You won't see Florida celebrating again in 2009.
Nearly every writer and analyst is picking the Florida Gators to make back-to-back appereances in the BCS Championship game. Most are taking the Gators to will win it all. I can see why.
The Florida defense returns 11 starters and all the top reserves, making it one of the deepest units in the country. And fearless leader QB Tim Tebow returns for his senior season. But I see trouble in Gainesville this year.
First, new offensive coordinator Steve Addazio has been experimenting with the I-formation this offseason. That means the Gators will likely use Tim Tebow more under center and not exclusively out the shotgun. Basically, Florida's explosive spread offense will be handicapped by their play calling. Why change something when it clearly not broken?
I think this is the ball game for Gator coach Urban Meyer and his spread. If his coaching staff cannot shape Tebow into a NFL caliber quarterback, elite QB recruits will recognize Alex Smith and Tebow could not make the professional jump and snub the Gators.
The second area of trouble for the Gators is fact they will speedy wideout Percy Harvin (now a Minnesota Viking). Harvin was a college game-changer and his presence is really irreplaceable. Put the ball in his and something special happens. Like USC without Reggie Bush, I think Florida will struggle in some key situations without Harvin.
Where do the '09 Gators end up? Here are my picks...
ORANGE BOWL: Georgia Tech (ACC champ) vs. Ohio State (At-large)
SUGAR BOWL: Florida (At-large) vs. West Virgina (Big East champ)
FIESTA BOWL: USC (At-large) vs. Texas (At-large)
ROSE BOWL: Penn State (Big 10 champ) vs. Oregon (Pac-10 champ)
TITLE GAME: Oklahoma OVER Alabama
1 comment:
I like your bold pick of Alabama and Oklahoma in the National Championship.
I have to say I'm not sure I agree with you, but then I've never been that good at pickem :)
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