September 4, 2005
Meyer era begins with answers, more questions
Maybe I just haven't eaten enough bowls of Urban Meyer Gator Cereal, but yesterday's coming out party against Wyoming didn't do much to answer some of the nagging questions that continue to swirl around the Florida football team.
As previously mentioned, Meyer's offense is dependent on the Gators developing a running game. As of today, the ground attack does not exist at Florida. Nada, zip, zilch. Well, technically the offense did muster 91 yards on 36 attempts. DeShawn Wynn, apparently, remains on super-secret probation, because the Gators best offensive threat remains firmly seated on the bench. Even if Wynn makes it back, yesterday's teeny-tiny gaps created by the O-Line against Wyoming doesn't foretell success against Tennessee, Georgia, et al. Until Florida can run the ball, the Gators won't win consistently in the SEC.
Meyer said as much in his post-game: "In case you're wondering what the offense should look like, that's not it," and "Pathetic."
Next question: Who is backing up Chris Leak? Leak took a few good shots and there will be more to come in Meyer's offense. A much bigger Alex Smith stood up to the beating the MWC handed out, but Leak is smaller and the SEC defenses are --with all due respect-- much, much, much bigger. Leak ran the ball ten times and was sacked four times. If he takes that many hits from Georgia or Tennessee, for example, Florida is in trouble.
Last question, and I didn't even know this was going to be a question until I watched the Sun Sports replay, but...what in the world is going on with Florida's special teams? If the Zookster had trotted a team out that missed two extra points, failed on a 2-point conversion, and gotten juked out of their shorts on a fake punt, well...Ron Zook would have been tarred and feathered. I know UF fans are happy to celebrate the win, the new coach, and the new season...but someone better be putting in some time on special teams this week, because conference games are won & lost on special teams every week.
Florida made great strides yesterday. I was *seriously* impressed with the amount of the Meyer offense that UF has already implemented. But - let's be honest - this is Florida and the expectations are really high - perhaps too high. Next week is another tune up with Louisiana Tech, but then it's Tennessee and GAME ON.
Comments:
Michael said:
posted on September 6, 2005 9:21 AM — 209.194.80.90 — link — abuse?
I think there's a lot of a bandwagon jumping--both on and off--this time of year. A lot of it led by ESPN. "Oh look, Tennesssee struggled and Florida won by a mile...that means taht Florida will win."
I get tired of Trev Alberts coming out with insane, stupid and completely dumb-ass generalizations that are never backed up by silly little things like facts. But yet...they let him keep his job. I think there are at least a couple of fan bloggers who could do just as good a job if not better than Trev in breaking down college football...and no, I don't include myself in that generalization.
hee hee Mark Shapiro (ESPN) said:
posted on September 7, 2005 1:40 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
Michael,
We here at ESPN pride ourselves in being able to provide the broadest and most in-depth coverage of sports around the world. After considering your criticisms of our own Trev Alberts, we have decided to go in a different direction. Based on your and other allegations of Mr. Albert's stupidity and lack of general knowledge pertaining to college football, I have decided to release Mr. Albert's from his contract. We are sorry for any inconvenience you may have suffered due to Mr. Albert's ignorance and we sincerely promise to continue our quest for excellence in sports coverage around the world. Best Regards,
Mark Shapiro (ESPN)Trev Alberts said:
posted on September 7, 2005 1:50 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
I ain't leaving until everyone admits I am the God of all college football analysts. I was the first to say that the Miami/Florida State game would go down to who scored the most points. As always, I was right again! None of the 3 Florida based powerhouses could have held up to a staunch Nebraska Defense and Full-throttle offense like the one that handily put up 16 big ones against perrinial power Maine. Lucky for Maine, Nebraska pulled their starters after the 4th quarter to keep from running up the score and getting ridiculed by the lesser sports analysts in my business. You will all miss me when I'm gone! Mark my words, everytime you hear an analyst say something so friggin bizzare it makes your head spin--you'll think of me! GO HUSKERS !!!
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G Maine said:
posted on September 5, 2005 5:46 PM — 64.193.75.42 — link — abuse?The Gators suck loli-pop's!! GO CANES!!!!