7-5 seems to be the most predicted max wins for the Gators this year with out schedule. Like Some have said, maybe we're stuck on the team logos too much. I can see an off year especially with this schedule, but not to the 3 win debacle level. If I'm being honest I see more motivation from this Gators team than in last years unit simply from the experienced portal players and the players Napier had from last year getting one more year of his off season training. This season is going to depend on all the work the Gators put in on the off season. Did we train hard enough... and did we get the right depth, good enough depth, to put us over the top? I can agree that our running back room, receiving corps and the LBs have quality depth and should fare well enough to compete... I like our Safety room and our DBs room... Can we score more points than we did last year? If so, it would have to be a big increase, like 10 points to get us a winning season. We need our offense to become more balanced in all phases of the offense. In yards per play in passing especially... I want more long bombs from Mertz... I like this team, but it's hard to predict how well we play. So much is unknown with so many new players and new coaches. I just hope we're happy with what we see from this 2024 Gators football team. And I hope we have fun watching this team play. I see 8 wins if pay play like I think we will. But 7 wins will be a disappointment, but not a devastating disappointment. Go Gators! Beat Miami!
Many of the teams we play will have a new starting QB. Miami, FSU, LSU to name a few. Could allow for a closer game and possible win, if the D can get off the field a little more or turn 7 points into 3 on a few more possessions
There is almost no chance for a RS for DJ, IMHO. He needs the developmental work, plus he could be a legit difference maker both on the field and in recruiting. The chance to show Gator Nation and the rest of CFB exactly what they're being patient for could become increasingly beneficial as the season unfolds.
If it were 7 RS wins then Napier leads us to a bowl win for number 8, I would be happy. If he can beat the florida teams, great. My thinking is that a losses to georgia, texas, a couple other SEC teams will not negatively impact our recruiting as much as sweeping the florida teams will positively impact.
I could see it if he isn’t used in a Tebow like role. Maybe being an Allstott one is not in the cards. May want to preserve his health a bit.
We will see. He has the physical make up of a Tebow type runner but, from the tape I’ve seen on him he is a little more apt to throw when flushed out of the pocket and when he runs he seems to avoid head on contact more than Tebow did. Just having a big, mobile QB in the backfield who can run or throw when it’s 3 and 3 on the opponents 12 yard line adds a nice dimension to the offense. Mertz is our guy and I’m all in with him. But having a guy like Lagway adds a heck of a weapon to our arsenal.
I agree he probably wants/ needs to throw if he has a package. Is that a better bet than Mertz? Does it give an advantage.
If I were the coach I’d love to have that option in my back pocket. Not saying I’d use it every time but that’s another few seconds the defense has to wait and see what we’re doing.
If it works, do it. I’m not sure. Sure the staff is very sneaky. I think they would prefer to beat your ass right in front of your face.
Tempering expectations. So many questions. Obviously the Defense... I expect improvement, but you never know. Another concern are the sluggish road starts. Special teams could still be shaky. Idk. This 1st game will be tone setter. Losing to Mario would be a disaster
I agree that losing to a mediocrity like Mario is a bad look - particularly in this moment and at this juncture in program history. But disaster is a very strong word. A close loss in a well-played game might not amount to a death knell quite yet. However, another maddening, bumbling, discombobulated start in the opener, ala '23, that results in another deeply troubling loss could really be a blow to the program and to BN's prospects going forward. Fortunately, I'm so pumped full of unbounded optimism and O&B Kool aide that I actually believe we will beat Mario's mercenaries and live to fight and agonize another day. GG! Beat Miami!
Is Boone really expected to play Jack? Thought he would be splitting time with Sapp on the strong side. Not so sure about Waites starting at right OT. I have Creshaw-Dickson pencilled in there. Strange not to see Baugh mentioned at RB or Mizell at WR. Even more surprised to see Watson mentioned over some other D linemen. Don't think Slackman is going to be playing NT. He had Caleb Banks' weight off by 50 pounds.
UK, UTn, and UCF. aTm wasn't a full time starter and might not even win the QB competition. This is the biggest hope from the schedule: new qb not living up to expectations on teams expected to beat us or are a coin flip.
I wanna "lie" so bad about this team. Lol! I talked crazy last year.... thought that team could win 8-9 games last year. Think this team could atleast get 7 wins... the schedule isn't that daunting... just the back end after uga. The season depends on play from both LoS. And lesser extent, safety play. Can Special Teams be cleaned up? Discipline maintained and no mental breakdowns in key moments. And finding motivation and energy on the road. Those are my concerns. Hopefully adding veterans should correct all 3 issues
