Archive for the ‘FOOTBALL’ Category

Florida to hire Texas assistant Major Applewhite?

Posted by admin on December 12th, 2010   No Comment

A source that is close to the Florida football program stated that Texas assistant head coach Major Applewhite will be brought a long to Gainesville with new head coach Will Muschamp as the Gators’ offensive coordinator. It is not official but it is the word going around right now.

Applewhite played for the Longhorns from 1998-2001 where he was a record-setting quarterback. After that he became a graduate assistant for the Longhorns. Applewhite was hired as the quarterbacks coach for Syracuse in 2005 when they finished with a 1-10 record, which was the worst in school history. Syracuse averaged just over 13 points per game.

In 2006, Applewhite was hired at Rice University as the offensive coordinator and was the youngest in division I-A. The following season, Applewhite joined Nick Saban at Alabama.

Applewhite returned to Texas in 2008 as the assistant head coach and running backs coach. The longhorns finished with a shocking 5-7 record this season.

If Applewhite does get hired, would it be the right choice? Should the Gators kept Steve Addazio as offensive coordinator instead? Lets here your opinions….

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Chas Henry wins Ray Guy Award

Posted by admin on December 10th, 2010   No Comment

Florida Gators senior punter Chas Henry has been the selected winner for the 2010 Ray Guy Award on Thursday night in Orlando, FL. This award is presented to the Nations top punter and Henry is the first player in Florida history to win this award.

During 2009, Henry was one of three finalists and in 2008 he was one of ten semifinalists for the award. Not to mention that Henry was also named to the 2010 Walter Camp All-America first team during the same night.

Henry totaled 44 punts for 2,042 yards (44.2 avg.) this season for the Gators which also led the best in the nation and in Florida history. 14 of 34 punts by Henry were kicked for 50 yards or more. Sixteen were downed inside the 20-yard line.

Not only did Chas punt the ball for the Gators this season but he also replaced kicker Caleb Sturgis who was out with a back injury. Henry was the hero after making the game winning field goal in overtime against Georgia on October 30 that gave the Gators a 34-31 victory in Jacksonville.

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2011 commits Kyle Christy & Hunter Joyer says their all Gator

Posted by admin on December 9th, 2010   2 Comments

Kyle Christy was recruited by Coach Meyer to replace Senior Punter Chas Henry. After all the news today some would think that Kyle would be looking around since Coach will no longer be his Coach but that’s not the case for Kyle as he says he’s all Gator. The two star punter out of Indiana chose Florida over LSU during the summer.

Kyle Christy interview:

Brandon: What was your immediate reaction after Meyer resigned?
Kyle: My immediate reaction was just shock. I honestly would have never seen that coming, I don’t think anyone did.

Brandon:Did coach Meyer let recruits know beforehand?
Kyle: Not that I know of, I didn’t know anyway

Brandon: Are you still a solid gator?
Kyle: Definitely. Even when I committed there I felt like it was too good to be true, so I’m still really happy that I have my scholarship.
Hunter Joyer a 6’0 245 lb fullback had plenty of schools after his services but he chose Florida during the summer and after Coach Meyer’s resignation today Hunter says he is still all Gator. Hunter had a great senior season this year and Gator Nation is thrilled to have him say he is all Gator.

- Hunter Joyer interview:

Brandon: What was your reaction when you heard Urban Meyer was stepping down?
Hunter: Very shocked then upset and disappointed that I would never be able to play for him.

Brandon: What do you think of urban Meyer’s legacy at Florida?
Hunter: It’s a great one and probably one of the most prestige legacy’s in the university and will be for a really long time.

Brandon: What type of relationship did you and coach Meyer have?
Hunter: It was a close one. I’m really gonna miss him being around.


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Breaking News: Meyer to step down as Florida head coach

Posted by admin on December 8th, 2010   1 Comment

Urban Meyer has announced today that he will be stepping down as Florida Gator head coach after the Outback Bowl on January 1.

“I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field.”

The press conference will be held at 6pm tonight.

Meyer is 64-15 at the University of Florida with one game remaining (.810) and 103-23 overall (.817) in 10 years. Three times he was National Coach of the Year.

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Meyer expecting Addazio to return as offensive coordinator

Posted by admin on December 6th, 2010   No Comment

With all of the comments surrounding Steve Addazio, whether its blaming him for bad play calling or the reason for the Gators offensive struggles this season, head coach Urban Meyer said Monday that he expects Addazio to return for his third season as offensive coordinator.

“I am expecting that to happen,” Meyer said. “I’ll have further updates as we get closer to the bowl game. Like I said, everybody’s out recruiting and doing their business.”

Just a year ago the Gators were ranked best in the Nation for best efficiency, but changed this season. Florida now sets at number 85 in that category. Rachel George of the Orlando Sentinel pointed out that only four teams rank below the Gators in red zone offense. Those teams are Wyoming, Florida Atlantic, Washington State and Buffalo.

- Sources that are close to the program and  Gator Sports Nation said that Steve Addazio is unlikely to return as the main offensive coordinator. We have heard that he could return with a pseudo title as something like co offensive coordinator. A rumor passed onto GSN on who may be looking to replace his position are Dana Holgorsen from Oklahoma State or or Calvin MaGee from Michigan.

Here are a few things Addazio needs to improve on:

- More consistent flow and balance in play calling.
- Ability to put play makers in better situations.
- Improve offensive execution.
- Show a better ability to make halftime adjustments.

(Quote/info gathered by Rachel George/ sources close to Gator Sports Nation.)

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Florida to play Penn State in 2011 Outback Bowl

Posted by admin on December 5th, 2010   No Comment

Even after completing their worst season under the Urban Meyer era, the Florida Gators (7-5, 4-4) have accepted the invitation to the 2011 Outback Bowl where they will face the (7-5, 4-4) Penn State Nittany Lions on January 1st at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. at 1pm.

Florida’s last Outback Bowl appearance was in 2005 when they defeated Iowa 31-24.

The Gators have been predicted to appear in the Gator Bowl for the past week or so. They were picked ahead of South Carolina and Mississippi State, both teams that defeated the Gators at home this season.

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Florida walk-on Gary Beemer selected for Rudy Award, vote now

Posted by admin on December 3rd, 2010   No Comment

Florida Gator walk-on DL Gary Beemer has been selected for the Rudy award. Beemer, who had one of the most memorable moments of his lifetime in the Swamp on senior day after he scored a rushing touchdown against Appalachian State.

Each schools selects one player and 55 out of 120 FBS schools sent one in. The award recognizes student-athletes who have character, courage, contribution and commitment as a member of their team and school.

With about seven minutes remaining in the game, Meyer asked Beemer if he wanted the ball on the goal line. I could see his eyes now big as a baseball when he heard that because he has never had the feeling of scoring a touchdown. Ever. He didn’t play football before high school and even during high school he was a defensive lineman. In the press conference this is what Beemer had to say;

“I grabbed the ball and I lowered my head and I ran and I closed my eyes,” he said after that win, “and when I opened them, I had scored a touchdown.”

Three players will be chosen as the finalists and the two runner-ups will also receive an award and as well as a academic scholarship that will be awarded to the University in their names. The winner will be announced on January 11 in Dallas at the College Football Rudy Awards ceremony.

The winner will be selected from a poll voted by fans, so Gator Fans take a second to vote! Gary Beemer deserves it! Here is the video of his touchdown and also a interview of Beemer after the game. (VOTE FOR BEEMER HERE…)

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Florida likely to face Ron Zook in Gator Bowl

Posted by admin on November 28th, 2010   2 Comments

The Gators ended their regular season at 7-5 after a disappointing loss at Florida State on Saturday, but now Florida’s only hope is a possible shot at former Gator coach Ron Zook in the Gator Bowl.

According to Jason Leiser of Gator Bytes, Florida is ranked higher than the seventh best team in the South Eastern Conference and will be placed at the conference’s No. 6 bowl contract because of two possible SEC teams could compete in BCS bowl games. The Auburn vs South Carolina title game on Saturday is the only thing that may have any impact on the bowl bids. If Cam Newton and the Tigers win, then you will see them in the National Championship but lets say they do lose then South Carolina will still likely to get a BCS bid.

But looking at several different predictions it is more than likely that you could see Urban Meyer vs Ron Zook in Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl. Zook coaches the Gators from 2002 through 2004 before he was fired.

I have been receiving emails and comments from fans around the Nation about how the Gators administration should stop the bleeding and not enter any bowl games this year and how Meyer needs to have a one-on-one meeting with athletic director Jeremy Fowler and see what all needs fixed. If it is the players lack of skills of the game, should Florida release them and assign new scholarships? Does Florida even deserve a bowl game? Yes… they should. With so many young players they need the bowl game experience they can get.

Let us hear your opinions…..

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