Florida's road to the SEC Title Game Filled with Danger
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by user Kkfla737
Early in the 2006 College Football season it could be argued the Gators have been the one of the best teams in the nation. For those who tuned into the second half of the Kentucky game Saturday Night the Gators put on a display of offensive football which few schools could rival. The beautiful passing game led by Chris Leak, the power running of Deshawn Wynn and the option runs of Tim Tebow. No other team in America has so many offensive weapons, it appears.
How good are the Gators? Judging by the the last two second halves they are very good. After coming from behind to beat a game Tennessee team they smoked Kentucky in the 2nd half. Chris Leak looked more at ease than ever despite the uncalled for boos from the Gator faithful. In addition, the Gator front 7 dominated UK's offensive line in the 2nd half, never allowing Andre Woodson the comfort of a secure pocket to set up and throw from.
As good as the Gators have looked, the season really begins in two weeks versus LSU. This week the Gators tune up for the tough stretch with an Alabama team that barely beat Vanderbilt at home. But then the schedule becomes daunting. LSU has lots of speed on defense and probably has the type of personnel that can stop the option runs of Tebow and can cover UF's WR corp. That leaves Wynn as the key and if I were Urban Meyer I would give him 25-30 carries and let him carry the Gators to victory. LSU though has more weapons than Florida, and the Gators must rely on the crowd and Wynn to carry them.
Then the test of the season at Auburn. As good as the Gators have looked, Auburn has looked even better. Running Back Kenny Irons is a stud and Auburn's defense is always well coached and disciplined. Two weeks later the Gators face Georgia. I know the Dawgs were fortunate to defeat Colorado on Saturday, but UGA's dominance over all opponents in the trenches should be of great worry to the Gator faithful. I believe this Georgia team, despite the problems at QB could be as good as any team in the nation come late October and they will be hungry to beat Florida.
After an easy game against Vanderbilt the Gators will face an old friend at the Swamp. Last year Steve Spurrier got the best of UF in Columbia, but Urban and the boys should repay the favor this season. Spurrier has overhauled his offense, moving Senior Syvelle Newton, the teams' second best WR to QB because of the poor play of classic drop back QBs Blake Mitchell, Chris Smelly and Cabe Thompson. Newton who played QB is High School is also, according to Spurrier a more accurate passer then Mitchell, Smelly or Thompson even though he lacks a strong arm.
Following a game versus Western Carolina, Florida faces a big test in Tallahassee. The Seminoles have unperformed thus far this season, struggling against the worst Miami team in years and weak sister Troy before losing to Clemson. Nonetheless, Florida State has more talent than Florida and very well could win this game.
The Gators face a tough road to the SEC Title game. But Urban Meyer has proven he can coach and he knows how to use his weapons.
Date
Tue 09/26/06, 6:32 am EST
