My suggestion to Coach Billy Napier

G8R92 · Jan 22, 2025

Billy Napier this morning: "Think I'll check the Swamp Gas suggestion box"

doctorg8r · Jan 22, 2025

scooterp said: ↑

Doc, I love your spirit but I’m sure BN knows we need get more yards, more points and have a strong defense. If we play like we did the last 8 games (sans TX), we will be very competitive.

I don’t know what the magic # is. But I’m thinking an 8 point swing in either direction would do it. 33 ppg and <20 on defense would be good enough to win a lot of games. 9-3 isn’t a stretch.
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I agree that 9-3 is potentially possible, along with 33 ppg on offense, and 20 ppg allowed by our defense. The question is: can a BN offense average more ppg, since he has a 28 ppg average over the last three years. I believe a consistent OL and a healthy DJ could improve the offensive performance, which in turn should help the defense ppg average to improve!

Gatorhead · Jan 22, 2025

doctorg8r said: ↑

I agree that 9-3 is potentially possible, along with 33 ppg on offense, and 20 ppg allowed by our defense. The question is: can a BN offense average more ppg, since he has a 28 ppg average over the last three years. I believe a consistent OL and a healthy DJ could improve the offensive performance, which in turn should help the defense ppg average to improve!
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I like this logic! Now the Gators need to get her done!

G8R92 · Jan 22, 2025

Endless Excuses said: ↑

Mine would be you've got a Ferrari quit putting around at 25mph and get someone in here who really knows how to drive the car (and it's not him). It certainly didn't hurt OSU to bring in Kelly did it?
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Stating it without stating it. Clever.

doctorg8r · Jan 22, 2025

Gatorhead said: ↑

Hi Doc. I certainly agree CBN has a bit of momentum.
"and he needs to build on it"

For sure, it has been a long time since UF won 4 in a row and a bowl. The end of season, early signing day run was pretty special.
I don't ever recall UF starting so far behind and signing so many kids in such a short space of time.

So catastrophe on the field (W-L record) was averted after tamu, And catastrophe in recruiting was averted with a late season run and signing day close.

But for many of us UF fans, we are EXHAUSTED with these "near catastrophe" scenarios.

Having posted that:
"In comparison, the 1996 Gators averaged 46.6 ppg;
in 2006, 29.7 ppg; in 2008, 43.6 ppg (the 2006 ppg average surprised me). Contrast that with only allowing Gator opponents 16.8 ppg in 1996; 13.5 ppg in 2006; and, 12.9 ppg in 2008. Clearly, statistics indicate quite a disparity of ppg scored vs ppg allowed."

Doc, you are only mentioning National Championship teams here, all of which went 12 - 1. Is that "Fair?". IMO it's "fair" if your expectation is winning the playoffs next year. Which is A very steep ask.

Sure, the buzz in Gator circles is" "Success = Lagway at QB". Do whatever is necessary now. Go all in.
BTW I agree, the time is "now". But we may differ on the end game. UF's success or failure should not come down to one position group (QB).

While I want UF to go unbeaten (every year) what I want does not matter, what "is" matters.

"expectations are extremely high--perhaps too high--for the 2025 season."

YEP - I agree with this statement, considering the schedule, and considering UF's recruiting and transfer portal performance so far under Napier.

I am no expert but when one considers UF has been behind in in the talent acquisition business since CBN arrived, to about half a dozen other SEC teams, I don't see the metrics (recruiting and portal) translating in UF equality with the upper tier SEC teams yet.

So that puts additional pressure on DJL and the coaching staff to "equalize" the talent situation when facing the top SEC teams.

I don't see it myself. Not in terms of winning the playoffs. I think the best possible scenario is making the playoffs (ala TN and taking a bow out early), and that's a real stretch. Improving on 8 - 5 is going to be tough.

I hope UF surprises me. I am in the David Waters camp, that if UF goes 8 - 5 or 9 - 4 that Gator Nation should not tear it all down and hire a new coach.
I think if UF makes a serious playoff run it is more likely in 26 and that's if DJL is still around and Nape is able to continue to "improve" the talent acquisition agenda.
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I feel similarly as you about next year! Some are suggesting the Gators could be a play off team in 2025, and I think that's very wishful thinking! Personally, DJ is special, but it would not surprise me if he experiences some growing pains. To have a really good season, I think will involve DJ making a significant jump. Clearly, his name is in the Heisman conversation, but I will be very surprised if he puts up Heisman numbers! Like you, I think the stellar year is 26!

DieAGator · Jan 22, 2025

Gatorhead said: ↑

YEP - I agree with this statement, considering the schedule, and considering UF's recruiting and transfer portal performance so far under Napier.
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Napier himself should expect to win 8. If he doesn't, well, you know. The thing about schedule is, all our opponents have a tough schedule. The 10 game winners must not think that way. Neither should we or the staff. If so many good HCs can go from 6-6 to 10-2 in two seasons, our HC should be able to get 8 in his fourth.

Gatorrick22 · Jan 22, 2025

DieAGator said: ↑

Aye Doc, it must be the off season.
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It's officially talkin' season.

Wanne15 · Jan 22, 2025

Gatorhead said: ↑

Hi Doc. I certainly agree CBN has a bit of momentum.
"and he needs to build on it"

For sure, it has been a long time since UF won 4 in a row and a bowl. The end of season, early signing day run was pretty special.
I don't ever recall UF starting so far behind and signing so many kids in such a short space of time.

So catastrophe on the field (W-L record) was averted after tamu, And catastrophe in recruiting was averted with a late season run and signing day close.

But for many of us UF fans, we are EXHAUSTED with these "near catastrophe" scenarios.

Having posted that:
"In comparison, the 1996 Gators averaged 46.6 ppg;
in 2006, 29.7 ppg; in 2008, 43.6 ppg (the 2006 ppg average surprised me). Contrast that with only allowing Gator opponents 16.8 ppg in 1996; 13.5 ppg in 2006; and, 12.9 ppg in 2008. Clearly, statistics indicate quite a disparity of ppg scored vs ppg allowed."

Doc, you are only mentioning National Championship teams here, all of which went 12 - 1. Is that "Fair?". IMO it's "fair" if your expectation is winning the playoffs next year. Which is A very steep ask.

Sure, the buzz in Gator circles is" "Success = Lagway at QB". Do whatever is necessary now. Go all in.
BTW I agree, the time is "now". But we may differ on the end game. UF's success or failure should not come down to one position group (QB).

While I want UF to go unbeaten (every year) what I want does not matter, what "is" matters.

"expectations are extremely high--perhaps too high--for the 2025 season."

YEP - I agree with this statement, considering the schedule, and considering UF's recruiting and transfer portal performance so far under Napier.

I am no expert but when one considers UF has been behind in in the talent acquisition business since CBN arrived, to about half a dozen other SEC teams, I don't see the metrics (recruiting and portal) translating in UF equality with the upper tier SEC teams yet.

So that puts additional pressure on DJL and the coaching staff to "equalize" the talent situation when facing the top SEC teams.

I don't see it myself. Not in terms of winning the playoffs. I think the best possible scenario is making the playoffs (ala TN and taking a bow out early), and that's a real stretch. Improving on 8 - 5 is going to be tough.

I hope UF surprises me. I am in the David Waters camp, that if UF goes 8 - 5 or 9 - 4 that Gator Nation should not tear it all down and hire a new coach.
I think if UF makes a serious playoff run it is more likely in 26 and that's if DJL is still around and Nape is able to continue to "improve" the talent acquisition agenda.
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Yep, i concurr. I dont see us in any final four just yet. Winning 8-9 games is going to br tough.

Wanne15 · Jan 22, 2025

doctorg8r said: ↑

Oh, sorry, I was referring to the offensive ppg. And, yes, that defense was nasty! That was the year we beat Ohio State 41-14! Simply, surprised by the 29 ppg!
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You do have to condider the schedule and tgat offense was better than they were ranked. It's laughable to even suggest there were that many offenses better than UF.

savgator1956 · Jan 22, 2025

Interesting article on Hail Florida. Spoke of the money and hiring the buckeye's did and UF didn't.

Wanne15 · Jan 22, 2025

savgator1956 said: ↑

Interesting article on Hail Florida. Spoke of the money and hiring the buckeye's did and UF didn't.
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Low hanging fruit but not all wrong. Napier will own it.

doctorg8r · Jan 22, 2025

So far, BN has not shown that he is an elite playcaller. His ppg average is just that--average. 28 points per game is okay, but okay is not good enough. My suggestion is that Billy is going to have to do something different, more creative and less predictable. It's time to see the poker mentality, "Scared money, don't make money."

savgator1956 · Jan 22, 2025

I agree 15, but I know we have the money and resources to compete with Ohio State Oregon Georgia and the rest of the big spenders.

DieAGator · Jan 22, 2025

doctorg8r said: ↑

So far, BN has not shown that he is an elite playcaller. His ppg average is just that--average. 28 points per game is okay, but okay is not good enough. My suggestion is that Billy is going to have to do something different, more creative and less predictable. It's time to see the poker mentality, "Scared money, don't make money."
Click to expand...

NOT going to happen. But we still may be better at scoring points. Our run game could be huge.

Wanne15 · Jan 23, 2025

doctorg8r said: ↑

So far, BN has not shown that he is an elite playcaller. His ppg average is just that--average. 28 points per game is okay, but okay is not good enough. My suggestion is that Billy is going to have to do something different, more creative and less predictable. It's time to see the poker mentality, "Scared money, don't make money."
Click to expand...

If DJ becomes an elite qb, itll be alright. If he struggles, its going down the tubes. Theres a ton of pressure and expectations on the kid. He cant be so so.

INGATORSWETRUST · Jan 23, 2025

Hire a GM and an extra coach to replace Armstrong. Maybe another Analyst to replace Enos. Too much indecision. Hire already!! Move faster. Get things done.

grayg8rstevo · Jan 23, 2025

Wanne15 said: ↑

We did lose our two best receivers.
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We will grow some more.

thenazz · Jan 23, 2025

Wanne15 said: ↑

If DJ becomes an elite qb, itll be alright. If he struggles, its going down the tubes. Theres a ton of pressure and expectations on the kid. He cant be so so.
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Short and medium passing needs improvement. Crisp and smart. Rep as a passer based on hitting some long ones.

Wanne15 · Jan 23, 2025

grayg8rstevo said: ↑

We will grow some more.
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Gotta love speculation. I like yhe returning talent on offense but there are alot of questions on d.

doctorg8r · Jan 23, 2025

Listened to Ali Peek today, and she said she mostly liked BN's playcalling. However, she clarified struggling with situational playcalling--that is a play call that doesn’t fit in the moment! I would suggest to Billy that there's not just one, though. There are a few times in a game where I scratch my head and ask, what the heck? Anyone relate?

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