Could UF crack the top 25 final poll?

This one has us top 10….

KES top 10 - UF 10

 

Ohio University—Ohio’s First University. When I was a grad student there in the late 70s they had a bad football team and a great marching band. As soon as the halftime show ended the stadium emptied out.

 

Hmm..

#1 Ohio State - would have beaten the ever living s--t out of us. We don't matchup well with them and no way Lagway wouldn't be under pressure every single snap.

#2 Notre Dame - Compete but lose.

#3 Texas - Already whipped our ass late. I know there was no Lagway but I think they had the best defense in the country. True Freshman isn't navigating that and our defense is the only one that made Ewers look like he can play in the NFL.

#4 Penn State - I actually think we can win an ugly one against them. I will call it a toss up. Allar is that bad.

#5 Georgia - No Beck? I think we beat them.

#6 Arizona State - I give the Sun Devils the respect they deserve. Better than what people think. Compete but lose.

#7 Boise State - Win a close game.

#8 Oregon - Nah no way this is close. Lose big.

#9 Indiana - Too well coached. Toss up, but I lean lose.

#10 Clemson - Cade is great, but their defense would have been ran all over by our RBs. Win.

#11 Tennessee - Lost a game we never should have lost to them. Lagway with more experience than when he came in off the bench? I like us to win a close game. Nico was on fumes by the CFP.

#12 SMU - An absolute joke they were in. We would have whipped the piss out of them.

I'm going 6-6, but maybe 5-7. Penn State probably would win an ugly game against us the more I look at it. Their defense is better and they would be able to run the ball against us.

 

OSU would probably win but we would be in the game.
We were missing a lot more than Lagway against Texas, mainly on defense.
We take Indiana, and ASU.

 

Sounds like my High School................lol

 

Considering how the trajectory of the season went for many teams, including Tito's 12, UF had a strong finish.
In fact, as many of you know, I think UF currently has the longest winning streak right now of any team in the SEC. (I think)

Considering where I (and most of the rest of Gator Nation) was at the mid way point of the third quarter against Texas,
it was a nice finish.

I think Napier had pushed Gator Nation to the precipice of terminating his employment. Fortunate that Scott gave him
the vote of confidence when he did. May not have been received real well after Texas.

There is a sizeable group of GC posters that may think the opposite, preferring to part ways with CBN. Their arguments
are not unconvincing given a 3 year run record of 19-19.

Well, Gator Nation has a 4th year of CBN coming up. The schedule is a monster once again. Especially early.

Correct me if I am wrong but the "talent acquisition" at this point anyway, would suggest CBN may have his most talented squad
to date coming back. Holes, yes, depth issues, for sure. But on paper, and with a couple more portal additions, spring could arguably see
the most talent and potential of the Napier era. Then of course, evidence suggests UF has the QB. A special QB.

I like Billy, while not recruiting at an Oregon, UGA, Bama, Ohio State level, it does appear to be in the 7th - 15th level (or thereabouts)
in his tenure. This of course is a concern because 50% of the SEC is at or above this level.

What is interesting to me about Billy, is he apparently has a "friend for life" and "your always welcome here approach" to recruits
regardless if they sign (at first) or not. Reports also suggest a players locker room that respects and adheres to the philosophy.

Combine this with recent facility improvements, (with more on the way) and an NIL program that finally seems to be gaining traction,
and (ahem, a little success on the field), perhaps Napier can edge closer to gaining a foothold in the top 5. That of course remains to be seen.

Much remains to be seen. And there is plenty to be skeptical about. It's taken three years (really 4) for Billy to break back to a winning record and a 500
winning %. Not what most Gator Nation acolytes consider to be an acceptable "standard", including me.

But for me as an outsider (FAN) it's hard not to like Billy. It seems the fan base is still pushing him to hire an OC and a DC to support Roberts.
I don't think the OC thing happens, but I imagine another defensive coach will get hired to complement Ron. What that exact job title will be remains to be seen.

Anyway it's talkin season................Go Gators!!

 

CFN gives us our highest season-ending ranking of any poll or service.

#29 Florida 8-5
End of Regular Season Rank: 17
CFN 2024 Preseason Ranking: 31
CFN Preseason Record Prediction: 6-6
Last Game: Gasparilla: Florida 33, Tulane 8