Unfortunately I feel the need to let everyone know that I am NOT a sunshine pumper. I firmly believe each Gator has the right to voice concern and criticism on this board. If fans sit idly without voicing criticism, ADs and Universities take far too long to get rid of coaches.
I only say the above because I see how positive threads are quickly dismissed by many, claiming the poster is looking through "orange and blue glasses".
Now, to my point.... I don't know if we would have lost if you replace LDR w/ Treon and Eddie with last year's kickers, but it would have been MUCH more close.
If we look to last year's season, it took Grier a few weeks to get on a roll. I believe the "light" went on during the second half (or 4th QTR) against TN. I still believe we have all the pieces on defense to make a run at the SEC East this year (but that's about it). It's going to come down to one group, the Oline. It's very difficult for coaches to quickly spin up a great Oline. It takes a few years of recruiting (the jury is still out on this staff), strength & conditioning, continuity, among other things.
I LOVE how quickly LDR distributes the ball. Although I don't expect the Oline will take a HUGE jump from last year to this year, I believe the sacks against will drop immensely simply because of the QB position. It's exactly the same scenario as what occurred with the Washington Redskins Oline whom transitioned from RG3 to Kirk Cousins last year. In 2014 the Redskins were among the worst, if not #1 worst, in sacks allowed. Why? The #1 reason was RG3 couldn't read defenses. He held on to the ball too long, trying to make a play, usually resulting in a sack. Last year, with Cousins at the helm, they gave up the fewest sacks. I expect something similar this year from UF. HOPEFULLY the offense will turn it on similar to how Washington turned it on in the second half last year. Just as it took Cousins 8 games to get comfortable I expect LDR and the entire offense to hit their stride in games 4-5. Hopefully the defense will carry the team until then.
I only say the above because I see how positive threads are quickly dismissed by many, claiming the poster is looking through "orange and blue glasses".
Now, to my point.... I don't know if we would have lost if you replace LDR w/ Treon and Eddie with last year's kickers, but it would have been MUCH more close.
If we look to last year's season, it took Grier a few weeks to get on a roll. I believe the "light" went on during the second half (or 4th QTR) against TN. I still believe we have all the pieces on defense to make a run at the SEC East this year (but that's about it). It's going to come down to one group, the Oline. It's very difficult for coaches to quickly spin up a great Oline. It takes a few years of recruiting (the jury is still out on this staff), strength & conditioning, continuity, among other things.
I LOVE how quickly LDR distributes the ball. Although I don't expect the Oline will take a HUGE jump from last year to this year, I believe the sacks against will drop immensely simply because of the QB position. It's exactly the same scenario as what occurred with the Washington Redskins Oline whom transitioned from RG3 to Kirk Cousins last year. In 2014 the Redskins were among the worst, if not #1 worst, in sacks allowed. Why? The #1 reason was RG3 couldn't read defenses. He held on to the ball too long, trying to make a play, usually resulting in a sack. Last year, with Cousins at the helm, they gave up the fewest sacks. I expect something similar this year from UF. HOPEFULLY the offense will turn it on similar to how Washington turned it on in the second half last year. Just as it took Cousins 8 games to get comfortable I expect LDR and the entire offense to hit their stride in games 4-5. Hopefully the defense will carry the team until then.
