Gator Country

**GothamGator** · 02-20-2013, 12:17 AM

Our biggest win in a road game, measured by RPI, is at #65 FSU.

Our closest win all year is by 13 over UCF.

BengermanV · 02-20-2013, 12:19 AM

The second one really scares me. All we need is one close win and well be fine, but we are running out of games.

lean_gator · 02-20-2013, 12:19 AM

So what does this mean?

born2beagator · 02-20-2013, 12:21 AM

We really need to win at UT and UK. Those two would be huge confidence boosts.

tommyuf21 · 02-20-2013, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by born2beagator

We really need to win at UT and UK. Those two would be huge confidence boosts.

Missouri is a lot better than both of those teams as we come down the stretch.

This was the toughest game left on our regular season schedule.

born2beagator · 02-20-2013, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyuf21

Missouri is a lot better than both of those teams as we come down the stretch.

This was the toughest game left on our regular season schedule.

Yes I know. But mediocre teams or not, the principle of winning at Tennessee (a place that has haunted us over the years) and at Rupp which is a tough place no matter the team that plays in it, is what matters.

We really need to win the rest of our SEC games

WESGATORS · 02-20-2013, 12:26 AM

I posted this in the other thread, but it's relevant here just the same:

So many are saying "we need a close win" is that just a gut sentiment or is it based on any relevant data?

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

HALLGATOR · 02-20-2013, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyuf21

Missouri is a lot better than both of those teams as we come down the stretch.

This was the toughest game left on our regular season schedule.

While I agree with this, b2b also has a good point. While UT and UK may not be as good as Missouri, wins on the road against those two teams would be good for the team's confidence going into March.

BLING · 02-20-2013, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WESGATORS

I posted this in the other thread, but it's relevant here just the same:

So many are saying "we need a close win" is that just a gut sentiment or is it based on any relevant data?

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

For me it's a gut sentiment.

Of course you don't complain if this team wins a bunch more games by 20 points, but in a strange way I think this team NEEDS to get the feel of closing out a close game. If it came down to a 2nd round NCAA game, and we are down 1 with a minute to go, at this point I don't think that would go so well regardless of opponent.

gatordavisl · 02-20-2013, 12:40 AM

It goes beyond gut sentiment. If Wes just did a small amount of homework regarding Gator FF teams, he would see some close wins away from home along the way.

ufgator4ever · 02-20-2013, 12:42 AM

I would like to know how many eventual ncaa champs haven't won a single game in that season or post season by fewer than 10 pts. Yet have lost as many as 4 games that same season.
If there are a lot, then I won't be worried.i

WESGATORS · 02-20-2013, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatordavisl

If Wes just did a small amount of homework...

Funny, just looking for the homework from the pessimists.

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

born2beagator · 02-20-2013, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLING

For me it's a gut sentiment.

Of course you don't complain if this team wins a bunch more games by 20 points, but in a strange way I think this team NEEDS to get the feel of closing out a close game. If it came down to a 2nd round NCAA game, and we are down 1 with a minute to go, at this point I don't think that would go so well regardless of opponent.

I don't either. Right now it feels like if the other team gets a 1 or 2 point lead with less than a minute left, we have no shot.

gatordavisl · 02-20-2013, 12:46 AM

Wes, I am a consummate sunshine pumper. Championship teams win close games. Certainly you've watched enough sports to understand this. Or do you need someone to do the homework for you?

tommyuf21 · 02-20-2013, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HALLGATOR

While I agree with this, b2b also has a good point. While UT and UK may not be as good as Missouri wins on the road against those two teams would be good for the team's confidence going into March.

My point is that we should win both of those games. Before Noel's injury, I would have said no at Rupp. However, with what has happened to them and their aversion to playing defense, I like our chances there.

If there was a game we were going to lose, it was tonight's.

WESGATORS · 02-20-2013, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatordavisl

Wes, I am a consummate sunshine pumper. Championship teams win close games. Certainly you've watched enough sports to understand this. Or do you need someone to do the homework for you?

I'll leave it alone with you, we disagree. No big deal. If you have data, I'll be happy to review it. If not, I'll keep searching.

Just know that I will *not* say "I told you so" when we win the National Championship.

That's not my style.

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

gatorbogey · 02-20-2013, 12:53 AM

likely, we'll need to win a close game in the ncaa's, just to survive. if we don't, we go home. we're likely going to HAVE to do it. it helps if you've done it before. but i'm fine blowing teams out.

akaGatorhoops · 02-20-2013, 01:00 AM

I think there is merit to the arguement that a close win would give confidence in furture scenarios, and perhaps exercise the deamons of some closes losses.
Other than that, I do not see a need or prerequisite for a close victory.

**gatormann** · 02-20-2013, 01:02 AM

I am glad you posted that. I'm no pessimist although there will probably be those rushing in with the label, but those facts substantiate that something is going regarding our ability to close em out that is beyond just our imagination. What makes it particularly tough, is that you'd have a hard time convincing anybody paying attention, that Florida isn't the better team. There's a pretty good chance that was also true in the games that ended our last 2 season and Arizona for that matter.

For those that see no good in this loss, I would submit that teams need to suffer to learn to get to that next level. Will we get better from this, perhaps we'll have to see when we get into a tight one the next time.

One thing that optimists and pessimists alike can agree upon, this one hurt.

akaGatorhoops · 02-20-2013, 01:05 AM

It would be interesting to see how many of these close losses are on the road. I am not making excuses for the breakdowns, but home teams have a significant, inherent advantage in a late, tight game.