Chomping At Bits: Florida Gators Open As Favorite Against Ohio State
by FlaGators on Dec 5, 2011 7:00 PM EST
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Gators are the early favorite: The Gators open up as a 1.5 point favorite against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that nothing else needs to be said at the moment. (Rachel George, Swamp Things/Orlando Sentinel)
Sturgis is a finalist: A finalist for the Lou Groza award that is. Congrats Caleb! (GatorZone)
Dominique Easley out with torn ACL: I'm sure we all know about this now, let's just hope that he is ready for next season. (Antonya English, Gator Report/St. Petersburg Times)
Bowl game practice time: Aside from the money and another chance to watch the Gators, the best thing about the Gators making a bowl game is the extra practices that go with it. We really need to take advantage of them this year. (Fightin Gators)
UF coaches watch Tracy Howard: It was during his 3A final game against Palm Beach Gardens. A fair warning though, unless you have an account at 24/7 Sports, you're out of luck. (24/7 Sports)
Men's basketball finalizes 2012 recruiting class: While only three players, it packs a decent punch. (Rachel George, Orlando Sentinel)
As always: Talk about any and all of this and/or anything else you have to say in the comments. Need more Alligator Army in your life? Like AA on Facebook, follow AA on Twitter, and download the SB Nation iPhone app to take all your favorite Gators content — and the rest of SB Nation — with you on the go.
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This is the list of teams Florida beat:
FAU (no bowl)
UAB (no bowl)
UT (no bowl)
UK (no bowl)
Furman (FCS)
Vandy (a bowl team!)
Why the Gators are favored over anyone is a mystery for the ages. Also: Florida’s schedule was nowhere near as difficult as most people assume.
Oh, come on. Don't leave your uncle T-bag hangin'.
Yeah, but look at who we lost to.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Alabama – Playing for National Championship
LSU – Playing for National Championship
Auburn – Yeah…
Georgia – SEC East Champs.
South Carolina – #9 in the last BCS Standings.
Florida State – A top 10 team according to F/+
The only inexcusable loss when you look at things is Auburn.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Yeah, that's true...but to me
it’s more important who you beat than who you lose to. This team’s best win is over Vanderbilt. That’s just…unbelievable, really.
It’s wasn’t an easy schedule, but the fact that we made it to a bowl despite having the Commodores as our best win suggests it wasn’t some death march. October was brutal, for sure.
Oh, come on. Don't leave your uncle T-bag hangin'.
Oh I agree. But still, it wasn’t like we played chumps.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I don’t know about that. Alabama and LSU were blowouts, but they’ve dominated everyone outside of eachother. The Auburn game was awful to watch, Auburn’s defense isn’t very good. Blown 17-3 lead over UGa in a rivalry where UGa is usually the one shooting themselves in the foot. Vandy was a nailbiter, USCe was another ugly game, Furman was pathetic, and FSU was another ugly loss.
"Nothing like a tight one." -Heather Cox
UGA won because they got lucky on back-to-back touchdown passes on 4th down. That’s not going to happen again. It was the perfect storm.
Like Cardsfan said below, 18th SOS … nothing to sneeze at.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
until you look at the tape.
then its
Auburn
Georgia
FSU
we led in 2 out of 3 of those games, and FSU was practically begging us to win. all we had to do was throw into quad-coverage. which we did…flawlessly.
I just heard Meyer is changing the name of his system from the Spread to the Cut-n-Run.
oops meant to say
we led in 2 out of 3 of those games, and FSU was practically begging us to win. all we had to do to lose it was throw into quad-coverage. which we did…flawlessly.
I just heard Meyer is changing the name of his system from the Spread to the Cut-n-Run.
Yeah, maybe so. Especially against FSU, you’re right. But we just had bad breaks against UGA, Auburn though … no reason for that loss. Just pathetic.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Yeah that schedule was a bitch….
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
you know for all the talk about who had what schedule this year
the final SOS rankings are pretty interesting. UGA got a lot of crap, but ended up with 25th SOS ranking. South Carolina on the other hand….49, and Alabama for all of their “we play in the SEC talk”…42.
For reference, Okie St was 7th.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Which is why the Big 12 was rated very highly in the BCS Conference Rankings.
But it won’t last. Okie State (they’ll dip), Baylor (RG3 is overrated and he’s leaving), A&M (is gone) …
Very soon it’ll just be Texas and Oklahoma again.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
It’s the cycle of football. It can’t be stopped, slowed down, or altered in any way.
The teams with money, and all the other resources, will get theirs. Always have, always will.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
That’s why I never worry about say South Carolina, Kentucky, or Vanderbilt in the East.
Carolina will drop once Spurrier leaves, Kentucky is a basketball school, and Vandy, while they are rising now, they’ll drop soon enough. Those types of schools always rise for a bit and then go back to where they usually are.
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Yep. And personally I’m gonna laugh my ass off when Spurrier leaves SC. I really don’t like their fans.
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
Exactly. But Carolina fans don’t bother me. I don’t know but a couple other than those from here at SB Nation, but the ones at GABA and TSK … they’re by and large good people.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
RG3 is not overrated. Cmon brah. Baylor would be so terrible without him. He is to Baylor what Curry was to Davidson in Bball.
MATT freakin ELAM!
by Gators1 on Dec 5, 2011 10:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And he’ll likely win the Heisman at this point.
http://www.stiffarmtrophy.com/
But I meant overrated from an NFL perspective. But I should also add that no, I did not find him as exciting as the majority of college football fans.
The Big 12 isn’t really a defensive conference.
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Baylor is ... the real Baylor without him
instead of this successful Baylor.
Tim Brando: Let's head to Gainesville with Coach Will Muschamp who's live on the scene with an exclusive. Coach Boom?
Boom: Gator Watch. The mood is tense; I have been on some serious, serious reports but nothing quite like this. I uh... Whiz... Weis is inside right now. I tried to set up an offense with him, but they said you can't do that he's a live walrus, he will literally rip your face off.
[to the walrus]
Coach Boom: Hey, you're making me look stupid. Get out here, Walrus Weis!
Tim Brando: Great story. Compelling, and rich.
Without question. Like I was saying somewhere in this thread of the other one, these minor programs rise every now and then and then fall once that great player leaves.
But Griffin III … let me just say that even though the Redskins desperately, and I mean DESPERATELY need a QB, I’m going to be pissed if they draft him.
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GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I’m sorry to say this but the Skins need more than a QB. lol
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
Haha, well yeah. QB, OL, MLB (to replace Fletch) and SS.
Maybe WR. Maybe.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I would say the same thing about Wash, as I would about Fla this year
Their biggest problem, is that they’re not very good at football. If they could fix that…
contributing author - Alligator Army
This. I’m tired of my teams sucking.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
The Redskins have the option of drafting Brantley or RG3 and that is the only options…Who would you rather them take? If you take the former over the latter, I will kick you square in the balls.
MATT freakin ELAM!
Yeah, I’d take Griffin in that case.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I hope Caleb wins
He had one hell of a year.
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
Best of all
he’ll be back next year. With our QB issues and RB recruiting problems, he might be the centerpiece of the offense in 2012.
Oh, come on. Don't leave your uncle T-bag hangin'.
Here's a sneak peak:
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
by Gatorbuc15 on Dec 5, 2011 8:50 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Yeah. It makes the comment green if two people do so. A comment can be recommend a lot.
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GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I’ve never understood basketball recruiting. I’ve tried a few times, but have given up. And yeah… two players that are 6’4" and a guy who is 6’1" … YAY!
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Lets pray that Young doesn’t go anywhere for the next two years…
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
Seriously.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
yea, puzzling at a minmum
and why would more guards sign here now anyway?
TLR is gone, long live the king
Yeah, I don't understand why our recruiting isn't better than it is.
Two championships in the last decade.
One of the best coaches in the game.
Many nba players drafted.
Why?
We were actually in on a lot of big names, but none of them panned out...sometimes it happens
contributing author - Alligator Army
Cardsfan is right
better luck next time
Tim Brando: Let's head to Gainesville with Coach Will Muschamp who's live on the scene with an exclusive. Coach Boom?
Boom: Gator Watch. The mood is tense; I have been on some serious, serious reports but nothing quite like this. I uh... Whiz... Weis is inside right now. I tried to set up an offense with him, but they said you can't do that he's a live walrus, he will literally rip your face off.
[to the walrus]
Coach Boom: Hey, you're making me look stupid. Get out here, Walrus Weis!
Tim Brando: Great story. Compelling, and rich.
If you change “sometimes it happens” to “it happens every year”: then yes, you are correct!
In all kinds of weather...
really?
You do realize that Brad Beal is currently on our roster right? I mean, I get your frustration…Austin Rivers, Mitch McGary etc but we pull talent.
contributing author - Alligator Army
don’t forget Murphy, Knight, Bledsoe, Poole and about 2 dozen others.
Beal is awesome – I’m just glad that Kentucky wasn’t recruiting him, or they would have probably gotten him too.
In all kinds of weather...
Do you really think Kentucky didn't go after him?
I mean Beal is head and shoulders above Stacy Poole who went to UK, he’s since left but seriously.
Tim Brando: Let's head to Gainesville with Coach Will Muschamp who's live on the scene with an exclusive. Coach Boom?
Boom: Gator Watch. The mood is tense; I have been on some serious, serious reports but nothing quite like this. I uh... Whiz... Weis is inside right now. I tried to set up an offense with him, but they said you can't do that he's a live walrus, he will literally rip your face off.
[to the walrus]
Coach Boom: Hey, you're making me look stupid. Get out here, Walrus Weis!
Tim Brando: Great story. Compelling, and rich.
I think there was a setback because Billy D left and then came back. But I also believe that the 04’s and the National Championships were somewhat more of a fluke and lucky timing than actually great recruiting and laying the foundation for success.
I know that isn’t the popular view, but think about it other than just on the surface.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Billy D has turned this into a very very good program
but we still aren’t near the levels of a UNC, Duke, or Kentucky.
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
We never will be either.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
But at the same time, we probably shouldn’t try to be. Just be Florida. We’ll make a run every couple of years.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Our recruiting is pretty good
We have one of the best freshman in the country right now.
It’s not like football recruiting. Only the elite programs regularly bring in top classes.
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
Just feels bad to have top 5 recruiting every year in football, but top 25 maybe in bball. I guess you can’t be the best at everything.
You’re not going to win championships in everything all the time, but we’re in contention for a lot of them across various sports all the time, and that’s (in my opinion), all you can ask for.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Florida has probably the best athletic program of any school in the country
There is no better school to be a sports fan of.(unless you care about rowing and water polo; then be a fan of Stanford)
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
All we need is an indoor practice facility and we’ll stay at the top. Sooner or later, not having one is going to cost us.
Vandy just approved one, so in two years … we’ll be the only program in the SEC and like one of three BCS programs that doesn’t have one.
We need one bad. It’s going to get ugly quick if we don’t get one soon.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Where are you going to put it?
I mean, I agree that we should have one, but understand that it’s not for lack of funds. There’s just no convenient place to put it. That being said, our facilities are second to none. We are top notch across the board.
contributing author - Alligator Army
I’m glad you asked. I covered that over the summer in an article that I wrote. There are a few places.
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GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
interesting...
I’m definitely not opposed to one. You do make a point, that everyone else has one. You have to figure that Foley has thought about it.
contributing author - Alligator Army
we don't need one
We’re already too soft. If a kid doesn’t come to UF because we don’t have an indoor facility, do you really want him?!? I don’t,
In all kinds of weather...
I don't think that's the point
I mean, on the one hand, I feel the same way. I like that our team practices in the rain, but if it’s costing us practice time, we need an indoor facility.
contributing author - Alligator Army
It’s cost us a lot of practice time. And because of NCAA rules, we don’t get to make it up either.
That’s how the teams up north (where the trend started) practice for bowl season with those extra bowl practices. Otherwise, with the winter weather, they’d lose a lot of them.
And now us, in the middle of summer … we lose time. And we can’t afford to miss any time.
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GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
It’s gonna get to the point where we’re going to have to have one just for the sake of having one as well. As a bonus … recruits like shiny new toys.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
Let’s just show them the 2 shiny crystal balls in the trophy case and tell them that all those schools with sissy indoor practice buildings don’t have a pair of balls like the mighty Florida Gators!
How’s that sell?
In all kinds of weather...
I think the affect on recruiting is non-existant
I don’t see their being a scenario where a recruit chooses another school, because of the lack of an indoor facility, but then again recruiting is crazy. I see it more as something that could negatively affect practice time.
contributing author - Alligator Army
You’d be surprised.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
They aren’t going to care about those two championships, because none of the coaches who got them, are here anymore.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
you could say the same thing about every other school in the country other than Auburn, Bama, Texas, Oklahoma and LSU.
I disagree though – I think it means a lot and they were recent enough that recruits remember them.
I like the idea of not having an indoor facility and playing the tough guy card.
“It’s not like we don’t have the money to build an indoor practice building son. It’s just that we Florida Gators like to play in the nasty Swamp in all kinds of weather, not just when it’s sunny and 75. When those other teams come to our place and it’s hot and sticky or raining like crazy, we’re going to laugh at them and then whip their tails.”
In all kinds of weather...
Yeah, but what happens if a big storm system rolls in and we lose a lot of practice time?
That’s not going to be good.
We lose practice time as it is without one. Mostly from lightning.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I’m sure he has. But the time is now.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
This basically.
We’ll never be Duke, UNC, UK, Kansas in the eyes of recruits as a whole, but just the fact that we are in the discussion with many top recruits shows how far Billy had taken the program. We’re in that second tier and it’s not out of the question that more titles will be in our future. Many of the top guys have us in it until the end. Been impressive to watch ove the years. This wasn’t Florida basketball when I was growing up.
by The Bull Gator on Dec 5, 2011 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Let me ask you this then: Is Florida basketball at its peak?
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I would say so.
You have to wonder how much success we would have after Donovan leaves. I think at this point, we’ve been a contender for long enough, that we should be able to still bring in a good coach, and the athletic program is so good that you figure that we will still compete, but Billy D has Florida at about as good as it can be IMO.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Exactly.
We’re that program that is decent to above-average on a yearly basis and then every once in a while (when the stars align) … we make our run at the ’Chip.
That’s all we’ll ever be. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with that, I’m just saying.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
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Um, I don't know if that's a fair statement
look at the last decade. We’ve been as successful as the UCLAs, UCONNs, UNCs etc. Now, I don’t think we’re one of those programs, but we’re certainly better than you imply. I would say at this point we’re on the level of a Syracuse. I think we can continue to be a very good program after Billy D leaves, but do I ever think we’ll be UNC or Duke? No, this is and will always be a football school.
contributing author - Alligator Army
That’s fair.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
I'd say so.
Now, don’t take that wrong. A peak with Final Four appearances and national championships is a very good thing. Let’s just say we aren’t the biggest of the big boys. 100 yards from now that may be different. People will tell stories of Billy and the program he created at a “football school.” For now, it’s impressive what he’s done. Granted – as others have said – the facilities, budget, etc. all help, but it’s still something to be proud of. Like I said, just the fact that we’re among the final school choices of many of the nation’s elite year after year shows where we’ve come.
Now about women’s basketball…
by The Bull Gator on Dec 6, 2011 6:51 AM EST up reply actions
Good thing it’s women’s basketball.
Editor at Alligator Army, a place that doesn't, you know, glorify concussions.
GoGators82 said it best: "Dollar Store cheap!"
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