Never mind the second-guessing, let’s start off the 2008 season with some FIRST guessing. Second-guessing suggests 20-20 hindsight and implies criticism.
First guessing wonders aloud about what will happen with this version of Urban Meyer’s football team and its moving parts.
Here are 20 things I am going to be watching for in The Swamp Saturday when the 2008 Gators kick off what is a promising season against Hawaii.
1. OK, let’s get it up front right now. What will the defense look like? That is probably the most critical component of the 2008 team, because it will speak directly to any championship aspirations. What I think now is the Gators will be “improved.” What I am wondering is “by how much?”
2. Most vital to that defensive scenario is the play of defensive tackles. Because we in the media weren’t allowed to watch scrimmages, we can only go by hearsay. By all reports, Lawrence Marsh has stepped up at tackle and people like Terron Sanders, Troy Epps, Matt Patchan and Omar Hunter seem to be getting good reviews. So can they stop the run? Honestly, I don’t know, but my guess is that they will be decent at it. The combination of depth, a new defensive scheme and speed rush will take the heat off of them.
3. Who is Zack O’Quinn and how can a walk-on Scout team quarterback lose his stripe on the same day that Will Hill lost his? I’m thinking this young 6-2, 226-pound freshman from Lake Charles, La. must have done something very big to impress Urban Meyer that much, but will never see the field this season because Florida is loaded at the quarterback position.
4. Who will back up Tim Tebow and take the first snap? Depends on the field position at the time, but I’m guessing John Brantley, who would most likely be throwing. If it’s Cam Newton, Florida would likely be in the red zone at that time, with the quarterback running on the option play. My guess: They will both play, and maybe even earlier than expected.
5. How many touches will Tim Tebow get? Well, he get every touch, but I’m not expecting to see him run the ball over 6-8 times because the running game is likely to be on display. One reputable source tells me that Tebow may have injured his hand in practice, but not seriously.
6. Which of the running backs will be featured? Depends in part on who has the hand, or hot feet. Kestahn Moore will be given respect, but I think he’ll wind up mostly as the second back on a two-back set, maybe even at fullback when there is one. If he’s healthy, Chris Rainey will get rewarded for his off-season training and newfound commitment. An equal number of looks will go to Emmanuel Moody, who could be a sleeper-star. Also watch out for Jeff Demps. What I expect: Florida will rush for 250 or more yards as Meyer establishes the Gators’ ground attack.
7. Which of the starting linebackers will have the biggest day? By the fact that he’s getting a rare start at position where most tackles are made, I’m guessing Ryan Stamper, starting for Brandon Spikes.
8. Of the newcomers who will make the biggest impact? On defense I’m guessing it will be DE William Green, DTs Matt Patchan and Omar Hunter and DB Janoris Jenkins. My guess is that Green or Patchan will be the biggest impact as freshmen.
9. What about other first-timers? Of the redshirt freshman, watch for Rainey, WR Deonte Thompson, John Brantley, OL James Wilson and DT John Brown. My guess is Rainey, followed closely by Thompson, will be the biggest contributors.
10. Who is Rick Burgess, where did he come from and where will he fit in? He’s a fullback transfer from Southern Illinois, 6-1, 235, who has apparently worked himself on to the two-deep roster and will see some action –– maybe the lowest profile guy on the first 22. My guess is that we will barely notice him unless we are watching for blockers.
11. Who among the “comeback” players will get the biggest support of fans? DT Javier Estopinan, with multiple knee surgeries, is certainly a candidate. So is TE Tate Casey, who fell ill last season and had to apply for a medical red-shirt, but came back with a vengeance and is now up to 255 pounds. Then there is K-Moore, who really hasn’t been anywhere, but needs to overcome his image as a fumbler who hurt his team twice last year by laying the ball on the ground in key situations. Pick your own. I’m rooting for all three.
12. How will the new assistant coaches fit in and what will their roles be? Running backs coach Kenny Carter is all about ball security and I’m willing to bet very few backs will turn it over this season. Secondary coach Vance Bedford likes aggressive corner play and I’m guessing we’ll see more bump-and-run technique. Defensive line coach Dan McCarney is vocal and spirited, so watch for him to be very animated on the sideline. My guess is that Bedford will have the biggest impact because of improving one of last year’s weak spots, cornerback.
13. How much will the offense miss Cornelius Ingram? Some, but not as much as you might think unless they got an injury to a tight end. Mainly because CI’s leadership will still be felt in the lockerroom and on the sideline as a non-playing captain. His catches will be absorbed by Aaron Hernandez and some of the backs, who are expected to be catching more balls from Tebow on checkdowns.
14. How hot will it be at The Swamp? Not counting the on-field temperature, which is always 8-10 degrees warmer, I’m guessing the over/under on the Fahrenheit is 94 degrees.
15. How many points will the Gator offense produce? Well, it is already being dubbed as the maybe the most explosive offense in Gator football history and I can’t refute that potential. So let’s just say if they don’t crack 50 it will be a surprise. Never mind the second-guessing, let’s start off the 2008 season with some FIRST guessing.
16. How much will Percy Harvin be missed? In this game not much. My guess is that he’ll be back against Miami, full throttle.
17. Which transfer will most likely be noticed: If it’s not Moody, my guess it will be WR Carl Moore.
18. Which wide receiver will catch the most balls? I’m fairly confident it will be Louis Murphy, on his way to a breakout season. But I’m guessing the longest reception will be caught by the sneaky-fast Riley Cooper.
19. Which unit will have the biggest day? Well, of course, we all know it will be the offense, but I’m also guessing special teams will have a huge day with at least one blocked kick and a punt or kick return for a touchdown.
20. Most likely the player whose name hasn’t been mentioned here to have a big day? Brandon James, who will return at least one kick for a touchdown. I’m not guessing on this one, I’m predicting it will happen.