How critical is the Miami game?

I agree the season portends very poorly with a loss at home to a very dysfunctional, very beatable Miami team. We just can’t see again, for instance, the comedy of headwork errors replete in the Utah opener in 2023. I understand a team, any team, is not firing at 100% in its first game, but a team, any team, should be able to count to 11 and deconflict jersey numbers.

 

In hindsight after seeing other teams make the same mistake not sending enough people out on special teams I became a little less upset about it. Apparently it happens more frequently than we know.

But then it happened more than once and the two numbers mistake is unacceptable. I'm optimistic we've gotten our act together but time will tell.

 

I submit this post as a shining validation of my point. Thank you Taipan

 

I see your concerns Skink but it's slow and even though the question has been asked a number of times it takes on a different significance the closer to the season we get and the more we hear about the team. Who knows how accurate the information is. We hear good things and get hopes up every off season but we really seemed to get an influx of talent on the field and in the coaching box this time. Robert's is the biggest acquisition in my opinion amd changes my outlook completely and that's before the transfers and recruits.

Speculation seems a little more valid at this point. For me anyway.

 

Miami of OH? Correct?

 

Okay, start a what if we win thread.

 

It's a must win for me because I will have to abandon this site until the Sanford win.

The negativity will be unbearable.

I don't expect anything less than a steel cage match between these clubs.

I'm pleased this one is in the Swamp.

Coming fast, and I am looking forward to it.

 

To determine how critical this game is, it should be compared with other games on the schedule. Start with the fact that UM is the opener, at home, on the heels of a losing streak, etc. and yes, it's important. I don't, however, think it is more important than the following games:

1. Kentucky
2. Ole Miss
3. A&M
4. GA
5. at Miss St
6. LSU
7. at TN
8. at TX

My take won't be popular, but I believe each of these games to be more important than the Miami game. My criteria: a) The more winnable, the more important b) Home games are more important c) Conference games are more important d) Rivalries are important.

Admittedly, Mi meets three of the four criteria. In the end, though, they are not a conf game and while a rivalry, not one that we are recently familiar with. GA, TN, and LSU are all bigger rivals of the Gators in recent years. I put KY first because Stoops has had our number, it's a winnable conference game, it's at home, and FL just should not lose to UK in football.

This list would be subject to change, pending season results. For example, if FL rolls into knoxvegas at 5-0, that game moves up the list.

 

I get it. But if I had to choose a loss in our first 7, it would not be miami(or UCF). We can from an SEC standpoint absorb a loss to Kentucky or Tenn and not be eliminated from the East. IMHO, it would be glorious to beat all three Florida opponents this season.

 

There are no East- West divisions any more.
Top two teams at the end of the regular season play for the conference championship.

 

I’ll say this and drop it.
Very important game.
If, IMO, in the unlikely event we lose, this team will not fold its tent. Too much improvement on this roster with talent and character. That extends to coaches like Roberts and Harris as well as leaders developing among players, including transfers.
Plenty of negativity will follow a loss: the sports media, our opponents and unfortunately many of our own fans love to pile on and there will be ugly noise. Finebaum will use the word “dumpster fire” to describe Gator football a kajillion times to the delight of our rivals everywhere. But these players won’t quit. Neither will this group of coaches.
Of course fans are a different and diverse breed. I belong to that sect that will not give up on our team until they give up: And last time I checked our record we are still undefeated in 2024. ( And there’s still negativity).

 

Anything I can do to help you out, Skink. I live to serve.

 

With all due respect Rick, we're not beating the poodles or Texas and very likely not beating Top 10 Ole Miss.
If we lose to Miss Stake on the road (Billy is 2-10 away from the Swamp), we're not even sniffing 6 wins.
Miami is a MUST WIN under any and all circumstances.

 

It’s very critical. It tells me I’m lazy, I don’t do enough around the house and I drink too much.

wait never mind that’s my wife.

 

Really important. With a win we have a good chance of going to Obknoxville undefeated. Lose it and the hounds will be out be out. I hope CBN has a great year. A loss here and the pressure is on.

 

The Miami game is a great opportunity for us to finally get going in a good direction. In fact the whole schedule is a great opportunity for the team, the coaches, and even us fans to show we are finally back. I won't dwell on any negatives... I just want us to dominate and show we are a team to be feared in the games and years ahead.
Hand wringing is for losers.

 

100%.

I don't know why a win here is even in question.

It's Billy's THIRD YEAR.......his recruits.......his staff........his offense!

Hell.....IMHO we're going undefeated this year!

 

I’ll be looking to see how many number 3’s we have on the field.

No duplicates will mean at least one improvement over last year.