excellent fat boys in the Middle..Prolly the most important position in the 3-4..So thats a question mark...They have to replace Jarvis Jones who was a one man wrecking crew...Jarvis is smart for coming out early cause of the fact those fat boys will be gone...Alec Ogletree is gone, he was also a stud..several times i would see him come from the other side of the line of scrimmage to make the tackle...Bacarri and Williams are both gone. And you could see a dramatic drop off with the secondary when those other guys came in during suspensions,,etc.

UGA has more Question marks.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Name 5 defensive backfields that should be better. Name 5 defensive line that should be better you cant.

Losing half also means you return half. Name a better corner combo in the nation than Watkins Roberson and Purifoy. We are loaded in the secondary that is just the truth.

The Dline returns 3 guys that played starters snaps on one of the best Dlines in the country in Fowler Bullard and Easley. Orr & Jacobs gave quality snaps and you are adding two big time JUCO prospects.

What would you have said about the Dline at the beginning of last year?


I dont sugar coat anything with this team I have readily said Mike Taylor is terrible in coverage and have huge concerns about the LB postion

I agree with your assessment at the defensive back position, but I'm not as sold that we have as good a defensive line as you are.

I don't know of a better situation any team has at corner, we have numerous candidates (including Brian Poole, one of the best young talents on the entire D) to step up at the nickel spot, and amazing talent at safety. Yes, it's young talent that's not proven, but I just feel good about the personnel we have.

Defensive line? I'm not sold on what we have at tackle. Orr hasn't done anything. Jacobs merely provided depth, and he'll be asked to do more than that. Nobody knows quite how good Cummings, Reed and all the younger players are. I really think a lot of teams in the SEC have the talent across the DL to make a case for having the best line in the conference. It'll come down to coaching, and how well some of these JUCO prospects mesh with the talent already here.

[sleeze]

UGA might have played or rotated a bunch of guys last year..

But u could see a drop off when they did play too.

[GATORAZ]

I agree with your assessment at the defensive back position, but I'm not as sold that we have as good a defensive line as you are.

I don't know of a better situation any team has at corner, we have numerous candidates (including Brian Poole, one of the best young talents on the entire D) to step up at the nickel spot, and amazing talent at safety. Yes, it's young talent that's not proven, but I just feel good about the personnel we have.

Defensive line? I'm not sold on what we have at tackle. Orr hasn't done anything. Jacobs merely provided depth, and he'll be asked to do more than that. Nobody knows quite how good Cummings, Reed and all the younger players are. I really think a lot of teams in the SEC have the talent across the DL to make a case for having the best line in the conference. It'll come down to coaching, and how well some of these JUCO prospects mesh with the talent already here.

Riggs has proven he can play and he will be one of the guys at safety or the nickle spot.

Please stop with the Orr has done nothing stuff, he gave quality snaps last year until he got sick. Jacobs also gave us a lot quality snaps. Yes they will be asked to do more that is what happens in college people graduate others step in. Guess who else Florida can and will play at tackle? Dominic Easley. Just because Easley is not on the depth chart at tackle doesn't mean he is not going to play there next year. Like I said in what you quoted you have 3 guys that played starters snaps last year in Fowler Bullard and Ealsey. You have two guys that played solid back ups snaps and you add 2 very highly rated JUCOs. I think they are both better than Jacobs was this this time last year.

What others teams do you think can make a case for best Dline in the SEC? South Carolina and who else?

[JerseyGator01]

I would throw SCe in the mix mainly because they return 2 good QBs, Clowney and have a relatively easy schedule after Athens in week 2. If they quickly develop some young LBs, they will be quite tough to deal with.

[socraticsilence]

I think Morrison was more lost last year than physically unable to perform in coverage. He wont be Bostic or Jenkins good but he should do an adequate job. Taylor on the other hand just cant cover he has to come off the field in nickle. The major question is who is beside Morrison when we have two LB's on the field. The good news is the DB's on the field with them will probably be the best group in the nation. I do share your concern with the LB's in coverage.

Honestly i'd feel safer with one of our bigger safeties on the field and giving up run support than Taylor trying to cover.

[socraticsilence]

Enthuisiam isnt the word the word is realistic.

I am not overlooking anything one thing people are definitely doing is overlooking other teams loses. People say Alabama is in the top 5 but did you see what they lost last year? Nobody mentions that (I do think their team). You can do what you are doing with our team with every team in the country correct? Look at your own top 5 I could rip a few of those team to shreds with the question marks they have going into next year. One of your teams has no clue who is going to be the QB next year. Another lost their star RB TE and two of their leading tacklers I do like Stanford though.

We lost two starters on the Oline. One is being replace by a player whom already started for two years at the college level the other is replace by someone with much better feet. We also add an Olinemen that started as a freshmen for Nebraska and a JUCO olinemen.

Yes we lost our leading rusher but where was he the previous years lets not act like Gillie was tearing it up. Jones is a more talented back. You say we shouldn't be in the list I say we should. When you have a top 5 Dline in the country and a top 5 secondary you should be in the discussion. Like any team they are going to have to show it on the field.

How is Louisville going to the NC game when their strength of schedule is going to get killed by the computers?

If this was 2014 I'd agree but I don't think you can say we have a top 5 Secondary next season when we're replacing both safeties- could they get there, oh no doubt- but just replacing 50% of your starters doesn't bode for top 5 at least initially.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

If this was 2014 I'd agree but I don't think you can say we have a top 5 Secondary next season when we're replacing both safeties- could they get there, oh no doubt- but just replacing 50% of your starters doesn't bode for top 5 at least initially.

Yep. And no returner that can consistently create pressure.

Look, the thread was "who can win it all." I think UGA at least returns one proven unit and Florida returns question marks on both sides of the ball. That's it.

[theghost]

I'm looking forward to Phil Steele's "top position groups" list when it comes out. I'll bet my next paycheck he doesn't list our secondary in the top 5. Maybe in the SEC.

Also, we lost an All American kicker....our leading scorer.

[GATORAZ]

If this was 2014 I'd agree but I don't think you can say we have a top 5 Secondary next season when we're replacing both safeties- could they get there, oh no doubt- but just replacing 50% of your starters doesn't bode for top 5 at least initially.

Name the the ones that will be better socratics. I think what you and others keep forgetting is other teams lose players to and are not replacing them with the talent Florida is. What team is returning all of their secondary that was great last year?


Lets actually look at the line ups. Regular defense
CB Roberson
CB Watkins
S Riggs
S Gorman - could be Maye or Showers


Nickle- what we are in the most
CB Roberson
CB Purifoy
NB Poole
S Watkins
S Riggs

1 guy hasn't played significant time. You are not going to find 5 better DB groups than what we put on the field in nickle.


Most teams in the country would have VH3 penciled in for significant snaps next year. While I think he will play its not needed. UGA is starting a true freshmen and a true sophomore at the safety spot.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Riggs has proven he can play and he will be one of the guys at safety or the nickle spot.

Please stop with the Orr has done nothing stuff, he gave quality snaps last year until he got sick. Jacobs also gave us a lot quality snaps. Yes they will be asked to do more that is what happens in college people graduate others step in. Guess who else Florida can and will play at tackle? Dominic Easley. Just because Easley is not on the depth chart at tackle doesn't mean he is not going to play there next year. Like I said in what you quoted you have 3 guys that played starters snaps last year in Fowler Bullard and Ealsey. You have two guys that played solid back ups snaps and you add 2 very highly rated JUCOs. I think they are both better than Jacobs was this this time last year.

What others teams do you think can make a case for best Dline in the SEC? South Carolina and who else?

What has he done?! He's been widely regarded as one of the most inconsistent players on the roster and, to my knowledge, has had one DECENT game against Kentucky; and it wasn't even a breakout game! Other than that, WHAT HAS THE GUY DONE? He's a starter now, and he's recorded a whopping 25 tackles in two years. That doesn't sound like the "anchor" of one of the top lines in the country, my friend. I ain't lettin' that one ride. Btw, what big plays did Jacobs record to make you think he's going to bust out all of sudden? You gotta do better than that to convince me that we're set at tackle. Easley, Bullard and Fowler are proven, QUALITY players you can legitimately build a line around at this point, and they're all coming from the outside-at least at this point.

Any one of Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, 'Bama, Georgia or even Auburn can boast that they have have the talent to field the best line in the SEC. I don't care what those schools lost, they just reload. Go back and look at some of the players those schools have brought in. We have talent, but there is no proven production inside to go around boasting that we have one of the top lines in the country. Not yet, anyway.

[GATORAZ]

What has he done?! He's been widely regarded as one of the most inconsistent players on the roster and, to my knowledge, has had one DECENT game against Kentucky; and it wasn't even a breakout game! Other than that, WHAT HAS THE GUY DONE? He's a starter now, and he's recorded a whopping 25 tackles in two years. That doesn't sound like the "anchor" of one of the top lines in the country, my friend. I ain't lettin' that one ride. Btw, what big plays did Jacobs record to make you think he's going to bust out all of sudden? You gotta do better than that to convince me that we're set at tackle. Easley, Bullard and Fowler are proven, QUALITY players you can legitimately build a line around at this point, and they're all coming from the outside-at least at this point.

Any one of Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, 'Bama, Georgia or even Auburn can boast that they have have the talent to field the best line in the SEC. I don't care what those schools lost, they just reload. Go back and look at some of the players those schools have brought in. We have talent, but there is no proven production inside to go around boasting that we have one of the top lines in the country. Not yet, anyway.

I told you what he is done he has given quality snap it is really that simple.That is what you want out of your back ups along the defensive line. LOL at you wanting highlight reel plays from interior Dlinemen.

Do you realize Easley has played a lot inside? CWM even said he will play both next year. To say Easley is not proven inside is ridiculous and that is what you are saying.
So you dont care what those schools lost but you want to talk about what Florida lost? Look at who is project to anchor some of those Dlines you mentioned. Brandon Ivory has very similar stats to Leon Orr.

[GatorByte]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/61852/driskel-is-ready-to-take-on-more-in-2013

Interesting read.

"Interesting" is a one way of referring to that article... "scary" is another word that comes to mind reading the details about Driskel's past approach to the game (as described).

Our 11-2 record looks more impressive every day it seems.

[socraticsilence]

"Interesting" is a one way of referring to that article... "scary" is another word that comes to mind reading the details about Driskel's past approach to the game (as described).

Our 11-2 record looks more impressive every day it seems.

It concerns me both about Jeff and about the coaching staff- its like reading one of those "this year Mike Vick's buckling down" articles, honestly reading that makes me even more worried than I was previously about Jeff ever getting it because evidently he can't handle competition and needs everything handed to him before he even starts to do the basic work necessary to be even an average QB.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

UGA is starting a true freshmen and a true sophomore at the safety spot.

Who are they? We're not even through spring practice and you know our starters!

BTW, most folks that actually follow our team think senior Connor Norman and junior Corey Moore are the front runners.

[GATORAZ]

Who are they? We're not even through spring practice and you know our starters!

BTW, most folks that actually follow our team think senior Connor Norman and junior Corey Moore are the front runners.

You think you guys are going to start a walk on this year? :laugh: Going to be a long year for UGA on defense then.

Those guys would be Trey Mathews and JHC (lets see if he can cover)

[VolsFan07]

1. Tennessee
2. Tennessee
3. Tennessee
......

No, but seriously

1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. OSU
4. Oregon
5. Texas A&M

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

You think you guys are going to start a walk on this year? :laugh: Going to be a long year for UGA on defense then.

Those guys would be Trey Mathews and JHC (lets see if he can cover)

Both are on schollies. Norman earned his before the season started last year. And UGA did OK a few years with a walk on safety named Muschamp who grew into the position.

Most think JHC has grown too big for S and will move to LB, just like Alec Ogletree did. But I'm betting had you guys gotten JHC (like you really wanted) he'd be the second coming of RFN right now...

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Five teams to look out for?

1) 'Bama-Get used to it.
2) Ohio State-Easy schedule, and they're the most talented Big 10 team.
3) Texas A&M-You can't count that team out of any game with Manziel.
4) Texas-If it ever comes together in Austin...only team that can run with the SEC winner in a national title game.
5) Stanford-Not talented enough, though, to win it all.

Georgia will never win a national title under Richt. It just won't happen. I like their team, but Richt and his staff will buffalo at least one or two-per usual-they should win. We're still a year away.

[GATORAZ]

Both are on schollies. Norman earned his before the season started last year. And UGA did OK a few years with a walk on safety named Muschamp who grew into the position.

Most think JHC has grown too big for S and will move to LB, just like Alec Ogletree did. But I'm betting had you guys gotten JHC (like you really wanted) he'd be the second coming of RFN right now...

that was 20 years ago lol:laugh: UGA had plenty of scholarships to give out because of people leaving the program the past few year. Doesn't change the fact Norman joined the team a walk on.

Moore has some talent lets see if he can step up.


You thinking JHC will move to LB just further proves my point about lets see if he can cover if he plays safety. I do like his athleticism. That being said you are going to move a kid that is 6'5 218 to LB? I could have sworn he is spending most of his time at strong safety during spring practice.

[gator1986]

Where did you get that stat?

I know this isn't the best answer but it was in an article I read on SB Nation or something not too long ago. Wish I had the link, sorry for once I have nothing to back it up I just remember whoops =)

[acegator]

I don't see anyway OSU or Oregon beats an SEC team in the NC game. The only way I see Oregon or OSU winning the title is if they play each other which could happen if the SEC teams get 1 or 2 losses. So the question for me becomes who the polls put first a 1 loss SEC team or a no loss Big 10 pac 12 school. So my order would be:

Bama
T AM
OSU
Oregon
Stanford

[CharlesUF09]

UGA might have played or rotated a bunch of guys last year..

But u could see a drop off when they did play too.

What happened was that they nearly lost to Kentucky.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

What happened was that they nearly lost to Kentucky.

Louisiana-Lafeyette. It's a draw.

[whitelakegator]

"Interesting" is a one way of referring to that article... "scary" is another word that comes to mind reading the details about Driskel's past approach to the game (as described).

Our 11-2 record looks more impressive every day it seems.

GB: I am surprised this article with his direct quotes wasn't posted on its own thread. JD admits to under preparing in his SOPHOMORE year(not freshman). It solidified for me that he is missing it between the ears.

[geauxgator1]

I don't see anyway OSU or Oregon beats an SEC team in the NC game. The only way I see Oregon or OSU winning the title is if they play each other which could happen if the SEC teams get 1 or 2 losses. So the question for me becomes who the polls put first a 1 loss SEC team or a no loss Big 10 pac 12 school. So my order would be:

Bama
T AM
OSU
Oregon
Stanford

Oregon lost Chip Kelley. I put them in my top 5 but that coaching change may be their undoing this year.

[socraticsilence]

GB: I am surprised this article with his direct quotes wasn't posted on its own thread. JD admits to under preparing in his SOPHOMORE year(not freshman). It solidified for me that he is missing it between the ears.

It'd be one thing if he was Tim or Rex out there on the field (heck, Rex loved to party) but you think the fact that he was horrible would've be a motivating factor- I guess getting carried along to wins again and again made Jeff think he was doing enough.

[acegator]

Oregon lost Chip Kelley. I put them in my top 5 but that coaching change may be their undoing this year.

That is a good point. I forgot about that.

[LanceT]

SEC West champion
Ohio State
Gators
Louisville
Stanford

[socraticsilence]

Not sure I'd say were clear favorites in the East, I think I'd put Georgia 1st with us and USCe 2a and 2b.

[LanceT]

Not sure I'd say were clear favorites in the East, I think I'd put Georgia 1st with us and USCe 2a and 2b.

No way uga beats UF this year

[socraticsilence]

No way uga beats UF this year

Why? They've beaten us the last two years and its not like we have a psychological edge in the coaching match up anymore if anything all the pressures on Boom-- if he can't win this year his seat will warm up a bit (for the Bulls Uga is a be all, end all being the first coach in to lose 2 games to Uga in nearly a quarter century doesn't look good, dropping three straight makes Boom need to run the table to be a tenable head coach).

Just looking at both teams we should have a slight edge on defense but Uga will have a massive edge offensively-- they should be better at both running the ball and passing the ball than we will.

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

No way uga beats UF this year

I heard it will be 52-3 Gators again this year.:nervous smile:

[GATORAZ]

socraticsilence is one of my favorite poster on the site he wants Boom gone so bad but its not going to happen

[Pieisyummy]

With the prerequisite that I have no idea what I am doing:

1) Alabama
2) Ohio St
3) Texas A&M
4) Stanford
5) Louisville