Expect some tweaks to Florida offense
Gainesville, Fla.—I’m spending a couple of days at Florida, the defending national champions. For a team that returns its entire defense plus the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback, there is a lot of stuff going on.
I spent Monday visiting with assistant coaches and attending the afternoon practice. Here are a few observations with Florida’s spring game coming up on Saturday:
The basics will not change under new offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, but there will be a couple of tweaks. Addazio takes over for Dan Mullen, who is now the head coach at Mississippi State. Addazio was the Florida offensive line coach but he’s been a coordinator before so he knows the drill. The transition is going smoothly because under Urban Meyer, putting together the offense has always been a collaborative effort. Everybody in the room adds their expertise and the coordinator’s job is to, well, coordinate.
“My job is to make sure everybody in the room is looking at the offense with the same set of eyes,” Addazio said. “There are basic things we believe in and those are not going to change. We are going to do what we do.”
But you’re going to see a couple of adjustments in the Florida offense this fall. No. 1, they are working on an I-formation package that will put quarterbacks Tim Tebow and John Brantley under center. Meyer wants a downhill power running game when it is needed. He also wants to be able to put Tebow under center from time to time to calm down the skeptics who wonder about his NFL potential.
Florida will pick up the pace on offense. Florida averaged 43.6 points with only 62 plays per game last season. Meyer, Addazio, and new QB coach Scot Loeffler are working with a no-huddle, up-tempo package in a effort to get more plays and hopefully more points. “With the new clock rules you have to have it (the no huddle) in your offense,” Meyer said.
Tebow’s throwing motion looks better. The left hander has always had a long throwing motion. Despite the critics, he seems to make the big throws when Florida needs them. Just ask Alabama. But Loeffler, who has tutored a number of really good quarterbacks including Michigan’s Tom Brady, has worked with Tebow on his mechanics and footwork. During Monday’s practice it was obvious that Tebow’s throwing motion is now more compact and that the ball has a tighter spiral. Tebow has thrown his share of wounded ducks as a college quarterback. It is clear to me that Meyer is going to do everything he can, within the framework of the team, to help Tebow get ready for the NFL.
“I can’t tell you what the NFL guys are thinking but I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of good quarterbacks,” said Loeffler, who also worked with Chad Henne and John Navarre during his time with Michigan. “Tim has that IT, that all great quarterbacks have.”
John Brantley is going to be a star: A year ago Brantley, a rising redshirt sophomore, got a few chances to show off the talented arm that made him a highly-recruited quarterback out of Ocala. This season he will be a major factor in the offense as Florida prepares for the post-Tebow era. You only have to watch Brantley for five minutes in practice to realize that he has an NFL arm.
“He’s a special talent,” Loeffler said.
In 2006 Chris Leak was the starting quarterback and Florida developed a package of plays for Tebow, the freshman. This season Brantley will play that same role with a package of plays that will force opposing defensive coordinators to spend extra time preparing for the change of pace when Brantley comes in the game.
Florida is finding some depth on the offensive line: The concern going into spring was finding two new offensive tackles. Well, Florida has them and more. Carl Johnson (6-6, 330) and Marcus Gilbert (6-6, 308) are going to be the tackles and they will be good ones. But keep an eye on sophomore Matt Patchan (6-6, 250). He went over to defense last season to help out but is back on offense. He needs to put on some bulk but is athletic enough to do it. Also keep an eye on redshirt freshman Sam Robey (6-4, 290). He is the son of former Kentucky basketball star Rick Robey and is pushing hard to be starter. “I feel pretty good about offensive linemen one through four, but I think you have to have eight guys to play in the SEC,” Addazio said. “We have to identify five, six, seven, and eight.”
There was some disappointing news on Monday as guard Maurkice Pouncey had shoulder surgery and is out for Saturday’s spring game. Pouncey, a junior, will need three months to recover.
The injuries are piling up: Don’t expect a lot of fireworks for Saturday’s Florida Spring game. Pouncey was one of four additional starters who will not participate, Meyer said at the end of practice on Monday. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive linemen Lawrence Marsh and Carlos Dunlap will miss the game. Meyer said he may adjust the format because of all the injuries.
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151 comments Add your comment
Look out for Brantley
April 14th, 2009
9:02 am
Brantley and Tebow will be a most impressive duo as they look up from the turf of the old Gator Bowl, staring into a blue, cloudless sky while the hot breath of Rennie Curran rains down on their Gator heads…..Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dawg Food
April 14th, 2009
9:03 am
Along with Marcus Washington, Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens, et al
Alpo Gators
April 14th, 2009
9:05 am
Don’t forget up and coming Justin Houston
LSWho?
April 14th, 2009
9:09 am
Tony, who will be Florida’s “downhill-running” I-back?
bill cleary
April 14th, 2009
9:12 am
stop it puppies. you know that the national champs will once again abuse the dogs at least by 30, maybe 49. face it you are second rate when you play uf
JB
April 14th, 2009
9:21 am
I’m a big Dawg dawg fan, but a realist. Florida is a load and loaded. beatable, yes, ask Ole Miss. But, we ain’t Ole Miss and Meyer always has them worked up into a lather for us, unlike a noon kick off with Ole Miss. I do believe we will play them closer this year, as if you can stay close, you never know. It’ll be up to the D. I do believe without Tebow the following year, They come back down to earth some. But, we’ll be playing a new QB ourselves. Defense will beat them. Always has.
Dean
April 14th, 2009
9:21 am
It seems that every year we hear about how Meyer is dong different things to improve Tebow’s draft stock. Why is is so hard to expect a player of Tebow’s caliber would have any trouble in the NFL. Of course, if he is unprepared for the NFL and does not do well imagine the implications that could have for future quaterback prospects when conisdering Florida.
JB
April 14th, 2009
9:26 am
Any Florida fan will tell you the rivalry started in 1990. (It did for them.) I tip my hat to them, although that tip NEVER comes back. They call the year before last a fluke. I call it a solid win and proud to beat them that day….and we did beat them.
John Brantley
April 14th, 2009
9:27 am
Man. that’s funny! Look out for Brantley is saying that UF running backs are getting to be staring up at UGA linebacker Rennie Curran after Curran plants them into the turf? Is Rennie part of the same UGA D that surrendered 49 points to the gators last year? Is that the D you talkin bout?
gatorhead1013
April 14th, 2009
9:29 am
Tony, who will be Florida’s “downhill-running” I-back?
Emmanuel Moody!
John Brantley
April 14th, 2009
9:31 am
JB,
Gee. Thanks for tipping your cap to a team that has walloped you 16 out of 19. Sorry JB but you have no choice but to show deference to that kind of aZZwhooping on a continual basis. I see you still living in the past talking about 2 years ago. You sound like a Bammer fan. But I think they at least live in the present now.
Speaking of the Bammers are you still hoping and saying that Saban is leaving them. Same stuff you been saying for 3 years? Let me guess. You’re also saying that Urban Meyer is going to Notre Dame. Is that right?
JB
April 14th, 2009
9:34 am
I’m not sure we can man up a stud at running back yet. I have not seen any proof yet. Caleb King will have to show something else before fall. Let’s hope Samual comes back full strength, I’ll take 6,2 220
running behind our line this year. Carlton Thomas looks like a good change of pace back, maybe 8-10 carriers a game.
The General Feeling
April 14th, 2009
9:36 am
This is a diversion. Don’t expect anything to change until after Tebow leaves (he will leave one day, right?). This is about the second string QB getting a few reps on the practice field.
Urban Meyer cares nothing about Tim Tebow’s NFL darft stock. Why should he when they are well positioned to win a third BCS.
Gator Mike
April 14th, 2009
9:42 am
Tony B. has some good points and they are on target with what is coming out of Gainesville on a daily basis this Spring. As a loyal Gator, all I can say is that it is way too early for anyone to project anything (regardless of their team). Injuries can flatten a team. I fully realize that injuries had an adverse affect on the UGA Dawgs last year which significantly contributed to spoiling their aspirations. Talk is cheap at this stage for all fans of any team including mine. If the Gators keep their focus and listen to the coaches they will do very well this year, but I will not predict any championships. Anything can happen. The playrers must win the games on the field, and all of our jabbering means nothing, but it is fun. If the Gators do not win it all, I want another SEC School to do it.
Go Gators.
JB
April 14th, 2009
9:42 am
John Brantley, you have a big pie hole and happen to support a very good football team. Everything in this conference ” goes around and comes around” and Yours will again. I think most Georgia people realize that ya’ll have had our number, But look at Auburn now after taking Bama to woodshed for 7 years straight. Talking about the past, I know you were just crapping in your diaper every hour when the shoe was on the other foot, but have a little class. I know that is tough for Gator, but try it. You might enjoy college football more.
John Trent
April 14th, 2009
9:46 am
“Look out for Brantley” must be off the wagon for that first comment….It didn’t happen last year, so you must just be dreaming(again)…see you puppies in Jax!
RockSteadyFreddie
April 14th, 2009
9:46 am
Who cares about the offense? UF could average 24 pnts a game and win 10 this year with the D the gators have coming back. Come WLOCP time, UGAs colors will once again be Red Black and Teal.
JB
April 14th, 2009
9:50 am
Gator Mike…..a gator fan with class…..and a football thought with some sense.
m
April 14th, 2009
9:51 am
UFag has it made in the shade. They play in a weak conference and then get to play a Big 10 or 12 team in a made up championship game. They are a lock to win it from now on. But if we had a 16 team playoff, both UFag and oklahomo would have been NOWHERE to be found when the final game came around. The BCS sucks almost as bad as Chan Gailey….Thank God and Greyhound he is gone forever.
some guy
April 14th, 2009
9:53 am
florida wins national championships more often than uga beats florida.
think about it.
Miles
April 14th, 2009
9:54 am
Florida will definitely be the team to beat in the SEC…no doubt about it…Tebow will be fine…he’s the best football player in the country…GATOR BAIT!
John Trent
April 14th, 2009
9:57 am
JB…appreciate your class and commentary.Ga did a fine job of executing two years ago, and an even better job of celebrating the rare win…
I am certain this year in Jax is gonna settle these delusional daydreams posted above about Georgia’s D putting Tebow and Brantley on their butts all day, but rest assured, Tebow and company will find the end zone a lot more than UGA will against the Gator D….
Gonna be a fun game, for sure…(just like last year)
Tony Barnhart
April 14th, 2009
9:59 am
Concerning the downhill running back, they believe that Emmanuel Moody, Chris Rainey, and Jeff Demps can all fill that spot. Rainey needs to keep his weight up near 185, I’m told. The true freshman, Mike Gillislee from Deland, could also get a look.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
10:05 am
There will be a rematch in the SECC this year!!!!Bama will have a better passing attack than last year, with of course the winner going to the NCG!!!! This will be an even better game than it was last year. Bama goes 12-1, so does Fla. BAMA wins SECC and plays Texas for the title and trucks the Little 12 for a second straight SEC NC!!!!!RTR!!!!
gatorman770
April 14th, 2009
10:05 am
Yea Dean (dong)…they’ll all want to go to UGA due to it’s recent fine record of quarterbacks having success as starters in the NFL over the years since Fran T.
Gator T
April 14th, 2009
10:06 am
All jawing and team loyalties aside for the moment, it is going to be fun seeing how UGA and UF shake out leading up to the little party in Jax…I would hope to see the UGA fans stick around a little later at the end, but it sure was an easy walk to the parking lot without all that red and black(and blue)crowd clogging up the roads after the game….
See you there!
Red Elephant
April 14th, 2009
10:08 am
m……must stand for Milledgeville as in ‘Escaped from Milledgeville.’ Please stick to what you (I assume ACC with your Chan Gailey comment?) know best……basketball and lacrosse. Leave football to the big boys. GT football is a bad joke in a bad neighborhood. You guys are really something else with your pee pee envy. Do you want to play LSU every year? ALABAMA? Auburn? Florida? You manage a rare victory against Georgia and suddenly you are Football U. What a piece of work.
SecIsFootball
April 14th, 2009
10:11 am
Look out for Brantley….If this year is anything like last year, Brantly wont get into the game until UF is up by 50+. Tebow in the game in the 4th quarter last year against Kentucky was pathetic. Brantley may be talented but I would not look for a lot of snaps for his when you know Meyer is trying to get Tebow another Heisman.
Gator Mike reply
April 14th, 2009
10:12 am
Gator Mike,
It is good to read sensible comments about College atheletics from a fan of any school. I imagine you would like the Gators to win the SEC and the BCS every year, as I would the Dawgs; but you and I both realize that will not happen.
It is good to have a realistic perspective concerning college sports, it allows one to cheer for the college team of their choice and not loose their proverbial “religion” after a loss.
Selah!
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
10:12 am
That sounds like alot of practice for a team that apparently has a bye straight to the SECCG this year.
JB
April 14th, 2009
10:13 am
John Trent, thanks for the comments….. Any SEC fan, And i mean any would say the Gators are the team to beat this year. But, we play the game and anything can happen. As a Dawg fan, We have no idea what we will have this year….we have a lot of great athletes, but we have a couple of coaching issues and I know Nobody wants to hear it, especially gators, we really had the injury bug last year bad. We will be a better football team this year, but I’m still thinking we only win 9 or 10. Our offense line is young and plentiful and will be excellent the next two years, But we really need to get back to being a better Defensive club if we’re going to compete with you guys. Richt will always have a team that’s capable of scoring. always look forward to playing ya’ll, and I know you do. Good luck this year.
whitx2
April 14th, 2009
10:18 am
Gator Mike
Well said, my friend.
JB
That was 6 years to the woodshed, thank you.
M
If if’s and but’s were candy and nuts, well, you know the rest.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
10:25 am
m,
You need to hurry on to middle school now before you miss P.E. class, and make sure you take your free lunch card with you!! Give your mommy a kiss baby boy!!!! New Day, Same childish post by M!!!!
RTR!!!!!!
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:30 am
Tony, are you wearing your jorts, cheap shades and mullet extensions? Are you washing down your takeout pulled pork from Sonny’s with Milwaukee’s Best? Are you spending your down time pitching pennies and trying to shoot skeeters out of the air with a water pistol? And what is that round, marshy geographic feature just south of town called? Surely, it has a name.
PTC DAWG
April 14th, 2009
10:34 am
I’ll take UGA and 49 right now vs FU. Name your price.
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:35 am
Just funning, people. In actuality, I wouldn’t mind hanging around in Gainesville doing that stuff. But, really, does that round, swampy area have a name?
joe
April 14th, 2009
10:37 am
St Nick is a Mo-Ron…Ole Miss wins the west.
dawg fan
April 14th, 2009
10:37 am
Any UGA fan recognizes on paper UF is a great team and should be favored to win the SEC and play for the BCS NC. As pointed out UGA has too many variables on Defense and Offense to predict a record so start out wiht 3 losses and could go up or down by one. The dawgs did lose their best Offensive Lineman and best Defensive lineman last year and this would effect anyone. (See Alabama in Sugar Bowl). On the west side I think Alabam will be good but minus a quarterback. LSU should be loaded again without the weight of expectations I think a UF vs. LSU championship is logical, although LSU does have to play UGA and Alabama on the road along with Florida at home so they have a rough road. Last year was the first year UGA was non competitive several games and hopefully the last. The SEC is a great conference and whoever wins should be in running for the NC.
Florida News - 4/14/09 | MrSEC.com
April 14th, 2009
10:41 am
[...] of The Orlando Sentinel.)Finally, Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the Gator offense is going to have some new wrinkles this year… Tim Tebow’s throwing motion looks better… and backup quarterback John [...]
athensdawg
April 14th, 2009
10:48 am
tim tebow = stays in school and working toward winning his 3rd NC and maybe another heisman….while trying to better himself for the draft.
matt stafford = going to be on jimmy fallon tonight.
anyone notice a difference there?
Atlanta Jackets
April 14th, 2009
10:49 am
Now its back to sorry SEC talk. Good article about an overrated team.
Tech led by the Robot turns the corner this year and dominates the ACC, plays in the BCS championship game and beats Texas for the title. Remember this post. It is the truth.
Mutts and gaytors, who cares about you? Not me. LOL!
John Brantley
April 14th, 2009
10:49 am
JB,
I’ve seen plenty of your comments on this board. And trust me sir, you are not one who should speak to others about having class.
And BTW you need not tell me to enjoy college football more. I’m enjoying it plenty, especially 2006 and 2008. And I’ve especially enjoyed my annual trips to Jax 16 out of the last 19 years I’ve been there.
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:52 am
Tim Tebow is like John Smoltz, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan: Great talent, leadership and iron will. They have to be odds-on favorite to take the whole enchilada again.
Dean
April 14th, 2009
10:53 am
Yeah, We jsut can’t compete with your fine record of Rex Grossman and Danny Weurfell.
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:56 am
I saw Tracy Ham and lots of other Paul Johnson quarterbacks take the pounding that offense requires. I’m concerned this “Robot,” fellow, while talented, is a might fragile. Hope not, I like to watch him play and expect that in year two, he will have a nice season throwing the ball, too. If he can stay healthy.
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:58 am
And don’t forget Shane Matthews and the Throwin’ Mayoan Kerwin Bell, Doug Johnson, etc.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
10:58 am
Joe,
I am a moron????? Ole Miss will have a decent team, But I think Bama has too much coming back on defense. This defense and the UF defense will be 1 and 2 in the country this year. Alabama will better on Offense this year because they will have a QB that can sling it all over the field. We won’t have to depend on the run as much this year, BUT, the run will be there when it is needed!!!! Richardson and Ingram will be a great 1-2 punch and Mcleroy to Jones, Maze, and Alexander will be lethal!!!!! Bama has too much coming back and I expect the Ole Miss game to be close, but Bama will pull away late!!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!
Giggety
April 14th, 2009
10:59 am
You know, I know a heckuva lot about college football. Maybe I’m Mr. College Football. Hmmm.
DawginLex
April 14th, 2009
11:01 am
Tech in the BCS title game? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You will be lucky to be in the ACC title game. 1 win in 8 years and all of a sudden Tech is a natonal power? Ask LSU about that. ask UGA after Nov 29th, 2009. I bet Coach Richt won’t point to the stands after UGA wins like the classless Johnson did.
Dean
April 14th, 2009
11:02 am
Saint Nick, you really think the offense will be better without Wilson?
UGA73
April 14th, 2009
11:02 am
Gator Mike – Finally, a reasonable Gator fan with a good idea of fact and not hype. UF is clearly better than UGA at the most important position…COACH. The talent base is about the same at both schools the difference is execution and discipline, of which UGA is sorely lacking. We will enjoy our trip down to J-ville this year to watch another Urban steam rolling.
azcat225
April 14th, 2009
11:09 am
I’m still trying to decide if “m” is 12 years old or 82 years old. Maybe he’s an incredibly immature 62 year old. And now, apparently, a homophobe.
Atlanta Jackets, calling Nesbitt a robot would imply durability. He’s as fragile as Chipper Jones, and that’s saying a lot. Get back to us when he goes more than three games in a row without an injury.
DIAMOND DAWG
April 14th, 2009
11:12 am
THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE DAWG!!!
NorthSide Dawg
April 14th, 2009
11:26 am
The Dawgs take control of the series with UF, starting this year in Jax. The dawg D will pound Tebow like 2 years ago, who doesn’t have Harvin anymore, and UF has no big play receivers. Richt and his coaches have the date of that Uf game circled—it will be the only game they focus on all season. UGA wins by 10—mark it down.
wiley
April 14th, 2009
11:28 am
wait wait wait….your calling PJ classless when your team does the souja boy after winning….and does a stomping dance after scoring a touchdown….PJ was pointing to tech fans in the stand…think before you type.
m
April 14th, 2009
11:35 am
Paul Johnson had been heckled by a bunch of dawgies who kept yelling that ugag wasn’t appy st or citadel. And Johnson just agreed with them…he told them that he agreed that ugag wasn’t appy st or citadel, because appy st or citadel would’t have quit in the 3rd quarter. I realize that you dawgs are complete idiots but you need to realize this….Paul Johnson is not Chan Gailey. He is going to kick your sorry arses year after year. Just like O’leary did. I am going to laugh at you pitiful pups from now on and so is Paul Johnson. TGAG.
DawgBite
April 14th, 2009
11:49 am
Classless is as classless does and getting in public pizzing contest with 18 year olds is about as classless as it gets. Prima Donna Paul will get his azz handed to him this year in the ACC. He won’t beat VT, he won’t beat UNC and will more than likely lose 5 or 6.
Otto
April 14th, 2009
11:53 am
O’leary went 3-5 against UGA.
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
11:56 am
An alternative viewpoint that you likely won’t hear in the media is that Florida is getting a little arrogant and trying to get cute. Tebow under center? He’s done more than fine up to this point in the shotgun. Why mess with a good thing? No doubt Florida was playing out of its heads at the end of last season and is the hands down favorite to win it all this year, but carrying over that momentum from one season to another can prove difficult. Ask any Georgia fan. We know. “Tweaks” to the offense are just the sort of thing that can kill it. Moreover, worrying about someone’s NFL draft stock could mean that Meyer isn’t keeping his eye on the ball. That could prove a distraction. Florida isn’t immune to these sorts of things.
Again, just an alternative viewpoint. The media wouldn’t dare say such things about their darling Gators. Florida could go 14-0 next year for all I know. Just something to think about.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
Dean,
If you watched the Bama/Auburn game last year Mcelroy drove Bama down for 2 4th quater scores. He was 2 for 2 with about 50 yards and a 35 yard bullet over the shoulder to Maze. This kid has a great arm, he can manage the game real well, If he can stay healthy all year, we will have great year. To answer your question, yes i think he will be a better starter. I believe he will be a 3 year starter at Bama, he will break all of the passing records at Bama, and will be a first or early second rounder. So many times last year, our receivers would be wide open and Wilson would underthrow the pass just enough where the receiver had to slow down to catch it. Either the DB would gain ground and break the pass up or the receiver would be tackled immediately. Mcelroy can hit the the receivers at full stride and drop it right over the shoulder. This is why our Offense will be more dynamic than last year. ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe Next Year
April 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
Whatever NorthSide Dawg. After hearing Richt’s “we’re going to get back to basics” speech he’s starting to sound like Phil Fulmer without the NC. I hope Richt, Bobo, and Martinez stay at UGA for a long time.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 14th, 2009
12:21 pm
Gator Mike, good classy post.
athensdawg, Stafford=$30,000,000 signing bonus before he even sees an NFL field as a player. I won’t fault the kid for that one.
Otto, don’t forget the 3 Super Bowls that O’Leary took Tech to. At least that is what his resume says
ReptilesRule
April 14th, 2009
12:29 pm
“Meet the new Boss…Same as the old Boss”
volfanbudman
April 14th, 2009
12:31 pm
Lane Kiffin has not been mentioned on a while, so there.
Jumbo
April 14th, 2009
12:44 pm
Longtime LSU season ticket holder living in Dawg nation. Nice post Gator Mike. It is nice to see an objective blog without criticizing other schools like many do on here. Last season was the first time since ‘80 that I have not been to the LSU game in Gainesville. The Gators are the team to beat. I think UGA wins 9 games and maybe 10. I think it is a toss up right now in the west among LSU, Bama and Ole Miss.
JustCallMeChamp
April 14th, 2009
12:44 pm
For those wishing and hoping and praying for the great Florida fall after TT…I introduce you to Johnny Brantley, 2006 Elite 11 QB (MVP of the camp), 2006 National Gatorade Prep Player of the Year, US Army All American, breaker of Tim Tebows (yes, THAT Tim Tebow) Fla High School TD passing record (99),Florida Gator Legacy player, Lazer armed and ready to be the next great Gator QB. Good luck men…
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
12:58 pm
Lets wait until Richt drops a couple of 5 win seasons before we draw any Fulmer comparisons, mmmkay? Thanks.
Nachos
April 14th, 2009
1:00 pm
UGA fans: delusional, trash talking, Get ‘em next, wastes of human flesh. See above for proof.
Gator Growl
April 14th, 2009
1:00 pm
Quetion: Who will be Florida Gators power downhill runner? Answer: He goes by the name of Superman.
Atlanta Gator
April 14th, 2009
1:04 pm
m—As the younger generation like to say, “talk to the hand.” Sometimes one can almost swallow your inane bravado. Today, you have crossed the line into truly delusional.
Anytime your athletic director wants to revive the Florida-Georgia Tech series, he can pick up the phone and call Jeremy Foley. I am sure the UAA could squeeze Tech into the schedule for Florida’s homecoming or a one-time neutral site game in Atlanta, Tampa or Orlando. Don’t worry about filling the Georgia Dome; the Gator fans will take care of that problem for you.
My advice: before you take on the SEC’s Gators, perhaps the Yellow Jackets should find a way to consistently beat the ACC’s Cavaliers.
Good luck.
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
1:08 pm
Georgia Tech won’t even schedule Georgia Southern. That should tell you all you need to know about Florida’s chances of scheduling the cowards on North Avenue.
Gatorzone
April 14th, 2009
1:24 pm
Huh?, the Gators could get too cute by 1/2 but I do not think that will happen. I agree with all of you guys saying injuries could decimate the Gators, but UF does have lots of depth. Speaking of injuries, the Falcons should draft Cornelius Ingram in the second round!
Thoughts?
Jethro Tull
April 14th, 2009
1:26 pm
Mutts talking smack to the Gators after a 49-10 blowout of your most important game of the year WITH the preseason #1 team. Now that’s funny. I expect nothing different from you clowns.
WIshful Thinking
April 14th, 2009
1:27 pm
The cowards from North Avenue beat the preason #1 in Athens. PJ fears nobody.
Atlanta Jackets
April 14th, 2009
1:41 pm
A robot can lose a bolt or two and when repaired be as strong as ever. That’s what’s being done now. Nesbot is having a gear or two rebuild. Like you rednecks working on your Nascars. Can you relate to that? I thought so. The Robot will be back in mutt destroying mode soon enough. And if a gaytor gets in the way, oh well… LOL!
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
“The cowards from North Avenue beat the preason #1 in Athens.”
And Ole Miss beat the BCS CHampion Gators. And Oregon State beat USC. Heck, even Vandy got a win against us a couple of years ago. They didn’t flip out and pee their pants over it though like the Techies. See a pattern here Techie? They are called FLUKES. I don’t see Ole Miss, Oregon State, or Vandy fans popping off at the mouth like they won the damn Super Bowl, do you? One fluke victory over their instate rival in 8 flippin’ years and the Techies are the mouths of the south. Throw in a Chicken Bowl appearance and you’ve apparently got yourself a miracle season worthy of a commerotive coke bottle. Tech fans are an absolute disgrace. Please keep embarassing yourselves. I love it.
LSWho?
April 14th, 2009
1:59 pm
Saint Nick, I believe McElroy is a junior this season & should be a two year starter. I agree though, JPW definitely had trouble with the deep ball (Sugar Bowl).
athensdawg
April 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
kalamazoo – that’s exactly where I have a problem. Never was a Stafford fan, and that darn sure seals the deal for me.
I’m old fashioned enough to still believe that a college player should show loyalty for 4 years, get his degree and then turn pro.
Blackberry Cobbler
April 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
I hate the gayturds. But one things pretty certain, I bet their offense during the spring game won’t near as lethargic as UGAs. UGA looks pathetic.
Jonathan
April 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
atl jacket – Im a tech fan but you sound like an moron. Please stop with the stupidity…
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
“I’m old fashioned enough to still believe that a college player should show loyalty for 4 years, get his degree and then turn pro.”
Then you need to direct your whining at the NFL which makes the rules and not Stafford. Stafford is just doing what anyone with half a brain would do. He is doing what Tebow would do if he hadn’t been projected as a 3rd round draft pick. You aren’t old fashioned, just clueless. Thanks.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
LSWHO?,
Mcelroy I believe is a redshirt sophomore. He has been in the system 3 years.
Saint Nick
April 14th, 2009
2:23 pm
No, my bad he is a redshirt junior. He redshirted Shula’s last season.
Mtn Bama
April 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
McElroy is a junior. As for the rest of the facts, Bama will be a better offensive team this year, Bama is is going to be a truly dominate defensive team this year, SECCG will be Bama vs. Fl in what may be the best game in college football in a long time.
BAMA STAN
April 14th, 2009
2:39 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
Gators are on a role!!!
– Uraban is smart to prepare for life after Tebow with a “Brantley” Package.
– If they sit around and do nothing – that means they are being complacent – Urban will work to improve this team – regardless of how successful 2008 was.
– UGA fans can be hope for the best – but the reality is the Gators will beat UGA by 2 or more touchdowns again next year.
Reality – UGA will have a good team in 2009 – but not a great team. You do not have a great QB for next year – Cox arm strength may not even be average – yes we know that he as incredible leadership qualities – but he had to “muscle up” his throws to get the ball 35 – 40 yards down field in the G day game.
Also – I think Richt is a good coach
– will get UGA a good share of wins each year
– but I wonder if he is too nice a guy.
– It appears he lacks the intensity that Urban, Nick and Les bring to the table. All three of these guys are intense and very focussed. UGA is very good – but can they be great? – or have they settled into being respectable – SEC’s 4th/5th best team year in and year out.
Brandon
April 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
Tony, What in the world will Florida do if Tim Tebow has a season ending injury?
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
2:53 pm
Richt is so nice that he’s laid a combined 86 points on Mr. Intesity Les Miles the two times they have coached against each other. Geez, imagine what he’d do to ole Les if he ever got mad.
You are a moron.
Villa Rica DAWG
April 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
Let’s face it… Until we can consistantly compete with UF, we can’t say crap when their douche bag fans start heckling us…
Come on Richt. Coach us to a streak on the Gators man!
Villa Rica DAWG
April 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
go to you tube and search “florida gators corrine” and pick the one with sub-titles…
Brandon
April 14th, 2009
2:57 pm
Coach Richt owns Les Miles!!!!!!!
Dawg Man
April 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
That loss to Ga Tech was a fluke! Put it down on paper—UGa beats Tech this year and next like a rented mule! GA athletes are better than anything Tech can put on the field. After that loss last year, Richt and UGA will prepare for the game, which they didn’t do last year, expecting an easy win. Face it—they didn’t show up. This year in Atlanta, Ga wins by double digits: UGA 37 Bugs 20
JB
April 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
Bama Stan. Good insight…..As you can imagine, most Dawg fans love him to death. He has gotten us a notch or two above Donnan. But………. he has a coach or two on his staff that are not top notch SEC
caliber guys…….He’s loyal to a fault……He’ll let the ship go down before he throws a crew member or two overboard to save the ship. We see a lot of potential, but we lack that foaming at the mouth killer instinct. Have you noticed we have barely beat Vandy and Kentucky the last two years. Yes, I know they are better, but……..
One example will be this year with QB….. If This kid from Florida is better than Cox, it will not matter. This will be an interesting year in Athens.
DawginLex
April 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
So I’m supposed to buy everything that BAMA STAN says? 4th or 5th best team in the SEC year in and year out?
2001-Richt’s first year puts the stamp on the program by going to UT and winning
2002-fluke loss to Florida keeps UGA out of title game-SEC champs
2003-SEC east champs-lose to eventual national champ LSU
2004-fluke loss to Ut in Athens keeps UGA from winning SEC east again
2005-SEC champs with DJ running the show. Knee injury vs Ark keeps UGA from going undefeated
2006-Plays true freshman QB and gets 9 wins-Only year where BAMA stan logic applies
2007-Arguably the best team in the country at the end of the year
2008-another 10 win season but underachieved because of injuries
So BAMA STAN, how does this recap = your logic of 4th or 5th best team in the SEC? I see a team competing for the SEC title every year, winning 2 and coming close in all but 2 years.
Now let’s compare the great and might Crimson tide during this same period. Nah, let’s not embarrass you further
CLASS DISMISSED
BAMA STAN
April 14th, 2009
3:25 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
Huh? and Brandon – you are correct – Richt’s teams have beaten Miles’ LSU teams the two times they met.
However – with the exception of last yesr – call in a transition year – Miles teams have garnered more national respect and he won a National Title. I do think that the 2007 UGA team was on such a role at the end of the year – that if the could have made it to the SEC Title game – they would have beaten LSU and played (and won) a National Title – but that team did not gel until the Florida game – spanked by Tennessee that year (did not even show up) and as I recall – kicked a game winner against Vandy end of the game.
I submit to you that LSU will beat UGA in Athens this year. I think the UGA team will be similar to LSU 2008.
However, LSU is not the concern for UGA. Florida is the concern – followed by Tennessee, Auburn and SC.
I also think that Tennessee will be Tennessee again under Kiffin. I personally hope he flops – but the talent base is there – and he put together a top 10 recruiting class – and they have new found enthusiam in Knoxville – as Fulmer apparently had gone stale.
Jury is out on Auburn – like Tennessee – talent base is there – and they dang near beat UGA last year. Auburn will be interesting to watch in 2009 – Defense will be very good under Chizik/Roof – Offense will be the key.
Man – the SEC is just friggin incredible.
As far as UGA – again – I wonder if Richt improve UGA up to Florida’s level? I think that they have settled in to the role of battling for 2nd /3rd in the SEC East – and battling for the 3rd/4th/5th SEC position. Urban and his staff are the standard ….. and just an entire level ahead of UGA – and maybe the rest of the SEC.
As for Bama – it will be us or LSU in the SEC West.
I think Ole Miss is as good as they will ever be with Nutt – a very good team but – very Donnanesque. Guarranteed 8 wins minimum – 9/10 wins here and there – and a bowl victory – but will be 3rd/4th best SEC West team year in and year out with Auburn. Very good teams – but LSU and Bama will be a notch better.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dawgmanx
April 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
I will never understand how you call yourself a die hard dawg fan and we ain’t ole mis or we can’t beat UF don’t call yourself a fan if you don’t believe because we don’t need your negativity.
Atlanta Jackets
April 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Jonathon, you’re a mutt in disguise. Shut your pie hole! I paid for the pizza now get off my porch! LOL! Burn.
Bama Stan, didn’t we put an end to your claim of 12 national titles? Jeez. Get over it. You have a nice little engineering school admit the sports rec and hospitality departments. It’s cute.
THWG!
TS
April 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
Who is UGA’s receivers coach? How many passes did those guys drop Saturday? It looked like those receivers hadn’t touched a ball since January. They better start catching the ball. You don’t have Stafford’s “rocket arm” excuse anymore.
JB
April 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
I just want to finish my day with this. Tech is toast. We will whip them from here on out. Richt won’t let that joke happen again.
Tom
April 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
How close to tying the series record will Dan Magill let the Gators get before he picks out some prior losses to UF to start “not counting” to prevent it.
Hey, it’s worked before.
Huh?
April 14th, 2009
3:55 pm
Mr. Intensity Les Miles brought a nationally ranked #3 team into the 2005 SECCG and Richt kindly sent him home with a 20 point loss, so don’t act like Richt has only beaten Les’ team in “transitional” years. I’m sure Richt apologized for the lopsided a$$ whooping after the game because he’s such a nice guy. You are full of crap.
Richt is a very respectable 5-6 against Miles, Saban, and Meyer. Why is that respectable? Because they are freaking great coaches with talented teams. There isn’t a football coach that has ever graced the face of this earth that would do much better than .500 against that lot. That’s SEC football. I mean, Urban Meyer is only 4-5 against LSU, Alabama, and Auburn. You can pick and choose records and stats all day long to make ANY coach look bad in the SEC. Its not that hard. Your assertion that Richt is too nice of a guy to compete with these guys is absolutely absurd.