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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 12:05:41 GMT -5
I'm not excited. As you said, it was against a team we vastly outmanned. Two things that stood out were the receivers catching most of the balls thrown to them, and only 1 penalty. We will learn a little more next week. I know who New Mexico st is and what they are not, but I'd be on the other side here, especially after recent seasons. If did what they were supposed to do; bury an inferior opponent. Allow yourself to feel good about it. After thinking about this a bit, I agree with you. UF fans deserve to feel good today. Coming into the season UF wasn't ranked in the polls, didn't make it into Phil Steele's top 55, was ranked around 65 by several sites that ranked all 128 FBS teams, and has been generally disrespected in the media. The offensive and total team performance last night was better than we saw in any of the 4 seasons under Will Muschamp. While I'm not going to go all gaga because it was New Mexico State, I will say that the prognosticators missed on UF. Half or more of the FBS is not better than UF. For that, UF fans can feel good today.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 13:51:56 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 14:35:30 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 14:52:15 GMT -5
By SCOTT CARTER GatorZone.com Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – They scored 61 points. They had 606 yards of total offense. Quarterbacks Treon Harris and Will Grier, one a sophomore and the other a redshirt freshman playing in his first game, looked more like the Manning brothers in a quarterback duel than a couple of college underclassmen.
The defense limited New Mexico State to 200 yards and eight first downs. Vernon Hargreaves III made a highlight-worthy interception. Florida committed only one penalty, and it didn’t come until the final five minutes. Fourteen different receivers – yep, you read that right – caught a pass.
Toss it all into a mixer and New Mexico State was made into mush Saturday night in the debut of first-year Gators head coach Jim McElwain.
The Gators scored more points than they had ever piled up in the first game under a new head coach, cruising to a 61-13 demolition of the Aggies.
McElwain was able to take off his headset late in the game and stroll up and down the sideline while his assistants continued to relay information over their headphones.
On the outside, he looked like a coach at work. On the inside, McElwain approved of what transpired for 60 minutes on a warm and muggy September night at The Swamp.
“That was a great, great crowd and a great opener,’’ he said. “We played the game fast and physical, and we played it clean.”
Florida fans certainly approved, rising to their feet for each of Florida’s eight touchdowns on the way to the program’s 26th consecutive season-opening victory.
The mood afterward, at least among the fans, was one of Gator giddiness.
McElwain delivered. The offense delivered. The Gators delivered.
The announced crowd of more than 90,000 got exactly what it craved. The optimism of the offseason seemed to gain speed each time another Gator found the end zone.
When asked about Florida’s 606 yards of offense, McElwain hesitated, and then offered: “It was that much, huh?”
To those most passionate about the Gators, there seemed a sense on social media and even among some of the media that Florida had not had an offensive performance like Saturday since No. 15 was the quarterback.
In fact, it had been only 11 games.
Remember last year’s season opener against Eastern Michigan? The Gators won 65-0 and racked up 655 yards of offense in the debut of offensive coordinator Kurt Roper.
But the mood afterward was night and day compared to Saturday. After three years of offensive woes under former head coach Will Muschamp, fans enjoyed a rare breakout, but too many doubts lingered.
Those reservations proved to be legit, as Florida snuck by Kentucky in overtime the following week, lost at Alabama, and then had to rely on Harris to bail them out in an ugly win at Tennessee.
The season went south after that and a year later, former starting quarterback Jeff Driskel is at Louisiana Tech, Roper is in Cleveland and Muschamp is Auburn’s defensive coordinator.
Is McElwain the savior Gator Nation so much wants him to be? Nobody knows yet. But whether you are a Sunday morning quarterback knowledgeable about X’s and O’s, or a grandmother in Tampa who just wants to be entertained on Saturdays, the Gators looked different in their first game under McElwain.
They were efficient and in rhythm on offense, the defense was physical and made plays, and they played with a kind of discipline that McElwain has preached since his first day on the job.
“That’s what Coach Mac instills in us,’’ linebacker Alex Anzalone said. “Being disciplined players.”
Other than for a blocked extra point and what McElwain described as some lazy kickoff coverage, there was little to be critical of as the Gators scored at will and committed just one penalty in a game for the first time since McElwain was in high school (Dec. 3, 1977 against Florida State).
The biggest issue McElwain and his staff face this week is what to do at quarterback. Harris finished 14 of 19 for 215 yards and two touchdowns; Grier was 15 of 17 for 164 yards and two touchdowns. They also contributed 66 yards rushing (Grier, 43; Harris, 23).
“We’ll probably do something similar next week,’’ McElwain said. “I can see us do that. Both guys are doing a great job. Glad we have both of them.”
Receiver Alvin Bailey has no problem with that plan.
“Both of those guys add their own little juice to the game, add their own little flavor,’’ Bailey said. “Playing with both of those guys, plays are going to be made.”
The exhilaration from Saturday’s performance will have already faded for McElwain by the time he wakes Sunday and comes to the office to meet with his staff.
The fans’ excitement won’t fade nearly as fast. Not with what they saw unfold in the season opener.
Doubts of the recent past turned into hope. A win as crisp as Saturday’s will do that.
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Post by lz2112 on Sept 7, 2015 3:20:06 GMT -5
I know who New Mexico st is and what they are not, but I'd be on the other side here, especially after recent seasons. If did what they were supposed to do; bury an inferior opponent. Allow yourself to feel good about it. After thinking about this a bit, I agree with you. UF fans deserve to feel good today. Coming into the season UF wasn't ranked in the polls, didn't make it into Phil Steele's top 55, was ranked around 65 by several sites that ranked all 128 FBS teams, and has been generally disrespected in the media. The offensive and total team performance last night was better than we saw in any of the 4 seasons under Will Muschamp. While I'm not going to go all gaga because it was New Mexico State, I will say that the prognosticators missed on UF. Half or more of the FBS is not better than UF. For that, UF fans can feel good today. It's just an OSU fan trying to make you optimistic, so they can stick the dagger in latter. The OLine at times had trouble with a 3 man rush that some Florida high schools could replicate. I really loved that our WRs caught the ball when it was thrown near them, but against NMS it was the equivalent of throwing against air. Kelvin Taylor looked about as adept at finding holes as Wayne Williams at times, against the aforementioned DL. As you noted, the defense in the 2nd qtr couldn't handle an offense that would rate barely above our scout team. Face it ET, we are going to suck. And the more you antagonize the other fans here, the more they are going to go Willie on UF. I love your optimism and zeal, but the relentless attacks against the Gators caused by your enthusiasm is getting to the point that I'm considering not to bother reading this place any longer.
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Gator Bait!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 9:42:20 GMT -5
After thinking about this a bit, I agree with you. UF fans deserve to feel good today. Coming into the season UF wasn't ranked in the polls, didn't make it into Phil Steele's top 55, was ranked around 65 by several sites that ranked all 128 FBS teams, and has been generally disrespected in the media. The offensive and total team performance last night was better than we saw in any of the 4 seasons under Will Muschamp. While I'm not going to go all gaga because it was New Mexico State, I will say that the prognosticators missed on UF. Half or more of the FBS is not better than UF. For that, UF fans can feel good today. It's just an OSU fan trying to make you optimistic, so they can stick the dagger in latter. The OLine at times had trouble with a 3 man rush that some Florida high schools could replicate. I really loved that our WRs caught the ball when it was thrown near them, but against NMS it was the equivalent of throwing against air. Kelvin Taylor looked about as adept at finding holes as Wayne Williams at times, against the aforementioned DL. As you noted, the defense in the 2nd qtr couldn't handle an offense that would rate barely above our scout team. Face it ET, we are going to suck. And the more you antagonize the other fans here, the more they are going to go Willie on UF. I love your optimism and zeal, but the relentless attacks against the Gators caused by your enthusiasm is getting to the point that I'm considering not to bother reading this place any longer. I agree. My 7-5 prediction was too good for my level of optimism, zeal, and enthusiasm. The preseason predictions were right on the money. I'd change my prediction to 5-7 to agree with the oddsmakers if I hadn't already gone on record. It's hard to justify lowering my UF expectations any further just to stop fans of other programs from attacking UF. IMO, I don't think anything will stop them from attacking when UF's first loss of many to come hits our doorsteps or otherwise. I don't think I have anything to do with it. Either you are for UF or you are against UF. I like it that way. As Spurrier said, if your opponents like you, you're not winning. In this case, we beat some opponents last season (UGALY/UT) or fans generally recognize the inevitability of UF's rise back to the top level of the college football world. If my level of optimism, zeal, and enthusiasm remains too high, I will miss the way you haven't participated here on the Florida board if you decide not to read. I'm just not sure how I would know. Seriously, I have complained when fans gang up to attack other fans, mainly boxedlunch, sometimes myself, and others. It sends a bad signal to others considering participating here. I invited GatorMaj to come here, but I wouldn't bet on it with the lack of discussions on the Florida board and the attacks/aguments on the main college football board. I'm afraid we're destined to be a small group and an even smaller group if you decide to go away.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 12:25:47 GMT -5
UF depth chart for the East Carolina game: www.gatorzone.com/football/stats/depth.pdfIt has several oddities on it: Ahmad Fulwood has moved over to start at the other WR position. I thought Fulwood was awful against New Mexico State. Demarcus Robinson has been bumped down from 1 to 3 - McElwain is sending him a message to go full speed instead of observing (stated in presser). I wish he'd show Demarcus film of Percy Harvin planting his foot on his move after the catch and getting north/south as fast as possible. Duke Dawson got demoted from 2 to 3 because he was late for practice. He was an unannounced suspension for the NMS game as I understand it. No wonder our safeties had a tough first half with Brian Poole having to play the S spot next to Marcell Harris. EDIT: Duke Dawson was only suspended for the first half. That's probably a better reason why our safeties played better in the 2nd half.
Jordan Sherit, Rush DE, is showing up at 2 DT - a 250 lb. defensive tackle he is not. It's looks like a depth chart reward for playing well against NMS instead of listing him as the 3 at Rush DE behind Cox and McCalister. Unless he puts on 40 to 50 lbs., he won't be playing DT against SEC teams.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 15:08:18 GMT -5
Mac's Labor Day Presser: www.gatorvision.tv/watch/?Archive=2874There is consideration for reversing the order of QB play in the East Carolina game. Both will play, but likely in reverse order with Will Grier starting.
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Post by mscott59 on Sept 8, 2015 15:08:11 GMT -5
After thinking about this a bit, I agree with you. UF fans deserve to feel good today. Coming into the season UF wasn't ranked in the polls, didn't make it into Phil Steele's top 55, was ranked around 65 by several sites that ranked all 128 FBS teams, and has been generally disrespected in the media. The offensive and total team performance last night was better than we saw in any of the 4 seasons under Will Muschamp. While I'm not going to go all gaga because it was New Mexico State, I will say that the prognosticators missed on UF. Half or more of the FBS is not better than UF. For that, UF fans can feel good today. It's just an OSU fan trying to make you optimistic, so they can stick the dagger in latter. The OLine at times had trouble with a 3 man rush that some Florida high schools could replicate. I really loved that our WRs caught the ball when it was thrown near them, but against NMS it was the equivalent of throwing against air. Kelvin Taylor looked about as adept at finding holes as Wayne Williams at times, against the aforementioned DL. As you noted, the defense in the 2nd qtr couldn't handle an offense that would rate barely above our scout team. Face it ET, we are going to suck. And the more you antagonize the other fans here, the more they are going to go Willie on UF. I love your optimism and zeal, but the relentless attacks against the Gators caused by your enthusiasm is getting to the point that I'm considering not to bother reading this place any longer. Jesus. No hidden agenda here. I'm just suggesting to feel good about a win. That's all I'm not going to stick a dagger in anybody later and plan for it now. Brother
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mark scott tosu 81
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2015 9:55:28 GMT -5
I predict true freshman Antonio Callaway will prove to be UF's best WR offensive weapon since Percy Harvin. He runs routes, runs jet sweeps, and returns punts. Callaway's one-handed grab at Kentucky:
fanbuzz.rare.us/story/watch-florida-true-freshman-wideout-antonio-callaway-make-incredible-one-handed-grab/
Callaway was a 3 star playmaker coming out of high school. It looks to me like he was undervalued by the recruiting services. He selected UF over Miami on national signing day. This from Alligator Army:
"Antonio Callaway is a playmaker
Florida's offense got the ball to Antonio Callaway twice, on an end-around that went for nine yards and a spectacular one-handed catch that he made in stride, allowing him to pick up maybe 10 of the 34 yards on that play.
Florida averaged 21.5 yards on those two plays. On the other 57 offensive snaps of the night, Florida averaged 3.5 yards per play, and had zero plays of more than 20 yards. Oh, and Callaway's 37-yard punt return was the Gators' biggest gain of all-purpose yardage on the night.
Maybe he should get the ball more?"
I agree, Callaway should get the ball more.
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Post by lz2112 on Sept 21, 2015 10:54:34 GMT -5
That was a hell of catch he made.
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Gator Bait!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2015 15:31:21 GMT -5
If the UK defender hadn't made the diving tackle from behind, he would likely have taken it for a TD. That was the series in the 2nd quarter that ended when we had the stupid delay of game on the made FG and then proceeded to kick it low enough that the UK lineman was able to block it. That was an almost TD on the drive to leaving 3 points on the field.
Grier's INT with 1st and goal from the 5 when he didn't throw to the back of the endzone so Jake McGee was the only player who could catch the ball was another 7 points left on the field.
The UK game easily could have been a 24-9 win, but you have to credit the cats for making good plays. This cat team is on the level with when hefty lefty Jared Lorenzon played QB in the early 00s and just behind the UK team that upset LSU's national championship team in 07 when Andre Woodson was playing. Barring serious injuries, UK will be a tough out for anyone they play this season. Winning on the road in the SEC was a good step in the right direction for the Gators.
The voters at the Gainesville Sun saw the UK game this way (looks like a C- on a 4.0 grading scale to me which means much room for improvement):
How would you grade the Gators' performance against Kentucky?
A 1% B 33% C 60% D 5% F 1%
Number of votes cast: 2211
Add in Brandon Powell has two weeks in a row put the O in bad starting position, 13 yard line against ECU and the 5 yard line after the penalty against UK, by returning the 2 kickoffs from 5 yards deep in the endzone. There is plenty of room for practicing harder and getting better. The meat of the schedule from Tennessee to Georgia is on us. If the Gators don't grow with the schedule, the next 5 games will sink the season.
Note to Brandon Powell: When receiving the kickoff 5 yards deep in the endzone, take a knee, hand the ball to the ref, and say thank you to the opponent for setting up the Gators O at the 25 yard line.
Note 2 to Brandon Powell: Always look for the ball on passing plays. A certain first down in the second half of the UK game hit you in the back when you didn't look to receive the pass from Will Grier. That was a drive killer.
I like Brandon Powell, reminds me of Brandon James, but he needs to clean up his performances a bit to match his excellent leadership and attitude traits.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2015 15:59:58 GMT -5
Jonathan Bullard honored by the SEC:
Monday September 21, 2015
Jonathan Bullard Named SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week
University of Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard earned the Southeastern Conference Defensive Line Player of the Week honor for his performance in the Gators’ 14-9 victory at Kentucky on Saturday, the league announced Monday.
Bullard recorded two of the six sacks on Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles for a loss of 21 yards. The Shelby, N.C., native also contributed five total tackles in the contest, four of those being unassisted.
The senior was a part of a defensive line that only allowed Kentucky to gain 115 yards of rushing and 241 yards of total offensive production.
Next up, the Gators take on the Volunteers of Tennessee in their first home SEC contest this Saturday, Sept. 26, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on CBS.
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Post by cbisbig on Sept 21, 2015 16:07:57 GMT -5
Next up, the Gators take on the Volunteers of Tennessee in their first home SEC contest this Saturday, Sept. 26, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on CBS. Should be a good one
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ROLL TIDE!
29 SEC Championships 18 National Championships
2015-16 Bowl Champion Douche 2020 Pandemic Bowl Champ
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2015 16:13:31 GMT -5
Ole Miss on October 3 will be a night game at 7 or 7:30 EDT televised on ESPN, ESPN2, or the SEC Network.
I hope I'm wrong, but the rebs are likely going to beat the crapola out of UF. Unlike steaksauce, I think the rebs are the real deal. It would be a major upset for UF to pull out a win even with the game in The Swamp.
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