Chompin' at the Bit - Vol. 4

By: Blair McLendon

WR Freddie Swain celebates his TD with his OL - Photo Cred: gatorcountry.com

Week 2 Recap

Wow! What a good game, right!? The way the Gators played on Saturday versus Kentucky exemplified what Florida Football should look like. I thought this was the most complete game on both sides of the ball that we have seen since the Urban-era. I went into the game expecting to win, but not like that. Florida dominated from the jump and came out with their first victory in conference play, beating UK 45-7.

Offensively, the game ball had to go to QB Luke Del Rio who was 19/32 for 320 yards 4TDs and 1 INT. He spread the ball around nicely and showed off a cannon that I doubt anyone knew he had when he connected on a 78 yard dime to WR Antonio Callaway, who finished with 129 yards on 5 catches. That lethal backfield I've been raving about made me proud as well. The star of the running game was freshman RB Lamical Perine, who finished with 1 TD and 133 total yards. The Gators backfield finished the game with 244 yards on the ground, pushing the total yardage to 564. Wait, wait, wait.... I know. You're probably thinking I made a typo with 564 yards, right? Nah, you read it right. That offensive line I've been praying for finally stepped up to keep the pocket clean and created some nice running lanes. Good job, guys!

It was almost laughable at how much our defense dominated Kentucky. DBU lived up to their moniker and held Kentucky's starting QB to 2/10 for 10 yards with 3 INTs. The return of CB Teez Tabor was very much welcomed, as he recorded his first pick of the season on an incredible read to jump an attempted screen pass. CB Quincy Wilson had the nastiest pick of the weekend in my opinion. Of course he got no love on ESPN, but take a look below at this absolute filth so you can see what I'm talking about. The front seven played amazing as well, recording 5 sacks and 1 forced fumble while holding UK to 149 total yards.

 

Week 3 Preview - North Texas vs. Florida

 

This week the Gators take on the North Texas Mean Green. This will be the second meeting between the schools, with North Texas winning the only matchup 20-12 in 1947.

Offense 
I think I speak for everyone when I say that I want to see an encore of last week's performance. I would hope that the team comes out with the same aggressive, kill-all mentality they had last week and have another blowout. This should be another confidence booster as they gear up for the much anticipated matchup with "rival" Tennessee next week. With everything I have seen behind the scenes, as well as what they have shown on the field, I feel like this is really just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come with Mac's offense. But what is that old saying? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I've been fooled enough, so I'm praying for another solid outing so we can finally shed this lifeless offensive shadow we have lived in, for what seems like, forever. The key is the same as last week's; if the offensive line keeps Del Rio clean, expect points! The running game should be solid again. WR Antonio Callaway is doubtful for the game and starting RG Tyler Jordan is out.

Defense
This defense is too hungry and too stingy to come out and lay an egg. As a unit, they have bailed this team out more times than we can count so don't expect anything less this week. They come into this game as the #2 defense in the country and want to prove that they are the best. They will come to play as always. Hopefully we can get a big lead and give our vets some rest while we also give the younger guys some time to develop.

Final Prediction: Florida over North Texas (3-0) (If I see another competent offense this weekend, I will pick a score next week. Just trying to save face here...)

Enjoy the weekend. Go Gators!

Chompin' at the Bit - Vol. 2

Week 1 Preview - UMass vs. UF

By: Blair McLendon

Finally, the moment we have been waiting for the past 8 months is here... Football is back!!! This weekend our beloved Gators take on the University of Massachusetts Minutemen. This will be a 7:30p kickoff in The Swamp and will be the first match-up between the two programs. Florida comes into the season with a nation-high 26 game win streak in season openers. Look for that to be 27 after Saturday.

Offense 

Coach Mac has picked our starter to be QB Luke Del Rio as expected. I believe the offense will get into a groove early on in the game with Del Rio leading some solid drives down the field with a much improved passing game to go along with an explosive running game. It looks like my sleeper, Jordan Scarlett, will get the nod at starting RB. I am excited to see what kind of game he has; I've been hyping him up, so I hope he makes me look good.

Keep in mind that once we cross the 50 yard line we have the possibility of getting 3 with K Eddy Pineiro. Nice weapon to have, right? Word out of fall camp has been that our young offensive line has made major strides, so I am hoping that translates to the majority of our drives ending with TDs instead. WR Antonio Callaway is back in the fold fresh off of his suspension, so that will be a nice addition to a healthy WR Brandon Powell and explosive newcomer WR Dre Massey. Notable freshmen WRs Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells will be suspended for this game due to their offseason misconduct.

I am expecting to see a bunch of points this weekend and will be very disappointed if we see anything less.

Credit: floridagators.com

Defense 

The front seven should cause tons of chaos this game. I'm sure everyone involved in the rotation is licking their chops to get after the QB this weekend. We should see plenty of players rotate and get playing time throughout the game. You can expect LB Jarrad Davis to have a big game, as he will be all over the field making plays. It will be nice to see he and LB Alex Anzalone operating as a duo again, now that Anzalone is healthy again. I guarantee you that no offense we face is looking forward to seeing those two this year.

With the absence of All-American CB Jalen Tabor (suspended along with TE C'yontai Lewis for fighting), this will be an opportunity for our young corners to gain some game time experience, which will pay dividends down the road for us to help with depth. I am expecting the defense to cause at least 3 turnovers for the game.

Final Prediction: Florida 55, UMass 7 (1-0) 

Tidbits: 

- Our new Ambassador and Consultant for the UAA, the GOAT, Steve Spurrier will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits for the game this weekend. This will also be the introduction of the newly
dubbed "Steve Spurrier - Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium".

- Recruiting for the 2017 class has really taken off heading into the fall with key verbal commitments from 4 star - RB Adarius Lemons (No. 1 RB in the state), 4 star - DT Fred Hansard, and 4 star - CB Marco Wilson (brother of UF Jr. CB Quincy Wilson) just to name a few. All three will be key recruits to a stellar class that Mac and staff are putting together. The class is currently ranked No. 12 on ESPN and 247Sports.


Enjoy the long weekend and Go Gators!

Chompin' at the Bit - Vol. 1

Florida Gators Football 2016 Season Preview

By: Blair McLendon 

The Swamp 

Football season is almost here, my friends! The chit-chat amongst fans about this year's team and win potential, trash-talk between rival players and fans, and the absurd media pre-season predictions are all brewing right now as you read this. I am smiling from ear-to-ear and my excitement is starting to rise as I write this. First off, I would like to thank Athlete Talk for the opportunity to be the beat writer for the University of Florida, the school I love and adore. I apologize in advance for this being a lengthy read. With it being a Season Preview, I wanted to give you all some thorough information. It's worth it though! Trust me, each post will not be this long so please bear with me. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I'm not your average "fan" and cannot wait for the season to start!

I feel like this will be the first time we have seen a real offense that is a threat to score since 2009, which was Tebow & Co.'s last year. The offense's success falls upon the shoulders of quarterback play and the maturity/cohesiveness of the offensive line. It doesn't take a football expert to see that the last 6 years of quarterback play have been atrocious and arguably the worst in the program's rich history. Florida's most recent fall from grace has been very humbling as a fan. Losing sucks... As someone who takes losses personal, these last 6 years have been detrimental to my health. Needless to say, I am ready for better Saturdays.

This is the first time that I think my preseason optimism will be rewarded in a long time. Those cautiously optimistic years where I "thought" we may have a chance, but deep down knew we were trash are hopefully a thing of the past. Coach Mac is doing a tremendous job of getting the program back to the elite level that we grew accustomed to. I honestly can't say enough about the staff that he assembled and the way he has turned around the culture and attitude within the program. THIS feels like a championship caliber team just from attitude, camaraderie, and hunger alone. The only bad look for us this offseason is having a couple of freshmen receivers getting arrested before fall camp even started. Guys, get your acts together. You have the opportunity of a lifetime right in front of you, so please don't let it go to waste. Make the Gator Nation proud on and off the field.

It is also very nice to have Coach Spurrier back in the program. Having him back will pay huge dividends for us in the short and long-term in more ways than you can ever imagine. From booster relations to the wisdom he can spread to our coaches and players. Not to mention those few "consulting tips" he could give us for the passing game. We are well overdue for a breakout year where we see a competent offense that resembles the electric offenses we saw in The Swamp during the Spurrier and Urban eras. The Fun 'N Gun 2.0, with a heavy dose of an explosive running game could be closer than you think... Let's hope so!

Offensive Breakdown

Projected Starter, QB Luke Del Rio

Quarterback - By far the most important position, which will also determine the ceiling for this team (or basement in years' past). Luke Del Rio is the assumed starter and is the most comfortable with running our playbook. He excelled in the spring game, going a crisp 10/11 for 176 yards with 2 scores. The offense played decent under the departed Will Grier last year, but I believe Del Rio will have the offense moving better than we have seen in a long time. Behind him we have the grad-transfer Austin Appleby and freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask. Each of whom is a better option than what we have had in the last few seasons, so I can assure you that there shouldn't be as many tears shed this year.

Running Back - Probably my favorite position group on the team. I don't think it is a stretch to say this could be the most talented backfield at UF since the mid-90s. It will be exciting to see what the three headed monster of Jordan Cronkrite, Mark Thompson, and Jordan Scarlett will be able to do, as each have their own unique running style.  My favorite, and most overlooked out of the group, would be Scarlett. He was the best back in the country in his recruiting class in my opinion. The kid is a stud and just needs to get carries. The JC transfer, Mark Thompson, is also another intriguing weapon. With his size and speed (6'2" 242 lbs; sub 4.4 - 40), he is going to be a handful to stop. The only concern I have with this group is ball security. If they can keep the ball off the ground, watch out.

WR Antonio Callaway

Wide Receiver - The position group with the most unknowns. I think this will be a group that exceeds expectations and really makes some plays. Yes, that is with the addition of those freshmen studs we added to the squad this year. Tyrie Cleveland, Freddie Swain, Hot Sauce Hammond, or Rick Wells... pick your poison. The Gators should also have Mr. Callaway back in the fold after his offseason suspension. We all know what he brought to the table last year as a freshman and he will only continue to get better. If they can stay focused and out of trouble, they could be dangerous with an improved passing game.

Tight End - I love this group! C'yontai Lewis and DeAndre Goolsby have the potential to be All-SEC players. If they can stay healthy, expect huge things from these guys in the receiving game.

Offensive Line - The second most important group on the team who holds the other key to a hit or miss season for the Gators. This group should be much improved from last year. Overall, they are a very young group and will continue to get better as they gain experience. David Sharpe and Martez Ivey will be the anchors of a well-coached group under the guidance of Coach Summers. If they can create some decent running lanes for our talented backfield and give us some time to throw, we may see that score board start to light up again like the good ol' days.

Defensive Breakdown

I am expecting the defense to be dominant like always. I love the leadership that we return in seniors Bryan Cox, Marcus Maye, and Jarrad Davis. The defensive starters need to stay healthy for us, as we are thin in experience at some position groups. If healthy, this will be one of the best defenses in the country.

Defensive End - This is a position group that I really like. Returning is CeCe Jefferson who burst on the scene as a freshman last year, backing up his case as a 5 star recruit out of High School. I am expecting a big year from CeCe as he continues to develop. The underrated Bryan Cox Jr. is also one of the key returners. He has progressively gotten better each year and I think he will be a force on the line this season. I want you all to remember the names Antonneous Clayton, Jabari Zuniga, and Keivonnis Davis. All three have incredible potential and will help this be one of the stronger units we have seen. Don't forget about Jordan Sherit either...

Defensive Tackle - Defensive tackle will be interesting to watch this season. Returning is the dominant Caleb Brantley, who has stated that he is the best lineman in the country. That statement speaks volumes of the confidence he has in himself and I am hoping that he backs that talk up with his play. If he does, opposing offenses are in for a long day when they see us. Others to watch out for will be Joey Ivie (who always plays hard), Khairi Clark, and Taven Bryan. Bryan is an interesting player for us; I believe he and CeCe will play a mix of DE and DT for us, which will be a huge asset to our defense because of their explosiveness and versatility. The key to our defense being good and being elite will be if this unit can hold up against the run-heavy SEC. Penetration is vital. I'm only going to drop the names Fournette and Chubb and leave it at that.

LB Jarrad Davis and DE Bryan Cox Jr.

Linebacker - This is another very vital piece to this team's success. Key returners include All-American Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone. If Anzalone can stay healthy, he could actually be the more dominant of the two. He is a very smart, versatile linebacker who has not been able to stay on the field due to health issues. If Daniel McMillan and Matt Rolin step up and play to their potential, this group will be scary. Again, they need to do a good job of helping shut down the run game. If they do that, I think there will be a lot of happy faces at the end of the year.

Defensive Back - The group with the most swagger in the country and also known as DBU... My favorite player on the team, Jalen Tabor, and the super underrated Quincy Wilson will be back and both are coming in with a mindset that they are the best in the country. Not to mention, you also have All-American Marcus Maye returning to hold down one of the safety spots. I believe that Duke Dawson will be one of the most improved players in the secondary and you will start to see him come into his own. He and highly touted freshman Chauncey Gardner could be two names you hear a lot this fall, as both will be expected to help solidify the group's claim as DBU.

Special Teams Breakdown

Kicker - God is good! We finally have a kicker that can actually make a field goal. Not only can Eddy Pineiro make the chip shots, but he can drill them from 50+ yards away as well. As soon as the offense crosses the 50 yard line this year,  expect him to start warming that cannon of a leg up.

Punter - We are fortunate to have one of the best in the country in Johnny Townsend. His ability to flip the field and pin offenses deep is a dangerous weapon to have. Expect an All-American caliber season from him. Can we get a Ray Guy Award for him, please?

Kick Return/Punt Return - Antonio Callaway proved to be a game-changer at returner last year so he should be the man, right? At the same time, I don't want to risk injury to our best receiver. A couple of those freshmen receivers, Chauncey Gardner, Dre Massey, or McAuthur Burnett could all be viable options too. I just want whoever it is to be a consistent threat to take it to the crib.

My Sleepers

RB Jordan Scarlett

• Offense - QB Luke Del Rio, RB Jordan Scarlett, WR Josh Hammond
• Defense - CB Quincy Wilson, DB Duke Dawson, DE Bryan Cox Jr.  

My Season Prediction: 10+ wins and a trip back to ATL (Optimistically, maybe a 'chip? It's possible)


Thank you all for reading the first of many "Chompin' at the Bit" posts! I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to follow me. Please leave your comments and thoughts about the upcoming season. Let's hope that we can have a party in Atlanta to end the season as SEC Champs. Go Gators!

-B

Back to Back Univeristy

           With all the championships the University of Florida has won in recent years, they might as well adopt a new moniker: Back to Back University. Along with the gymnastics squad that just won their 3^rd straight title, UF softball soon followed by beating Michigan in the Women’s College World Series to win their 2^nd consecutive title. There are 6 other Gator athletic teams that have won 2 or more consecutive championships including Men’s Outdoor & Indoor Track & Field, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Golf, Women’s Tennis & Men’s Swimming. 

            Led by USA Collegiate Player of the Year, Lauren
Haeger & a #1 preseason ranking, the Gators finished the regular season with a 49-5 record (18-5 in SEC play) & the regular season title. The Gators came up short in the SEC tournament but then ran through the NCAA tournament on its way to a World Series title, outscoring opponents 41-8. Other key players that were vital to this year’s championship run are junior second baseman Kelsey Stewart, freshman left fielder Nicole DeWitt, junior center fielder Kristi Merritt, sophomore right fielder Justine McLean, outfielder Bailey Castro & Taylore Fuller (3^rd on the team in home runs & 2^nd in runs batted in). On top of being named WCWS Most Outstanding Player, Lauren Haeger also finished the year with the 2015 Honda Award & SEC Female Athlete of the Year. She is also the only player, college & pro baseball or softball, besides legend Babe Ruth with 70 home runs & 70 wins during their career. 

            On the other side of campus, the men’s baseball team were close to winning their 1^st title before losing to eventual champion, Virginia, in the World Series. They finished the regular season with a 52-18 record (19-11 SEC) & a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Florida had an easy test in the Regionals, defeating FAMU, South Florida & Florida Atlantic to advance to the Super Regionals where they swept Florida State. They then moved on to the World Series where they eliminated the Miami Hurricanes but fell short against Virginia. Gators baseball were led by JJ Schwarz & Harrison Bader, who have led the team in home runs & runs batted in. Also important were Josh Tobias, Buddy Reed, Richie Martin Dalton Guthrie & Mike Rivera.

The Billy Donovan Era

            Scott Brooks was fired by the Oklahoma City Thunder after 7 years and Billy Donovan’s name soon came up as the potential coach to replace him. After a couple days of rumors & speculation, Donovan signed on to be the new head coach for the Thunder for about $30 million over 5 years.

            It’s tough that Billy Donovan is leaving UF but it was expected as he had multiple opportunities over the years to jump to the NBA and he & the Gators just came off a down year in which they missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1997. Donovan will go down as a legend in Gators sports history for what he has been able to achieve with the basketball program. In a landscape where there are fewer & fewer Coach K’s or Bobby Bowden’s and more college coaches are constantly changing jobs & leaving programs behind for greener grass, Billy Donovan was the man in charge of Gators basketball for almost 20 years. He elevated the program to long-term success in the same way Steve Spurrier did when he took over the football program. 467 wins, 16 20-win seasons, 6 SEC championships, 4 SEC tournament championships, 4 Final Four appearances & 2 national titles. Gators basketball started with Billy.

            The opportunity to coach OKC along with 2 of the best players in the NBA is once in a lifetime and anybody would jump on that. Although the Gators will have to rebuild & find new talent along with a new coach after losing McDonald’s All-American Chris Walker & 3-point specialist Michael Frazier, it will be exciting to see Billy Donovan face off against his old players in the NBA. Older guys from the early 2000’s such as Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, Matt Bonner & David Lee. Also, the younger guys from the back-to-back national championship teams & on such as 2014 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah (one of my favorite players in the league), Corey Brewer (1^st triple-double in Gators history), 2 3^rd overall picks in Al Horford & Bradley Beal, Chandler Parsons, Nick Calathes & Marreese Speights.

            Billy Donovan will be considered as the best coach in Gators sports history and leaves behind almost 20 years of his legacy & fingerprints not only on the basketball program but on the University of Florida. I think we can find a spot in front of the O’Dome in the future for a statue in his honor.