Can We Win the Close One?

How will the Gators react to deficit? The last time the Gators were behind was against Ole. That’s 25 quarters of stress free football. This is my biggest worry about the team. The Gators have only been tested once in a close game and they lost that one. They couldn’t convert a 4th and 1. The play calling on that particular drive was borderline questionable.

The 06’ Gators played numerous close games from a spectacular game winning drive against Tennessee to the last second field goal block against the Gamecocks. This gave me a sense of calmness going into the championship game against Ohio State. I understand this year’s team is completely different, but wouldn’t it be nice to know that when the pressure is on the Gators can come through. Personally, I hope it never comes down to it. If it doesn’t, then I know ill be celebrating on University Avenue with the greatest fans in the world.


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I know it has crossed your mind.

The pessimist that I am sometimes. I couldn’t help but to imagine a situation where a certain someone (not going to mention his name) gets hurt during a game. Based on what we have seen, it seems that Brantley is the one who will take over if the unimaginable happens. Is he ready? To be honest with you, I don’t know. With an exception of the Gator football staff, I don’t think any of us know. What we do knows is that he’s got an exceptional arm and isn’t afraid to get out of the pocket and run. More importantly, if number 15 does go down, who will step up? The great thing about this squad is they have so many weapons that it might not matter who is behind center. I’m hoping that the Gators take care of the Citadel Bulldogs in the first half so that Brantley can get more touches. The question is will he start in the 3rd or 4th quarter. What’s more important? Tebow’s heisman campaign or preparing our backups for a hypothetical situation.

Can you Feel the Pressure?

All this BCS championship talk about the Gators is making me feel a little queasy. Not to state the obvious here, but the Gators need to control their egos and realize that they still have three big games to play. Yes, Citadel is a big game. It’s a big game for Citadel because they will be playing one of the hottest teams in teams in the nation. At this time two years ago, the Gators had a slim chance of making it to the big game. For the most part, the pressure wasn’t there and that allowed the team to play a little loose. This year the road to the promise land is clear cut. No doubt the pressure is on the Gators. Urban Meyer needs to keeps his team focused on and off the field. As for the Gator Nation, we need to stay humble and patient.

These Gators are Spoiling Us.

I know Halloween has passed, but man these Gators are starting to scare me. I thought today’s game was going to be a little closer than the 50 point beat down. The first 5 minutes of this game suggested that the game was going to be decided in the 3rd or 4th quarter.
The defense and South Carolina’s miscues ignited the offense. I am still contemplating why Spurrier declined the penalty to make it 3rd and 7 rather than 1st and 20. I guess that’s Spurrier being Spurrier, but that was somewhat of a major turning point for the Gators.
The Gator’s defensive did not let the Gator faithful down. The defensive line made it impossible for Garcia and Smelley to get anything going. I don’t know about you guys, but I was a little uneasy when Tebow was taking hits during final minutes of the third quarter. I would like to see Brantley take as many snaps as possible, because you always have to prepare for the worst (you know what I am talking about).
If I had to complain about someone, it would be the place kicker, Caleb Sturgis. Not to single him out, but he needs to stop kicking it out of bounds. He has done it numerous times this season and I’m afraid it might come back to haunt us in a close game.

Well that’s my take for today’s game (more like scrimmage).
See you tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s Blog – All this BCS talk probably is not a good thing…

Sorry Gamecock Fans. I just don't See It.

Hey Gator Fans! I hope you guys are ready for an exciting game against those good ole’ Gamecocks. I would like to start off by focusing on the key match ups of the game. After facing three tough running backs these last three weeks, the Gator defense will be glad to see one of the worst run attacks in the SEC come to town. It’s no secret that Spurrier will be rotating his two quarterbacks, Garcia and Smelley. I don’t think it will matter who is behind center for South Carolina because their offensive line is vulnerable to giving up a lot of sacks. Smelley and Garcia have been sacked for a combined total of 26 times, which is 2nd in the SEC to only Arkansas Casey Dicks. Look out for senior tight end Mckinley to cause some trouble for Gators’ secondary. With all that being said, the Gamecocks will have a lot of trouble putting up points on the scoreboard. At the end of the day, I think the Gators’ offense will be too much for a very solid South Carolina defense.
Every Friday I’ll make a prediction. This week I have the Gators winning by 3 scores.
Gators – 35 Gamecocks – 17.

I don’t think Gator fans will be biting their nails this time around like they were 2 years ago. I just believe this year’s offense is a lot better than 06' and the “Spurrier effect” will not have a major impact on the UF players. Let’s not forget that The Swamp will be ready and awake for this 3:30 game..Thank God. I am not a big fan of the 12:30 games.

This is my first blog and I appreciate you taking time out of your busy lives to read it.
Feel free to email me at gatorbite35@gmail.com or just comment on my blog.

Enjoy the game and be safe.
Go Gators

Next Blog – Saturday 11/14 (My game input)