tOfficial 2016-2017 UF Football predictions thread

15-0

Last year - I had 8-4. Was very surprised by the start. The last 6 games were about what I expected.

2015 predictions

2016 feelings:

Sat, Sept 3 vs UMass
The whole roster will see the field except for any lingering off season suspensions. 3 quarterbacks will probably see the field. All 4 RB's will play. The defensive 2nd team will give up some big plays, and panic will set in that the defense stinks.
48-23 Florida (1-0, 0-0)

Sat, Sept 10 vs Kentucky
Welcome back to SEC play. When we say Kentucky is improving, that is a credit to Mark Stoops I suppose, but the results aren't showing up in the win column. They have played Florida very tough the last few years though, and I don't expect that to change this year, especially since they seem to play better early in the season. Their main weakness has been against the run and I just don't think a RB will have emerged at UF this early in the season and UK will take advantage and hang in tough before losing.
21-13 Florida (2-0, 1-0)

Sat, Sept 17 vs North Texas
North Texas vs. UMASS would probably be a good game, with UMASS probably winning by two TD. Unless something magical has happened this off season, they are just going to be slaughtered. Again, based on how McElwain has played similar teams in his early tenure, I expect him to screw around with the roster a lot as he he continues his season long quest to find a starting RB (theme of the year?) I think the natives will grumble about a sloppy game but UF still wins huge.
55-17 Florida (3-0, 1-0)

Sat, Sept 24 @ Tennessee
Tennessee was so close to a huge year last year. SO PAINFULLY CLOSE. Had they closed out OU and Florida, they probably would have been a play off contender later in the year. And they were OH SO CLOSE in both games. They honestly took Florida behind the wood shed for 50 minutes last year and just shredded them up the middle with simple read option plays. The trick plays sprinkled had Florida reeling as well. That drive to take a 26-14 lead was just a mauling. Then Butch Jones fricked himself up his own arse and kicked a PAT instead of going for 2. I don't think it was actually idiocy. I think he actually felt so confident that Florida wasn't going to score again that the 2 pointer wasn't necessary. He won't make those mistakes this year, and I'm pretty sure Tennessee is going to be out for BLOOD. They return a ton of good players, and have the best DL they've had in probably a decade (2006 squad). UF's OL is still hit/miss IMO, the RB situation may not have resolved itself at this point, and Del Rio will be in his first road game. I just don't see a win this year at Neyland under these circumstances. I just can't see it. At least not right now.
21-28, Florida loses, (3-1, 1-1)

Sat, Oct 1 @ Vanderbilt
This is going to be a shite fest after the Tennessee loss. Vanderbilt really beat the living hell out of UF's OL last year. Really just embarrassed Florida on their own field. UF was lucky to win the game. VERY frickING LUCKY. Like I can't even say in words how lucky. Jesus H Christ. Austin Hardin won the fricking game. I still don't think Vanderbilt has the offense to win this, but they will certainly keep it close, and will try to grind out a snorer for the win. Big difference? UF actually has a kicker, which would have made the game last year not a big deal. Eddy makes 4 FG and UF holds Vandy off late again.
19-13 Florida (4-1, 2-1)

Sat, Oct 8 vs LSU
This was a weird game last year. Probably Treon Harris' best offensive game, and the defense's worst game up to that point. Fournette was mostly controlled that game, relatively speaking, but UF's secondary blew a number of big plays, none bigger than that horrible TD right before half. UF really should have won this game but just fricked themselves one too many times in Death Valley (sound familiar?) LSU is clearly more talented IMO, but every game they play at Florida field is a fricking barn burner, and I don't expect this year to be any different. I honestly think that the bell has finally struck midnight on ole Les Miles and they choke up a bunch of turnovers in an ugly game, and leave with their first loss.
27-24 Florida (5-1-3-1)

Sat, Oct 15 vs Missouri
Thou shall not underestimate missouri, thou shall not underestimate missouri, thou shall not underestimate missorui. I will keep saying it until I can make myself do it. Missouri has good players, will have another good defense, and the offense will be better. I don't care what anyone says - this won't be easy, especially after the big win the week before. But I think UF avenges the worst home loss in the modern era.
24-10 Florida (6-1, 4-1)

Sat, Oct 29 vs Georgia in JAX
It's hard for me to get a feel for UGA with a new head coach. Nothing about their roster seems all that scary right now, but we know they have talent. If they get their dirty fricking butt sniffing noses all pointed in the same direction and playing together, I think UF could be in trouble. But I don't think that happens in Kirby Smart's first year as a head coach. I hope.
30-23 Florida (7-1, 5-1)

Sat, Nov 5 @ Arkansas
I really hate this game after the cocktail party. HATE IT. UF has NOT played well after the UGA game the past 5-6 years or so. The hangover from Jax is real, and UF is never particularly effective when they travel far from Gainesville. That fatass Bert magic will be flowing, and I think Arkansas is going to put an SEC west curb stomping on Florida in the first half. Florida wakes up in the 2nd half, but can't close the deal. A long, late FG goes wide.
34-35 Florida loses (7-2, 5-2)

Sat, Nov 12 vs South Carolina
This game is one that I will watch on mute at home so I don't have to explain so many ugly uses of the english language to my young daughter. It's going to be loud, and UF is going to be angry, for a lot of reasons. This is going to be ugly all the way around, but UF prevails and adds a TD late for good measure.
28-10 Florida (8-2, 6-2)

Sat, Nov 19 vs Presbyterian
Senior day. McElwain rests a bunch of starters to get walk ons and seniors as much playing time as they can. Fans are going to be more anxious watching the score board praying for a UT loss to Missouri to secure a potential spot in Atlanta. Doesn't happen.
48-14 Florida (9-2, 6-2)

Sat, Nov 26 @ Florida State
The UF, FSU game has been hard for me to predict recently, but I don't see any reason on god's green earth why Florida will beat them. I think it will be more respectable than last year, but considering that FSU will probably be playing for a chance at the national title, and Florida will just be praying UT loses to Vandy for a chance at Atlanta, I think FSU will have more to play for. Mac really needs to prove to me he knows how to motivate a team. The last few games of the season really worried me. Regardless, UF fights, at times, then lays down late again.
17-31 Florida loses (9-3, 6-2)

I won't predict the post-season, but at long last, I think Tennessee wins the east and goes back to Atlanta. Florida is left watching from home, wondering what might have been had they not sucked arse at Arkansas.

What will be interesting to me is how Mac manages the recruiting this season, with UF showing a pulse on offense, and if he can actually motivate the team to play well in a bowl game that doesn't have national importance.

I reserve the right to make one edit to this after fall camp.

11-1, only loss to LSU.

I'm high as giraffe pussy on UF this year. As long as LDR stays healthy, this team is going to be the best we have had since '09.

I think UF has upgraded talent wise at RB/WR. Would rather have the mystery of LDR than Treon.

Those of you that are picking AR need to educate yourselves on what they lost. Not to mention UF hasn't really lost to AR.

I'll wait to predict any game until we find out where Treon is playing. Hopefully, in his own back yard.

Even though Treon was not that good as a QB...he did fairly well against LSU until they made adjustments and our lack of a run game just it difficult to keep our defense off the field. Remember that Treon came to UF even with Jeff Driskel already in place and his father could open some recruiting doors in Miami....we shouldnt bash him...he could be a decent WR or may never play a down...but he did help us beat UGA & UT.

I dont think anyone realizes how important the run game is in winning the SEC...why do you think Bama has won lately? Passing is needed to keep LBs and Safeties from zeroing in on run plays...but to win the SEC you have to be top 3 in running and stopping the run....its that simple. 89% of the teams with the most rushing yds win that game and if they dont...its because of turnovers, flags and special teams play. As I recall last years game with UT was an example of that.

Yeah, that is a more accurate representation of the UT game last year.

UT really beat the crap out of Florida for most of the game. UT basically gave up one long run early and a fumble -

It was 20-7 and things were looking bleak when UF recovered a fumble at the UT 29. UF ended up scoring in the clutch to get within striking distance and then UT marched it right down their throats.

16 plays. 70 yards. 15 of those were runs. UF looked dead in the water.

The big difference at the end of the game is that UT took the pressure off and started playing more coverage. That allowed Grier a bit more time to throw, and we all know how that turned out.

Even after taking the lead the UF defense gave up enough yardage that UT had a chance to win the game at the end.

UF was very fricking fortunate to win that game.

I think either UF is now in UT's head FOREVER, or UT will bring it non-stop for 60 minutes next time and UF won't have a chance to come up for air. We will see.

We basically have four big games this year, Tenn, LSU, UGA, and FSU. I cannot see us winning only 1 out of 4 of them. We go 2-2 most likely.

Generally you expect the 2nd year of coach to see significant improvements over the first year. Perhaps our defense takes a step back, but it feels like every year we say that but our defense continues to thrive. Muschamp recruited very well on the defensive side of the ball, and we still have a lot of talent.

On offense, I expect to see even more improvements. Mac and Nuss did a great job of showing a lot of improvement on offense quickly, but it was averaged out when Treon took over. I expect us to improve even more this season with a QB that fits his scheme and definitely immediate upgrades in talent at the skill position. The OL should also see improved play from last year as well.

Our offense ended up being really shitty last, especially in our losses. If our defense stays about the same, and our offense sees dramatic improvements, I think we will compete for an SECCG again this year.

Have to add that the unknowns in college football are what makes it such a great sport and lets face it...the SEC is so hard to guage at times. The fans are mostly lunatics and we have that edge no other conference comes close to.

Florida has the money and means to excell at all sports and football is the most important....its the moneymaker needed to make other sports possible.

I keep thinking now about giraffes and wonder how those animals ever could reproduce....damn. Im buying not selling on this team. We all forget that Fast Eddie is now on campus and he could really change everything. 60 yd FGs are possible and that ignites a team on the sidelines.

Jefffan....how could you not recognize the talent in our secondary? Tabor and Wilson are both high NFL draft picks and Putu will be a welcomed addition at CB...very highly rated in JUCO, he is shaving everyday and a grown man. QB? I dont think we have a problem other than deciding the pecking order of depth....dont sleep on Appleby either and if he doesnt start....he does provide insurance as # 2 QB. OL? Geez...we have 3 kids who were true frosh last year and gained valuable experience as part time starters and second teamers in 2015. Sharp is a very good OT...dont see problems myself...I only see the improvement. WRs? Even with or without Callaway...we have adequate talent...the main emphasis is going to be running the ball with power and keeping away from 3rd and longs which hurt us a lot last year. Punting is in great hands and our defense is better than most realize..the DL especially will be tough as usual.

11-1 is what Im thinking now and I think we take it to the girls school.

Can we get two pages here? Sitting here on 4th of July and enjoying the morning...have hot dogs, BBQ baked beans and ice cold adult beverage waiting for lunch...doesnt get much better.

I have researched some rosters and here is what Im finding:

UT finished 92nd in the country in passing yds last year out of what? 125 teams? UGA was 114th in passing! we were 87th ourselves with a lot of that due to ineffective OL, QB & run game. UT returns kicker/punter, UGA lost their kicker and the starting punter was backup QB who may give way to a frosh.

UGA is really thin in DL depth and experienced talent and Trenton Thompson is going to a bellcow on the line and he is a soph. They lost Floyd & Jenkins, two of their best LBs. It will be Lorenzo Carter holding the fort. UGA will be facing teams that will run and run some more until they prove it can be stopped. On offense they dont have marquee experienced WRs and it will hurt them. They do have very good TEs though and they will have to be covered well. Very good RBs but with limited passing game it might be a situation where third and long will undo the dawgs with defense stacked to stop the run. The schedule isnt that tough and they face Ole Miss in Oxford and AU at home from the west (poor UK drew the Bama short straw). I see three Ls at least and maybe four.

UTs one weakness is the passing game and we will be looking to prevent Dobbs and Hurd from both being 100 yd rushers on us. We have the team speed to keep Dobbs from doing much if we play the right defensive scheme based on down and distance. On second/third and longs I would still guess QB scrambles a lot.

This a game where Fast Eddie could make a difference if its close. This is UTs best chance to win the east because they will lose a lot of talent on offense and defense and face us in the Swamp next year. Schedule wise they have UF, UGA, Texas A&M, Bama and USC in a row. The UGA, A&M & USC games are road trips. They are going trip up at least twice imo....trip up three times including to us and UT fans will OD on XXX moonshine and the self videos will be classic...hide their guns.