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Ever since Steve Spurrier came home to Gainesville, and made the University of Florida Gators a force to be reckoned with, high-scoring affairs have been the norm. Once back in the SEC, Spurrier wasted little time showing the rest of the rush-first members the possibilities of airing it out, Fun ‘N Gun style. While the Ol’ Ball Coach has moved on, the Gators still maintain their identity as an explosive, high-scoring machine.
The Gators, previously recognized as a worthy, but somewhat moderate program, took it to the big boys of the SEC from Day 1 in 1990, under Spurrier. They would crush teams they were accustomed to losing to, that very first year. After a close 17-13 win against the class of the SEC, Alabama, in their house, Florida would go on a rampage. The ensuing air assault was unlike anything this group had seen in SEC ball, and it would show. They would light up LSU 34-8, Auburn 48-7, Georgia 38-7, and Kentucky 47-15 in 1990, on their way to a 9-2 record for Spurrier in his inaugural year at his alma mater.
Scores like this, and worse (sometimes much worse), would continue for the next 11 years, and force opposing SEC programs to change the way they played the game, just to keep pace. When the smoke cleared, the man who had become known as ‘Darth Visor’, would have captured not only UF’s first legitimate SEC Crown (the 1984 title was vacated, and we were ineligible for 1990), but a total of 6 SEC Championships, including 4 in a row between 1993 and 1996. They won their other two under Spurrier in 1991 and 2000. One interesting sidenote to Spurrier’s last year (2001): He and the Gators absolutely punished eventual SEC champion LSU 44-15, in Death Valley, that year. On a national scale, Florida and Spurrier would play for their first 2 National Championships (1995 and 1996), and win in their second opportunity. The new era of Florida Gators football was well under way, and they haven’t looked back; capturing another SEC title and another National Championship in 2006.
To better understand how far the UF program has come, let me share a few numbers with you. Prior to 1990, Florida had been a somewhat middle-of-the-pack football program, with a few minor successes and some upsets. They held their own, but never really excelled. Through 1989, the Gator offenses had scored an average of 17.9 points per game, and the teams had gone 452-322-39 (.580); which placed them 42nd on the All-Time list for win percentage for D1 programs. In the 18 years since, Florida Gator teams have averaged almost double their old figure with 35 points per game, and gone 176-50-1 (.778); which places them 2nd nationally for that time span. After spending 80+ years struggling to 42nd place on the win percentage list, they now reside at 17th with a .623 percentage. They moved up 25 spots in 18 years, while long established programs either remained where they were, or fell by the wayside.
While Florida has had its share of dominant defenses over the years, it’s best known for rolling up points… often in quantities usually suitable for basketball games. Over the last 18 years, scores like 82-6, 73-7, 70-21, 65-0, 65-3, 63-3, 63-7 have become common sights for Gator fans. In fact, during that span, UF has scored 50 points or more in 43 games. And, that’s no surprise, as all 3 of their Heisman Trophy winners have been gunslingers of the highest order. Spurrier, Wuerffel, and Tebow have simply been some of the best passers of all time. That is UF’s identity, and even the QB’s who didn’t grab the Heisman, like Chris Leak, 2001 Heisman runner-up Rex Grossman, Shane Matthews, Jesse Palmer, and Doug Johnson all put up huge passing numbers. The perfect compliment to those guys is of course, great receivers; and UF has had more than its share of those as well. So many, in fact, that this article would be an extra page if I tried to list them all.
Florida’s foray into the national spotlight was shaky at first. Their first National Championship game in 1995 was a showdown between two teams who would become known for being a couple of the most dominant programs in the decade. Nebraska was, of course, one of the all-time greatest programs in the history of college football, and the defending National Champions. Both would enter the game undefeated, but only Nebraska’s experienced squad would emerge that way. That experience would show, as the Cornhuskers capitalized on the Gators’ lack of it at this level, 62-24. It wouldn’t happen again. The next year is probably the most fondly remembered in Florida football history. These Gators would absolutely roll right over every team on their schedule that year, beating La.-Lafayette 55-21, Ga. Southern 62-14, Tennessee 35-29, Kentucky 65-0, Arkansas 42-7, LSU 56-13, Auburn 51-10, Georgia 47-7, Vandy 28-21, and South Carolina 52-25. Then a hiccup, as F$U would come back and beat UF 24-21 in Tallahassee, and possibly ruin Florida’s hopes of returning to the National Championship game. They had been #1 for 11 weeks in a row to that point. Florida went on to beat SEC West champion, Alabama 45-30, in Atlanta for the SEC title. And, because Texas gave the Gators a gift by upsetting Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship, it paved the way for Spurrier and the Gators to get some redemption at the expense of their most hated rival, on the biggest stage in college athletics. Meanwhile, F$U had wrapped up the #1 ranking, and UF sat at #2. No Gator fan could have scripted this better; and I remember the fear and crying of F$U coach Bobby Bowden to this day, as he complained on national television about having to play Florida again. His fear was warranted and well-placed, as the Ol’ Ball Coach designed a perfect game plan for the rematch. The Gators hammered F$U mercilessly for 4 quarters; and scored at will… virtually everything they tried worked. Final score: Good Guys 52 - Cry Babies 20. The 32-point margin of victory was the largest over a #1 team in bowl history.
Florida’s second National Championship, in 2006, was more dependent on great defense. It was new coach, Urban Meyer’s second season, and he’d been installing the new spread offense. While the offense has the potential for big numbers, the personnel wasn’t necessarily ideal for it; and quarterback, Chris Leak, would be forced to make yet another adjustment to his game. When he committed to Florida, he thought he’d be throwing it all over the place behind Spurrier’s Fun ‘N Gun. As it turned out, he got stuck playing for Ron Zook, and his decidedly unimaginative, run-oriented offense more suited to Big 10 ball. Still, Leak was able to throw enough to eventually become the all-time passing leader at UF, surpassing Wuerffel. So, in his final year (some may remember that he promised Gator fans that he’d bring another national title to Gainesville when he committed), and playing under a great deal of pressure with a new coach, OC, and offense, Leak would make good on his promise. Florida would ‘only‘ average 29.7 points in 2006, placing them 23rd in the country; but their defense would hold opponents to 13.5 points per game, placing them 6th nationally. Ironically, that would be one spot behind the team who ranked fifth at 12.8 ppg, and would be fortunate to score 14 themselves in the National Championship game, The Ohio State University. Again coming into the game ranked #2, Florida proved there’s a huge difference in the keeping of stats. The competition of the other team throughout a season is just as, if not more, important to consider when matching up teams with great records. tOSU had gone undefeated, and seemed rarely tested. Florida scraped through much of its schedule, losing once and depending on 3 blocked kicks against South Carolina to avoid a second, in their march to the game. In Glendale, the nation learned why strength of schedule is so important. The Gators had played the toughest in the nation… an SEC gauntlet. The Buckeyes had feasted on an unusually weak Big 10. And, when they met, it was Bugly. Ohio State got all their excitement in the fist 30 seconds of the game, as Ted Ginn ran back the opening kickoff for a TD. The rest of their night would be miserable; and shocking to the rest of the college football world… fans and experts alike. Why they were shocked, I’m not really sure. SEC fans had been telling them for weeks leading up to the game that there was a huge disparity in the levels of talent in the two conferences. Florida quickly proved it. Just as Spurrier had done 11 years earlier, Meyer crafted a game plan that enabled Leak and the Gators to score at will, and do virtually anything they wanted on the field. While the offense rolled up 41 points, the defense proved there was a huge difference between keeping Big 10 teams under 2 TD’s and keeping SEC teams below that. The Buckeyes, and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith scored another TD in the second quarter, and were shut out for the remainder. They ended the game with 82 TOTAL yards of offense (47 rushing, 35 passing). Heisman was sacked 5 times, and molested all night. Florida finished with 370 yards of total offense (156 rushing, 214 passing); and while not spectacular, it was more than enough to win by 27. This stat is also a bit misleading; as Florida was actually on the tOSU 7 yard line at the end of the game and let the clock run out. As they hadn’t really been stopped most of the night, they could have increased the lead to 44 or 48-14. Another TD would have broken Spurrier’s record (32 points) over a #1 in a bowl game. But, Meyer isn’t Spurrier, and the Gators had more than made their point. This game also made one other point. This spread offense of Meyer’s had finally come together, in the final game of the season; and we all got to see the true potential. What would happen if this offense had the right components… namely players recruited specifically for it?
In 2007, we found out. While losing 4 games (by 3 points, 4 points, 6 points, and 12 points), due to the attrition of so many from the National Championship team (primarily 9 starters on defense), Florida once again soared to the top of the offensive categories. They led the Southeastern Conference in total points (552), points per game (45.2), total offense (457.2), offensive touchdowns (75), yards per play (7.0), passing efficiency (170.2), pass completion percentage (66.5 percent) and third down conversions (53.4 percent). Want balance? The Gators were the only team in the league to average better than 200 yards per game both rushing and passing (200.2 rushing; 257 passing). The Gators averaged a league-best 9.3 yards per pass attempt and they finished second in average per rushing attempt (5.3). Only Arkansas, which ran the ball 65 percent of the time and had two first round draft picks sharing the tailback position averaged more yards per rush (6.0). The Gators were third in the league in rushing behind Arkansas and national champ LSU. Nationally, the Gators ranked #14 in total offense, #3 in scoring offense, #3 in offensive touchdowns, #23 in rushing offense, #38 in passing offense, #2 in passing efficiency, #2 in yards per play, #1 in yards per pass play, #8 (tie) in yards per rushing attempt, #5 (tie) in fewest sacks allowed and #1 in third down conversions.
What does all this mean for GatorNation? Simply put: Our offense is back to what we’re accustomed to seeing; and if the defense has improved even marginally, we’re likely to see some of those close losses become victories this season. Meyer says the secondary is the most improved group on the practice field. I’d say we’re in store for plenty of excitement when this team takes the field; and it’ll be Great… To Be… A Florida Gator… in 2008.
Tim Tebow is the second Gator player to ever take home an espy award, following former Gator quarterback and a Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel. Tim Tebow took home the award for the top male college athlete, competing against stars like Michael Beasley, Tarheels star Tyler Hansbrough, and it is just an awsome accomplishment for Tebow. He has already won a National championship, Heisman Trophy, Maxwell award, and a Espy. This kid has it made going into his junior year at Florida. What a career are UF has he had, breaking a NCAA record of passing and also rushing over 20 touchdowns. It is just amazing and nobody can wait to see what will happen this years season. Congrats to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
Matt Laporta, the great Florida Gator 1st baseman who has moved onto the real league, has currently been nominated to participate with the U.S Olympic Baseball team. It is such an honor for Laporta to reach this day for a chance to play for the U.S Olympics. Laporta is an Ex SEC player of the year, and has led the Gators in homeruns in the years played at UF.
Matt isn’t just a dominate player, but kid as well. The youngster who was drafted in the first round, 7th overall pick by the Brewers and then traded in a major deal including star pitcher C.C Sabathia to the Indians. Laporta is a big time prospect and has a bright future ahead of him in major league baseball. Along with SEC player of the year, Laporta was chosen on the SEC first team two times and led with the highest slugging percentage with a enormous number of .904 and the highest on base percentage for the rowdy reptiles. Can’t you see why a kid like Matt would be selected to have a chance to compete for the U.S Olympic Baseball team? The first part of the Olympics will be held on August 8th, 2008. Good luck to Former Gator star Matt Laporta.
The Florida Gators figure to have one of the strongest receiving corps in the nation, despite losing their all?time leading receiver, Andre Caldwell, to the NFL. The Gators return the most dynamic playmaker in the game and a sure Heisman contender in junior Percy Harvin. Harvin can do it all with his blinding speed and dazzling cuts and the Gators will lean on him heavily during the 2008 season. However, Harvin has all the help he could ask for in the receiving corps, with talented senior Louis Murphy returning to lead the group in 2008.
Junior Riley Cooper should contribute more this year after a solid 2007 campaign and redshirt freshman Deonte Thompson is being counted on to make a huge impact from his first college start. Thompson has the same kind of speed and agility as Harvin and routinely dominated the Gator secondary during spring ball. Coach Urban Meyer is also excited to see what junior college transfer Carl Moore can contribute. Moore has great size and athleticism and could be a Dallas Baker type player for the 2008 Gators.
In any case, the wide receivers should get a ton of passes from quarterback Tim Tebow during the 2008 season, although you can expect Coach Urban Meyer to spread them around to each receiver as much as possible. This position group is a definite strength for the Gators and will provide them with a seemingly endless arsenal of players who can take it the distance.
Many preseason publications have Percy Harvin as a leading Heisman candidate entering the 2008 season. Harvin has been absolutely brilliant as an electrifying playmaker since his true freshman season and, with two full seasons under his belt; he should be a great leader for the receiving corps. Harvin had heel surgery during spring practice but is expected to return to fall practice at full strength. His health will be a key for the Gators in their quest for a second National Championship in three years. Harvin now weighs around 205 pounds and has ideal size for an SEC wide receiver that relies on his speed. Harvin will likely be the Gators most reliable downfield threat and will also see an abundance of screen passes and short slants where he can use his speed and quickness to gain yards downfield.
Harvin could also see some touches out of the backfield, and the more he does, the more dangerous the Gator offense will become. Offensive Coordinator Dan Mullen will rely heavily upon Harvin during the 2008 season, but must be careful not to exclusively use Harvin. The Gator offense is at its best when Harvin is just one more electrifying contributor to the offense, rather than the only one. Expect greatness from Harvin in 2008. He will not disappoint.
Murphy is one of the SEC’s most underrated receivers heading into the 2008 season. Murphy is very tall and has fairly good strength to go along with his great speed. During spring practice in 2007, Murphy recorded a 40 yard dash time of 4.25. Murphy showed why he is such a great receiver multiple times last year, blowing past Kentucky’s secondary for a long strike and catching a short pass and turning it into a touchdown against Ole Miss.
Murphy can do it all and is a very good route runner to top things off. Murphy should see his receiving numbers skyrocket in 2008, with the graduation of Andre Caldwell and opposing defenses very likely to double team Percy Harvin. Murphy will have to live up to his billing to help relieve some of the pressure on Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow. He missed portions of spring practice and the spring game with an injury, but should be full speed during fall practice. Murphy will be a key contributor for the Gators in 2008.
After considering transferring during a frustrating redshirt season, Deonte Thompson looked like the next great wide receiver for Florida during spring practice. Thompson routinely burned defenders on deep routes and caught tough passes over the middle. He had the most impressive spring of any Gator receiver (Harvin missed most of spring practice). Thompson will battle it out with junior Riley Cooper for the third receiver spot on the depth chart and, at this point, may actually be ahead of Cooper.
Thompson provides essentially the same skill set as Percy Harvin and has just as reliable hands. The Gators will use him early and often during the 2008 campaign and he could quickly become a favorite target for Tim Tebow. Thompson is one of those guys who have the potential to break any catch for a long gain with his elusiveness. The thought here is that he will quickly become a fan favorite in Gainesville with his flashy play?making ability.
Cooper has struggled with injuries throughout his Gator career, but has been a very solid option at wide receiver when healthy. Cooper has great downfield speed and good hands and seems to have great chemistry with Tim Tebow. He will have his work cut out for him when he gets to fall practice, as he missed parts of spring practice due to baseball. He looked great in the spring game and it is clear that he will be competing directly with Deonte Thompson for playing time next year.
Cooper should see a good number of touches every game, regardless of whether or not he or Thompson fill the third spot on the depth chart. The bottom line is that the coaches would like to spread the ball out as much as possible. Players are not necessarily competing for playing time as much as they are for touches. The top five receivers will all see some time in 2008, but the amount of touches they see will vary depending on how well they play. This is especially true in Cooper’s case since he does not have quite the breakaway potential on the short routes that Thompson and Harvin do.
Moore, a junior college transfer, was one of the most highly anticipated arrivals in Gainesville during spring practice. With great size and speed, most Gator fans expected Moore to be an immediate starter and to fill the void left by Andre Caldwell’s graduation. Moore struggled mightily during the beginning of spring practice and was frequently on the end of some harsh words by the coaching staff. He dropped balls over the middle, got hung up at the line and ran poor routes. However, the switch seemed to go on at some point during the spring and he started making some great plays toward the end of spring practice. Unfortunately, an injury kept Gator Nation from seeing him play in the spring game.
At this point, it seems that Moore is buried under the depth the Gators have at receiver and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Moore should see a few touches per game but the fact that he will not come in and start on opening day should encourage Gator fans more than it should discourage them. When a player like Moore arrives and finds himself fifth on the depth chart, you know you have a strong receiving corps.
All three of these players should compete with Moore for a few catches throughout the 2008 season. Nelson has improved tremendously since he arrived in Gainesville and made some very nice plays during the spring. He should definitely field some catches in 2008. Justin Williams had a very impressive start to spring practice, displaying some of the best hands on the team. He cooled off a little bit during the latter half of spring ball, but certainly made a great case to receive some action next year. Wilson is on the outside looking in at the receiver position and he will need to have an outstanding fall to earn much playing time at all during the 2008 season. He is an above average receiver, but is hurt by not having any one dominant aspect to his game. He is, however, one of the more physical wide receivers on the Gator roster.
It is highly improbably that any of these three true freshmen will avoid a redshirt season in 2008, given the depth on the Gator roster at wide receiver. The most likely of the three is T.J. Lawrence. Lawrence has good speed and tremendous hands. He is not the biggest wide receiver but he is the strongest of the three true freshmen. If anyone will avoid the redshirt in 2008, he will. Omarius Hines would likely be next in line. He is a similarly talented receiver with above average hands and good route running ability. The third true freshman, Frankie Hammond Jr. will need to put on a lot of weight during the season and next summer before he is ready to hit the field in the grueling SEC. However, with these three the future looks bright and depth should certainly be of no concern to Gator fans at the wide receiver position in 2008.
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