Monday, August 25, 2008

So, who's the next big winner in the SEC--Florida? Part 2

Can Florida pull it together this season to win the SEC and the big prize? Offensively, if key players stay healthy, I'd give them a strong maybe. I'm not going to automatically give this to them because I think that if teams really try to get a helmet on Tebow they can significantly limit what Meyer will call offensively. Kind of like what we saw in the first half against Georgia last season when Tebow was hurting from the beating he took from Kentucky the week before. Coordinators have a season's worth of film to try to learn how to break down their offense, and I think at least a few of them will find something to exploit. We'll also have to see if any of their running backs will step up to take some of the pressure off of Tebow. Chris Rainey has gotten a lot of love from the media since the spring, but he's tiny. Percy Harvin needs to stay healthy. Is Moody the answer? He didn't have a great spring, and having transferred from USC, we'll have to see if he's willing to work for playing time.

Defensively, your guess is as good as mine. Last year, their overall defense was pretty bad. They were very young. They have changed defensive coordinators. I don't know if the terminology and timing has changed. If so, it may take a few games for the squad to get it going. Young teams can mature together, but that's no guarantee that the play will significantly get better.

On the field talent-wise, Florida is in a great position. They are in a talent-rich state, and with Florida State struggling there should be no reason why Meyer can't continue to have the recruiting success he's had the last few years.

Sidelines talent-wise, Meyer's success is starting to catch up with him. He has begun to lose coordinators and assistants to other programs. This is where we'll see if he really has recruiting talent.

Their schedule should play in their favor this season, especially getting LSU in Gainesville. The game in Jacksonville could be extra special this year.

Luck. Florida has already had its share of bad luck this season having lost its starting tight end and at least four other players to ACL tears. The only positive about losing these players is that they were lost early.

They can win it all, if the coaches can coach up the running backs and defense, diversify the offense, and if the team is undefeated after its Nov 1 game against GA.

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