I believe in QB Jeff Driskel.

[JohnC1908]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

Iffy is 103 out of 120? Seriously? Iffy?

I will gladly split those PED's with you. This is obviously going nowhere. It seems like some will deflect and defend regardless of the evidence(shout, yell, and scream 11-2!!! 11-2!!! 11-2!!! here). It reminds me of the RZ days. You had people making every excuse for him and saying he was a great coach till the day he was fired.

Passing yards is the only factor you use to evaluate a QB?

[socraticsilence]

Originally Posted by GATORAZ

We lost one game in the regular season to a more talented team. Win that game we are in the SEC Championship that tell me we can win it all with Jeff especially since it was his first year starting. Look around the league the Gators should have the best DL and secondary in the league the next two years.

2014 I buy, but for next year- yeah we'll have a ton of recruiting stars- but you don't lose your two starting safeties and go on without missing a beat even if you replace them with all world talent- look at how Wright and Black played in 2007- it takes safeties a bit of time.

[GATORAZ]

Originally Posted by socraticsilence

2014 I buy, but for next year- yeah we'll have a ton of recruiting stars- but you don't lose your two starting safeties and go on without missing a beat even if you replace them with all world talent- look at how Wright and Black played in 2007- it takes safeties a bit of time.

Who in the east will have a better team? UGA loses almost their whole defense

[Gatorrick22]

Originally Posted by GATORAZ

Who in the east will have a better team? UGA loses almost their whole defense

Yeah, but their offense will be lights-out good.

[SmootyGator]

Originally Posted by Gatorrick22

Yeah, but their offense will be lights-out good.

Their offense wasn't that good against us last season. Offenses don't necessarily get better year to year (See UF the past 3 years). I wouldn't expect them to be worse, given that they don't lose a whole lot, but there's no guarantee that they will be that much better.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

I would be hard-pressed to argue we've had the "same offense" the last three years, though.

[Gatorrick22]

Originally Posted by SmootyGator

Their offense wasn't that good against us last season. Offenses don't necessarily get better year to year (See UF the past 3 years). I wouldn't expect them to be worse, given that they don't lose a whole lot, but there's no guarantee that they will be that much better.

True, but our defense was even more lights out. And that was last year, so I hope we get better on defense next year, because our offense has no where to go but up/better. And with a good offense and defense we're going to be sick next year.

[gator34654]

If JD doesn't show remarkable improvement passing and getting rid of the ball this year then it's not going to happen.

[theologator]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

Iffy is 103 out of 120? Seriously? Iffy?

I will gladly split those PED's with you. This is obviously going nowhere. It seems like some will deflect and defend regardless of the evidence(shout, yell, and scream 11-2!!! 11-2!!! 11-2!!! here). It reminds me of the RZ days. You had people making every excuse for him and saying he was a great coach till the day he was fired.

Touché re: the PED's. :-)

Why was the offense rated 103 out of 120?

1. Inconsistent and thin OL
2. Completely ineffective WR corps
3. Shallow depth at RB
4. Deflating the ball with a lead
5. Young QB

I'm not arguing that the offense was great or even good, but Driskel played very well in all but the two losses and had a significant, game-changing role is winning several games. His turnovers were key in the UGA game, but that great defense was as bad or worse in the Sugar Bowl.

By comparison, the Zook offenses scored a lot more. Despite all the frustration of those days, Chris Leak wasn't the problem. Jeff Driskel isn't a problem now. That doesn't mean there aren't other problems.

Given the losses at DT, MLB and S, the offense will have to be much more efficient this year. I expect the OL to be better with more depth, hope the RBs will be ready to offset losing Gilly, and REALLY hope the WRs finally find a real threat or two, which will help everyone.

And I like Driskel's chances to be better: 2nd year in the same system, he does seem to put in the film & study time, and he's physically gifted.

[theologator]

Originally Posted by socraticsilence

2014 I buy, but for next year- yeah we'll have a ton of recruiting stars- but you don't lose your two starting safeties and go on without missing a beat even if you replace them with all world talent- look at how Wright and Black played in 2007- it takes safeties a bit of time.

Black was a special teams guy in 2007. He didn't play safety until 2008, when he broke out huge and secured the NC game with that INT. He was a first year starter that year.

I agree you don't just plug in another body to replace Elam, and UF really lost its top 3 safeties including Saunders and Evans. But given the talent across the board I expect the DB's to be solid and I won't be surprised if a diamond or two emerges at safety from the 8-9 possibilities. Black was a shock to anyone outside Lakeland, the talent back there now would be less of a surprise.

[Welshgator]

Originally Posted by theologator

Touché re: the PED's. :-)

Why was the offense rated 103 out of 120?

1. Inconsistent and thin OL
2. Completely ineffective WR corps
3. Shallow depth at RB
4. Deflating the ball with a lead
5. Young QB

I'm not arguing that the offense was great or even good, but Driskel played very well in all but the two losses and had a significant, game-changing role is winning several games. His turnovers were key in the UGA game, but that great defense was as bad or worse in the Sugar Bowl.

I couldn't find an online link to Pat Dooley's column in the Gainesville Sun today but he was essentially discussing Saban's preparations for the Notre Dame game. Within the article he mentioned Florida's preparation for the Sugar Bowl game. He stated that despite practicing the first play over and over that Jordan Reed still managed to line up on completely the wrong side of the field. Reed was sparingly given playing time in the game after that,apparently. The first play was the INT if I recall correctly. Apart from being bitterly disappointing, if true, it does highlight some of our offensive woes if our experienced players can't get in position for a rehearsed drive. I'm confident Jeff will make improvements but from Theo's above list - unless (1) the OL is solidified and (2) the WRs can stretch the field more then the offense as a whole is unlikely to improve.

[whitelakegator]

Originally Posted by theologator

Touché re: the PED's. :-)

Why was the offense rated 103 out of 120?

1. Inconsistent and thin OL
2. Completely ineffective WR corps
3. Shallow depth at RB
4. Deflating the ball with a lead
5. Young QB

I'm not arguing that the offense was great or even good, but Driskel played very well in all but the two losses and had a significant, game-changing role is winning several games. His turnovers were key in the UGA game, but that great defense was as bad or worse in the Sugar Bowl.

By comparison, the Zook offenses scored a lot more. Despite all the frustration of those days, Chris Leak wasn't the problem. Jeff Driskel isn't a problem now. That doesn't mean there aren't other problems.

Given the losses at DT, MLB and S, the offense will have to be much more efficient this year. I expect the OL to be better with more depth, hope the RBs will be ready to offset losing Gilly, and REALLY hope the WRs finally find a real threat or two, which will help everyone.

And I like Driskel's chances to be better: 2nd year in the same system, he does seem to put in the film & study time, and he's physically gifted.

I completely respect your opinion, but humbly disagree. So it wasn't JD holding the offense back, it was everyone else? I thought JD looked like a deer in headlights most of season. He seems to have all the tools, physically. Mentally? I have my doubts.

This reminds of the past too much. Posters will throw everyone under the bus but JD and then come on here and wonder aloud why we are criticizing Driskel...yet they say nothing about throwing the wrs or o line under the bus... anyone BUT JD. Hilarious. It HAS to be everything but JD because if there's any truth to it...we're screwed.

[Tito22]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

I completely respect your opinion, but humbly disagree. So it wasn't JD holding the offense back, it was everyone else? I thought JD looked like a deer in headlights most of season. He seems to have all the tools, physically. Mentally? I have my doubts.

This reminds of the past too much. Posters will throw everyone under the bus but JD and then come on here and wonder aloud why we are criticizing Driskel...yet they say nothing about throwing the wrs or o line under the bus... anyone BUT JD. Hilarious. It HAS to be everything but JD because if there's any truth to it...we're screwed.

Yeah I've never understood that from a majority of posters. Same thing with Brantley prior to his senior year and they all disappeared in his career "highlight" FSU game. I like Driskel because of his mobility and non-...how can I say....b---h a$$ness. He has no fear it seems and I like that. But his passing skills are way below average. Inaccurate, doesn't throw it away, and stares down receivers. He was/is raw. This offseason he needs to treat as if it is his last show because.without improvement, 2013 may be his last as a starter

[theologator]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

I completely respect your opinion, but humbly disagree. So it wasn't JD holding the offense back, it was everyone else? I thought JD looked like a deer in headlights most of season. He seems to have all the tools, physically. Mentally? I have my doubts.

This reminds of the past too much. Posters will throw everyone under the bus but JD and then come on here and wonder aloud why we are criticizing Driskel...yet they say nothing about throwing the wrs or o line under the bus... anyone BUT JD. Hilarious. It HAS to be everything but JD because if there's any truth to it...we're screwed.

Do you disagree with my assessment of the OL?

Are you suggesting that the receivers were good as a unit or individually?

Do you think the RB's behind Gilly were solid?

Are you denying that Muschamp ordered the offense to pack it in when he thought a lead was safe? That is well documented.

Deer in the headlights?

Driskel won his first game as a starter at a rabid A&M, and his play was key to the win. He won at a rabid UT. He put the team on his shoulders and won at unusually rabid Vandy who thought they were going to gig the Gators. He won at a rabid FSU, establishing a short passing game early and gashing them with a big run. He threw fewer INTs than any other starting QB in the SEC.

I did see problems. I think he took way too many sacks for way too much yardage. I think he looked goofy-stupid in the UGA game. I think the OL looked overmatched in the SC, Mizzou and ULL games. But on the whole he did well.

I'm curious as to what you're seeing that I might be overlooking. Can you cite a few examples which give rise to your opinion?

[Welshgator]

Originally Posted by Tito22

But his passing skills are way below average. Inaccurate, doesn't throw it away, and stares down receivers. He was/is raw.

I wouldn't say he is totally inaccurate, he made some good passes over the course of the season. How much of inaccuracy was related to WRs and TE not running the route correctly, that's harder to define unless you know what play the coach called. He did improve somewhat on throwing it away but evidently stared down some receivers in the Sugar Bowl. Here's hoping Pease can coach him up to go through his progressions and that he gains faith that the OL can buy him some time on a consistent basis.
As far as the blame game - I think most fans are reluctant to put blame on one player especially a good kid like JD. Much more palatable to spread the blame around a little, since it is after all a team game. There are posters on here, however, who seem to delight in bringing down any UF player as and when the opportunity arises.

[GatorByte]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

This reminds of the past too much. Posters will throw everyone under the bus but JD and then come on here and wonder aloud why we are criticizing Driskel...yet they say nothing about throwing the wrs or o line under the bus... anyone BUT JD. Hilarious. It HAS to be everything but JD because if there's any truth to it...we're screwed.

Pretty much dead on. Two entire units completely dismissed outright by so many to serve as a defense for a single player.

With regard to your last statement, I think this is something that many Gator fans realize (and still choose to ignore). It seems that quite a few that are very uncomfortable with the mere thought that Jeff might not work out.

To be clear, I'm not implying that he won't improve... he just has a long way to go with the mental aspect of the game.

[Welshgator]

Originally Posted by GatorByte

Pretty much dead on. Two entire units completely dismissed outright by so many to serve as a defense for a single player.

With regard to your last statement, I think this is something that many Gator fans realize (and still choose to ignore). It seems that quite a few that are very uncomfortable with the mere thought that Jeff might not work out.

To be clear, I'm not implying that he won't improve... he just has a long way to go with the mental aspect of the game.

That's the point of being a fan though, isn't it? I think most fans are realistic enough to know that JD is our only experienced QB going into next season. Therefore, as 'fans' we support and encourage him and hope that he is successful. What's the alternative? - Hoping that the guy coming off the bench is going to be better?

[whitelakegator]

Originally Posted by theologator

Do you disagree with my assessment of the OL?

Are you suggesting that the receivers were good as a unit or individually?

Do you think the RB's behind Gilly were solid?

Are you denying that Muschamp ordered the offense to pack it in when he thought a lead was safe? That is well documented.

Deer in the headlights?

Driskel won his first game as a starter at a rabid A&M, and his play was key to the win. He won at a rabid UT. He put the team on his shoulders and won at unusually rabid Vandy who thought they were going to gig the Gators. He won at a rabid FSU, establishing a short passing game early and gashing them with a big run. He threw fewer INTs than any other starting QB in the SEC.

I did see problems. I think he took way too many sacks for way too much yardage. I think he looked goofy-stupid in the UGA game. I think the OL looked overmatched in the SC, Mizzou and ULL games. But on the whole he did well.

I'm curious as to what you're seeing that I might be overlooking. Can you cite a few examples which give rise to your opinion?

He was 11-2. That's a darn great record. I don't want to come off as a JD basher more than I already have. My point is that he needs a lot of work. Our defense was elite this past season. It was a championship caliber defense. Our offense was not. If we had any semblance of an offense we probably play for a MNC. It was not meant to be. This doesn't mean the lights won't come on for JD at some point. I expected a sharp Driskel in the Sugar. I expected him to take that next step. Now? All I hear are excuses and a bunch of "next year"'s.

I think we can agree that it's not a physical issue. It is between the ears. Again, hopefully, this is all moot and we can look back and say, "whitelakegator, see, you worried over nothing!"

That's what I hope for and pardon me for being as honest as I can.

[theologator]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

He was 11-2. That's a darn great record. I don't want to come off as a JD basher more than I already have. My point is that he needs a lot of work. Our defense was elite this past season. It was a championship caliber defense. Our offense was not. If we had any semblance of an offense we probably play for a MNC. It was not meant to be. This doesn't mean the lights won't come on for JD at some point. I expected a sharp Driskel in the Sugar. I expected him to take that next step. Now? All I hear are excuses and a bunch of "next year"'s.

I think we can agree that it's not a physical issue. It is between the ears. Again, hopefully, this is all moot and we can look back and say, "whitelakegator, see, you worried over nothing!"

That's what I hope for and pardon me for being as honest as I can.

No worries on my end. You obviously pay close attention and care - I'm just curious as to what you're seeing in terms of his play. I asked for examples not to demean your opinion but to learn.

I listed a number of specifics. One was Muschsmp relying on the defense at times, which would suppress production. That's hardly dismissing that unit. Another was the poor (or overwhelmed) OL vs. SC. I noted his lousy performances, but should his Sugar Bowl be any more of an indictment than it was for most of the defense? I don't think that qualifies as blind adoration just because he's UF's starting QB. I just don't think he was the main problem nor do I think he's had much more than a year of game experience - much of which was integral to big wins.

His yards per completion was very low. His attempts were low.

And I fully agree he needs to improve between those ears. That will greatly determine how far the Gators go the next 2 years and whether of not he can play in the NFL. But the OL and WR corps needs to improve more. I think the RBs will be fine.

[GatorByte]

Originally Posted by Welshgator

That's the point of being a fan though, isn't it? I think most fans are realistic enough to know that JD is our only experienced QB going into next season. Therefore, as 'fans' we support and encourage him and hope that he is successful. What's the alternative? - Hoping that the guy coming off the bench is going to be better?

I'm certainly not rooting against Jeff. I've been excited about him since we landed him, and could even be defined as a bit of a Driskel backer during the competition with Jacoby. I love our current offensive philosophy, and I believe this staff has us going in the right direction.

That said, my hope is that the coaches are able to help him overcome his very obvious weaknesses at this stage of his career. If they cannot do this (be it Jeff's inability to respond to coaching, lack of focus, talent ceiling... whatever), I hope it can be identified and addressed in a timely enough fashion that allows next season to be a success. Whether a postive change results from a player change or offensive tweaks to make Jeff more effective... I don't care. I just doubt that the offense is going to change much.

With the type of team we have now, no single position should be afforded an ironclad commitment from the coaches without regard for regression in play. Now that we are addressing our shortcomings at WR and OL, let's see with an open mind what Jeff and the coaches can do. It won't take us another season to figure it out.