Optimism is in the air

[GatorNation79]

I don't know if it's just me but it seems like the team is very optimistic going into this season. I'm sure some of it that there is a new start but I think that it's a clear direction that Coach Mac is taking this program. It's refreshing and seems like the players are feeling very confident. I know that it's the beginning of the season but the attitude of this team hasn't been like this the past few years. Not saying that it's going to produce xxxx amount of wins but it's a nice change to see. Go Gators!

 

[PacoGator19]

Yes the mentality is changing and there seems to be a buzz from inside the program. The coaching staff has a clear plan and vision. Agreed it may not necessarily show up in the wins column this year but I think we will be pleased with the direction the program is headed in. I would be more optimistic for this coming year if we had some experience on the oline but we already have 3 true freshmen in the 2 deep across the line. That's probably not a good thing for this year but should pay dividends down the road. Watch out for OT Fred Johnson. They are really high on this kid and they think he has a very high ceiling.

 

[GatorGray]

Maybe it is the pessimist in me, but the team (all teams) is always optimistic this time of year.

 

[sadgator]

sadgator feels like he is in Munchkin Land after the house landed on the witch....free at last!

 

[GatorNation79]

Bbbuuuwwaaahhh

 

[GatorNation79]

Yes the mentality is changing and there seems to be a buzz from inside the program. The coaching staff has a clear plan and vision. Agreed it may not necessarily show up in the wins column this year but I think we will be pleased with the direction the program is headed in. I would be more optimistic for this coming year if we had some experience on the oline but we already have 3 true freshmen in the 2 deep across the line. That's probably not a good thing for this year but should pay dividends down the road. Watch out for OT Fred Johnson. They are really high on this kid and they think he has a very high ceiling.

That's the thing, it's hard to say what the season will be. ..we'll have to see how the kids play, develop and how injuries go but overall I like the direction and the new attitude of the team. While teams are more optimistic this time of the year IMO this is different.

 

[MJWilliamson]

I am optimistic too. But just remember, Driskel played close to lights out in the first two games last year. But that was against Eastern Michigan and Kentucky.

 

[Dannygator1989]

I am optimistic too. But just remember, Driskel played close to lights out in the first two games last year. But that was against Eastern Michigan and Kentucky.

I'm pretty sure we all knew better though.

 

[MJWilliamson]

I'm pretty sure we all knew better though.

Good point. But we won't know this year for a few games

 

[Michi-Gator]

An offense which is aggressive, not under center, that attracts playmakers. The fact Fulwood is listed as our #2 speaks to how badly we need playmakers on offense (keep it to yourself Paco). We are going to take a big step back on D after this season so next years offense will have to step up big time.

 

[46885]

I am optimistic too. But just remember, Driskel played close to lights out in the first two games last year. But that was against Eastern Michigan and Kentucky.

you could see in the first half against UK that he was still driskel

 

[sadgator]

you could see in the first half against UK that he was still driskel

You could see in the first half against UK that we still had a numb nuts dictating our offensive play calling.

 

[Rushie]

As the various ESPN channels have been airing replays of select 2014 games, I found myself smiling more and more that Muschamp would not be walking on our sideline this upcoming season.

 

[46885]

You could see in the first half against UK that we still had a numb nuts dictating our offensive play calling.

Driskel was still missing wide open WR's and throwing dirt balls. That was the night I knew for sure with him starting we were looking for a new coach

 

[Michi-Gator]

Driskel was still missing wide open WR's and throwing dirt balls. That was the night I knew for sure with him starting we were looking for a new coach

We would have been looking for a new coach with Aaron Rodgers starting.

 

[46885]

and you really believe that, even though we were almost winning games with a QB completing 6 passes with like 4 minutes left in the games.

 

[GatorNation79]

Driskel was still missing wide open WR's and throwing dirt balls. That was the night I knew for sure with him starting we were looking for a new coach

JD was so inaccurate it was crazy...that kid could never hit an open receiver down field...literally almost NEVER and he would miss them badly too...like over throw them by 5 yards. Used to drive me crazy. Good kid...bad QB.

 

[GatorNation79]

We would have been looking for a new coach with Aaron Rodgers starting.

Come on Mich...that's a bit of an overstatement but point well taken. Just glad that we have all moved on...well all of us except you.

 

[MJWilliamson]

Driskel was still missing wide open WR's and throwing dirt balls.

And now we get to watch Treon do the same thing.

 

[Michi-Gator]

And now we get to watch Treon do the same thing.

Are you being negative MJ???

 

[MJWilliamson]

Are you being negative MJ???

Yep. I was never really impressed with Treon last year. His only claim to fame was that he was marginally better than the guy that started at the beginning of the season. And by marginally better, I mean he made better decisions. He did not seem to be any more accurate.

 

[GatorNation79]

I don't care who starts...just win. I wasn't that impressed with Treon so far but we'll see what happens.

 

[Michi-Gator]

Yep. I was never really impressed with Treon last year. His only claim to fame was that he was marginally better than the guy that started at the beginning of the season. And by marginally better, I mean he made better decisions. He did not seem to be any more accurate.

I don't think Mac likes either one. However, Mac is a pretty decent QB coach, he may very well have helped Treon improve.

 

[oozie7]

After reading around, it seems MJ's view is the popular one.

I don't understand why people are down on Treon. We have evidence of multiple QB's leaving here under Muschamp and going somewhere else and playing better so we know the offensive coaching here has been terrible. Treon did not graduate early (so he didn't go through spring practice) and also didn't get reps with the 1st team until mid season. Then when he was poised to start he has to sit out again due to the allegation. What were people expecting? He was a true freshman in a dysfunctional offense with no weapons in the passing game. I mean our #1 receiver went undrafted and then promptly got switched to cornerback because he can't catch LOL. And even with all that said we still went 4-2 with him starting and really both losses (SC and FSU) were on other players, namely special teams and our TE's inability to catch a ball.

Point being, yes, he has a lot of stuff he needs to improve on. But reading around it seems as if most of the opinions are he has no business starting over Grier and I don't really see any basis for opinions that strong one way or another. We averaged 33 ppg with him as starter...in a dysfunctional offense. It ain't all bad. You'd assume with more competent coaching and another year he'd improve also.

 

[MJWilliamson]

I think it is hard to improve arm strength. Treon does not have much? And his accuracy was suspect. I suppose that can be improved. I hope so, but I am not optimistic.

 

[Michi-Gator]

TOS needs to be put in suicide watch. But the again a big chunk of those guys were hoping Mac was going to implement 1980s, under-center, Big 10 offense, so I Take there displeasure with a grain of salt

 

[oozie7]

Yea Michi that's mainly who I was referring too. I saw posts on there from guys saying they were angry and 'disappointed' Treon was named the starter, like really? For the first time in a while we have two good QB's and it seems like those guys want to repeat the exact same situation we just got out of. Anoint one guy the savior before he's taken a snap and run off all his comp, then if he bombs we're screwed. Both will play and both NEED to play, eff handing either of them the job.

And MJ I agree with you fully on his arm strength, it's not upper tier. But that's kinda overrated in college because most QB's don't go down the field with any regularity. It's stronger than a few QB's who have had success lately, like McCarron for example. If he fails it won't be because of that.

 

[PacoGator19]

If Treon fails it will be because of passing accuracy. I really don't get into arm strength too much or size at the college level. Wuerrfel had a noodle arm but was one of the greatest college QBs of all time. Leak was 5'10 and didn't have a very strong arm either and he had a pretty darn good college career as well. Get a QB that makes good decisions and can throw the ball on time and accurately and then you put the athletes around him that Florida can recruit right in our own backyard and you will be successful on offense. I think we have enough weapons on offense in Robinson, Powell, McGee, Lewis and a few others that can make some plays. Do we have an Oline and a QB is the biggest question?

 

[oozie7]

Agreed. Most defenses don't have the personnel to force QB's to make throws into tight windows in college either, which is when arm strength would really show up.

 

[MJWilliamson]

Maybe Treon got the nod this week for reasons other than what happened ON the practice field. Maybe there was a reward for one QB showing more leadership and more maturity, even if that QB did not "outplay" the other during practice. I am just speculating, but it IS possible.

Mac has said the competition is far from over. I think both will get a lot of playing time.

 

[GatorNation79]

I haven't seen the practices but from what I've heard the accuracy is what has worried me with Treon the most...I'm like most...his arm isn't a real issue, the team rally's around him well and he seems to be a gamer - which is really important imo......if guys can actually catch the ball then we should be better. If Treon is the better QB then I'm all good with it...by all accounts it sounds like Grier can read defenses, go through progressions better, and is more accurate...obviously not so much to have the job out right. Either way sounds like Coach Mac wants to battle test the QB's which I'm totally okay with...because whoever is truly the best QB is going to be the next QB for the next 2-3 seasons...so no need to rush the starter...if we don't know who the starter is until UK...then I think that it would be wise.

 

[Dannygator1989]

Michi is only excited because he's been riding the Treon train since he signed.

The kid isn't good.

And for Gods sake...really ooz? So Muschamp was also the QB coach as well smh.

Notice those guys went to schools that play against competition that has laughable defensive talent 9 times out of 10.

 

[oozie7]

Not that he's the QB coach, just that he had a terrible eye for picking the right offensive talent. That and his forced philosophy led to disastrous results. The recent Banchi article only confirms that, I mean I know the quotes are from Driskel but still...

 

[Dannygator1989]

Nobody was fixing Driskel.

 

[ck5nole]

I don't know if it's just me but it seems like the team is very optimistic going into this season. I'm sure some of it that there is a new start but I think that it's a clear direction that Coach Mac is taking this program. It's refreshing and seems like the players are feeling very confident. I know that it's the beginning of the season but the attitude of this team hasn't been like this the past few years. Not saying that it's going to produce xxxx amount of wins but it's a nice change to see. Go Gators!

New Mexico State by 7.

 

[oozie7]

Nobody was fixing Driskel.

Oh trust me I agree, you know how I feel about that guy. But that's kinda the point, for whatever reason he insisted on playing that scrub and running off all his comp. The ironic thing is the main guy he ran off, Brissett, is perfect for the type of offense he wanted to run. If he had started Brissett he'd still likely be here. Funny how things work out sometimes.

 

[sadgator]

It will not surprise sadgator in the slightest if Driskel has a monster year at La Tech. We certainly need to follow his stats this season. Should give us some clarity on the player v. coaching arguments we have had.

 

[MJWilliamson]

It will not surprise sadgator in the slightest if Driskel has a monster year at La Tech. We certainly need to follow his stats this season. Should give us some clarity on the player v. coaching arguments we have had.

Driskel usually plays well against vastly inferior opponents. He did reasonably well in the first two games last year. Hell, he look wonderful in pre-season practice last year. So much so that everyone was raving about him. But then the games against tough opponents came and Driskel Drisk'ed.

I would not be surprised to see him do well against some of the lesser teams La Tech faces.

 

[GatorGray]

Per Coach Mac: “Vernon is as good a player in all aspects of the game as I’ve been around. Let me say this too, the guy loves to practice. He’s not a prima donna, which really to me is what sets him apart. I’ll go ahead and tell you, but we’ve got packages for him on offense too.”

LINK

 

[oozie7]

Would love to see VHIII go all Charles Woodson this season!