I understand why folks will tend to say Miami, but it's the first game of the season. Ya wanna put your eggs in that basket, when it's possible that weird stuff happens, the team isn't ready, and they lose? I don't think it's the most intriguing matchup. I'd rank 'em as such: Texas - this is like a bowl game, but at their place Tennessee - always important rivalry game Miami - dirty, dirty canes UCF - gotta win this one Georgia - probably the biggest challenge on the schedule KY - need to get revenge and get back to dominating this 2nd class program FSU - important rivalry game and the Gators need some rivalry success big time A&M - SEC game and it still feels weird. I mean, they don't even have a Waffle House w/in 60 miles of their stadium!
Good stuff, and I totally agree! There could be hiccups in game one, if the Gators don't come to play. I really expect a war!!! Hopefuly, the Gators will play with something to prove! Because Miami is predicted to be a playoff team, and we will not be in the top 25.
You’ll dream up any scenario in which Napier is run off. Try coming up with something to share besides the same old shit
He's right though. I pray it doesn't happen, but I'm sure you recall the Mizzou debacle in 2014. That was the kiss of death for the coach that year.
I like all your explanations as to why these games are important, but I wouldn’t rank Texas up there considering it should be a sure loss. Now, if we were to win that game, you’re absolutely right about it being a huge win and very important for our program.
I really expected by this time (as I didn't expect TX to join the SEC) that aTm with their deep donor pockets and UF would be the marquis match-up in the SEC, as the East v. the West. Two great recruiting grounds that both schools seemed like they should have a strangle hold on. Both schools have really missed the opportunity.
Okay, it's Dooley, but he argues for the Vols being the biggest game. Your thoughts? Pat Dooley ranks Florida football’s 2024 schedule game-by-game
Probably only because Tennessee is a barometer game...a team we're used to beating. Plus it's a road game, the beginning of a big stretch, and we should always beat them. Unfortunately, Florida is 2-10 away from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium under Napier. But you missed the point he made over and over: Miami Hurricanes (Aug. 31) The season opener at home is not a place you want to lose a game. Bottom line: Napier has to win this opener.
Kentucky, hands down. Losing to Kentucky the first time was the first sign of the wheels coming off. Beating them would be very positive mojo.
No, I did not miss the point. He rated the Tennessee as the most important game. But, he wondered if he should have ranked Miami first, and I get it! Miami is in the Swamp, and that is a must win game! A loss against Miami would, no doubt, taint the entire season. Almost every game equally matters, because if the Gators do not bring their A game, they can suffer a loss against their major opponents. So, I agree with you, Miami is the biggest game, and it will probably be one of the most difficult teams to beat. I think I could accept a good loss, if the Gators play Miami well. But if the Gators don't come to play and it's an ugly loss for the Gators; well, that would be detrimental. And, I will leave that as a topic we hopefully never have to broach.
We meet them later in the year, which bodes well for us. We get to see their offense and their depth.
I agree with your differentiation, and I see many games as one or the other, or perhaps both. Florida football 2024 schedule Aug, 31 — Miami Miami is a talented team, but Florida is talented as well. This is a MUST WIN game for the Good Guys vs The Thugs. This game will set a precedence for the season. I know this is a statement game for both squads, and the Gators must come out on fire (because I know The Thugs will bring it)! Sept. 7 — Samford This should be a cream puff opponent, yet the Gators must still play the Gator brand of football and lay the wood to the bulldogs. Sept. 14 — Texas A&M The Aggies are very talented and are very capable of a win in Gainesville. It's imperative that Florida brings their A game or this could not end well. Sept. 21 — at Mississippi State This is intriguing for me, as, I personally have an almost 70 year memory of Starkville night games. Not implying this will be a nightgame, but it definitely will not be a cakewalk. The Gators cannot afford to come out flat in this one. Miss St should not win this game. Will the Gators beat themselves and make this an interesting contest, or will they fire on all cylinders? Oct. 5 — UCF This is an intriguing game, because the Gators are playing a very talented squad that wants nothing better than to embarrass them at home. We must play our A game, because this will be for state dominance and impact future recruiting. Oct. 12 — at Tennessee This is a very important game, and we must come out and play fast and hard. Billy will probably want to play ball control, and that would be a mistake! The Gators must score a lot of points and take the Vols fans out of this one early! This is not about ball control but crowd control!!! Oct. 19 — Kentucky Kentucky's defense will try to slow our offense down. Consequently, playing ball control will play right into Stoops plan to keep the game close. This game will be about embarrassing Kentucky with scoring a ton of points and not sitting on a lead! Nov. 2 — Georgia, Jacksonville This game is winnable for the Gators, but it will entirely be on whether the Gators beat themselves or play competitively. Nov. 9 — at Texas This will be a tough place to get a win. For the Gators to win, they will need to execute and play mistake free! This game could get away from us, if we do not show up mentally prepared! Nov. 16 — LSU This may be our toughest home game. Florida needs to score quickly and often! Nov. 23 — Ole Miss We must play Ole Miss the exact same way as we did when Will Grier was here--four quarters of playing inspired football and maintaining Swamp dominance in 2024!!! Ole Miss CANNOT control the tempo of this game. This will require the defense to play tough and not give up big plays! Nov. 30 — at Florida State The outcome of this game should be on us, not simply because it is away. This should be more about scoring than ball control, shutting the free shoes crowd down, and putting this game away. This was a fun exercise and demonstrated a reoccuring theme. This year, the offense has got to step on the gas and not let up! We cannot afford entire quarters of scoreless play! I'm sure this sounds like a crazy prediction of going undefeated, but that was not my intent. I simply think most of the Gator games are winnable!
It's not even cliche to say that every home game not named Samford will be an intriguing game. I see sellouts all year long at home and even in away games. Our team garners that kind of respect even if the talking heads are selling us short because of our crazy difficult schedule. I can't wait to see the Gators in The Swamp. I might have to see a game live this coming season. I will say this, every game we play at home against a power 4 conference will be sold out before the season kicks off.
Draftkings released their lines and we are currently underdogs in 7 games. Miami +2 , Texas A&M +4, Tenn +11, FSU +13.5, Georgia +22, LSU +5.5, Ole Miss,+6.5
I imagine we will be underdogs in 5 games a season on average so staff needs to do something that wins some of those games.
The Miss State game screams a "trap game." Many Gator teams have struggled there- it's not a coincidence. I can hope we are coming off big wins vs Miami and TAMU- but even then this one will be waiting to bite us. If we are coming off a 1-2 start this will make or break the season...