Now the SEC media days are over, we just about know the way the world sees the 2022 Florida Gators soccer workforce, though in some elements of the nation they’re nonetheless transcribing Jimbo Fisher’s opening assertion.
Even on the day after everybody deserted Atlanta, there was extra Gator-bashing on Friday when the good Rece Davis referred to Florida as “a median or below-average workforce.”
Don’t blame Rece. He’s echoing what most within the media take into consideration Florida partially as a result of they will’t unsee the 2021 season when the wheels went spinning down the highway with the chassis left behind.
Should you have a look at the Vegas strains, they differ from 6.5 wins to 7.5 wins with the consensus being seven. That’s common in each manner. You win seven and also you get a Gator Bowl invitation.
However since we’re nonetheless in speaking season, there are causes to be optimistic for the Gator Nation. All I’m saying is that there’s a path to a 10-win season. I do know Billy Napier sees it.
In fact, that is nonetheless a workforce which may be two accidents away from 6-6. However let’s keep upbeat as Dooley’s Dozen seems at why Florida could also be higher than folks assume.
1
Anthony Richardson’s summer time
UAA Communications/Jordan McKendrick
There isn’t any query in my thoughts that Florida can solely be pretty much as good as Richardson. The expertise is there, and it feels like he has devoted himself to the artwork of being a quarterback as a substitute of only a man who can leap over folks and do backflips. The offense matches him and he’s becoming into the offense.
2
The schedule isn’t THAT dangerous
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports activities
Each dialog that begins out with optimism will get steered in direction of that schedule, however let’s take a better look. You get six of the primary seven video games at residence, which supplies the Gators the chance to construct some momentum. Utah is nice and an early two-point favourite, however not unbeatable. We all know that Georgia is nice, however we do not know how any of the opposite SEC groups on the schedule might be this 12 months.
3
The secondary needs to be higher
Doug Engle/Gainesville Solar
It simply does. Look, they’ve a coach who is aware of find out how to get essentially the most out of his gamers in Corey Raymond and the secondary is loaded with proficient gamers who simply haven’t made their marks but. I assure you this gained’t be the third straight 12 months with single-digit interceptions.
4
There’s a sample right here
UAA Communications/Alexis Greaves
When a coach enters his first 12 months, there’s at all times a tradition change. However there’s additionally an edge to his workforce and the doubters get weeded out. Listed below are the win totals of Florida’s final six first-year coaches:
Steve Spurrier: 9 (with no bowl)
Ron Zook: 8
City Meyer: 9
Will Muschamp: 7
Jim McElwain: 10
Dan Mullen: 10
There’s an enthusiasm with first-year coaches that’s price an additional win or two.
5
Ricky Pearsall might be a distinction maker
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities
Pearsall is getting rave evaluations after transferring to Gainesville and might be simply what the broad receiver room wants. Florida can transfer him round and pressure defenses to put off different guys. Pearsall ought to have a giant 12 months, however he additionally goes to make everyone higher round him.
6
UF might need the perfect O-line for the reason that Pouncey days
UAA Communications/Hannah White
Again then, when Florida had Maurkice and Mike and a bunch of different sturdy starters, Florida might beat you any variety of methods. If O’Cyrus Torrence is pretty much as good as his first workforce All-SEC billing and also you add him to an inventory of returning starters, nicely, this might lastly be a fantastic line once more. And that adjustments loads of issues.
7
It’s not like Florida has been irrelevant
AP Picture/John Bazemore
Whereas folks prefer to pile on about Florida falling off the face of the earth, that’s merely not true. The Gators have gained three of the final seven SEC East titles. Throughout that point, Georgia gained the SEC simply as soon as greater than Florida. The Gators haven’t been capable of create a sustainable mannequin for achievement within the final decade, however it’s not been as dangerous as pundits will let you know it’s.
8
Steve Spurrier stated so
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports activities
When the HBC talks, I hear. Steve Spurrier is an envoy for Florida, however he nonetheless says what he thinks. On my podcast the opposite day, he didn’t simply say the media boys have been sleeping on the Gators, he laid out the explanations (self-discipline amongst them) why Florida might be higher this season. I’ll take his phrase for it.
9
Ventrell Miller will make a distinction
AP Picture/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Yeah, he’s the second participant that can’t be lacking in motion this 12 months. You noticed in opposition to LSU what not having Ventrell Miller within the sport means to this workforce. However he’s coming again with a chip on his shoulder and would be the single most essential participant in Florida’s first two video games in opposition to bodily groups.
10
Particular groups must make, like, three performs
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Solar
Generally, that’s the distinction between 7-5 and 10-2. Particular groups have been a significant grievance of mine since Meyer left. This employees appears to get that particular groups are a 3rd of the sport. Just some performs in the appropriate spot might flip a season round.
11
Coaches are higher
UAA Communications/Jordan McKendrick
Let’s face it. This employees hasn’t coached an SEC sport as a unit. And we’ll be higher educated as this season goes alongside. It’s only a feeling that there’s an enthusiasm for the job that hasn’t at all times been there. And that’s all I’ve to say about that.
12
Issues might be in place
Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Solar
The parking has been mounted. The meals has improved, and breakfast is now a compulsory meal. These issues are essential, however entering into that new constructing goes to inject some life into this system. The eye will shift to creating the stadium higher, however the gamers and coaches would be the happiest they’ve ever been round right here. There might be no extra excuses and so they realize it.
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