Alligator Army

SEC Power Poll Week 1

2010-09-07T10:00:47Z

Our SEC Power Poll ballot. Aside from Ole Miss and Vandy, you could put anyone in any position and it would work. Visit Team Speed Kills for the final tally.

Drop your ideas in the comments.

1. Alabama: The class of the league, even without Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus. Maybe Penn State can challenge them for a half.

2. LSU: The Tigers team that played in the first three quarters against UNC is the second best team in the SEC. The team that played in the fourth quarter was as good as Ole Miss.

3. Mississippi State: Does 569 yards of offense and five passing touchdowns mean that Dan Mullen has the spread at full speed? Tyler Russell was also 13-16 for 256 yards and threw four of those touchdowns.

4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks scored on 7 of 11 possessions against Southern Miss and made Stephen Garcia finally look like a real quarterback. It will be interesting to see if he can do it against Georgia.

5. Florida: I feel like I'm making a homer pick by putting the Gators at five. At least the defense was decent in week one. Granted it was against a team coming off a 1-11 season.

6. Kentucky: The Wildcats went on the road to defeat a BCS out-of-conference rival. No one else in the league did that. Kentucky deserves some credit for that.

7. Georgia: In his first game as starter, Aaron Murray completed passes to nine different receivers. And none of them were named A.J. Green. If Green comes back, the Bulldogs could be the favorites in the SEC East.

8. Auburn: As long as Cam Newton avoids his roommates' laptops, he should be successful at Auburn.

9. Arkansas: Ryan Mallett begins his dark horse Heisman campaign with a solid day; 21-24, 301 yards and three touchdowns. However, it came against Tennessee Tech.

10. Tennessee: The Vols shutout Tennessee-Martin. They will not shutout Oregon, who just dropped 72 on New Mexico. Also, Matt Simms needs to be better than 14 of 24 passing, especially against a weak sister like UT-Martin.

11. Vanderbilt: Vandy should have defeated Northwestern, but special teams and referees conspired to beat them. Do they rally and use the loss as inspiration, or fall into the funk we all expect from them?

12. Mississippi: An embarrassment to SEC football. It looks like Jeremiah Masoli transferred his bad karma from Oregon, too.

What do the Gators do about Mike Pouncey?

2010-09-06T10:00:44Z

More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

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The one mortal lock on the Gators offense was supposed to be Mike Pouncey. Moving from defensive line (remember that?) to guard to center, Pouncey was going to be a star, like his twin. Florida would pick up a solid center and Pouncey would boost his NFL stock.

All of that might still happen, but the first act wasn't very good. Pouncey's performance on Saturday was so bad that it submarined the Gators' hope for any rhythm, while being mentioned any time there was a bad snap in the Saturday night games. But it was one of 12 games. This wasn't the end of the world.

However, as sports fans, we are all amateur psychologists and color commentators. As such, there are plenty of reasons why Pouncey struggled so much on Saturday; he was nervous, the ball was slipping, he missed his brother, he was too worried about pulling to block, or he wasn't focused.

When Pouncey held out his hands and looked to the sky in the fourth quarter after his holding call, it made me think that he had a mental lock. This is a proud man, and no way does he do that unless he is really frustrated. There could have been a lot of factors, but focus was not one of them.

My concern, and I think Florida's concern, has to be that this is a game time situation. If Pouncey is fine in practice, but can't hit John Brantley in the chest with 99% of the shotgun snaps in games, he can't play center. The Gators rely on timing and a poor snap impacts the entire play. If that means Sam Robey plays majority of the USF game, then that is what UF has to do. No one wants to see a senior benched, but UF can't allow a player to work through the yips either.

We have seen in baseball and golf how players suddenly breakdown when they can't throw or swing a club. Once that happens, they are never again successful. Chuck Knoblauch was moved from second base to left field, David Duval never regained his form, and Rick Ankiel went from promising pitcher to fourth outfielder. If Pouncey struggles again on Saturday, he has to be removed immediately, for his own well being and the team's. I hope that is not the case, but we won't know what to do until Saturday.

Miami (Ohio) - Florida animated drive chart

2010-09-05T16:02:25Z

Hey, it doesn't look so bad when you don't see the bad snaps! (Ok, it still looks awful.)

FULL SCREEN VERSION

Florida Gators Sunday notes

2010-09-05T15:12:12Z

More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

RUN JOHNNY!

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Mike Pouncey is a man, he is not forty, but he knows he shoulders a majority of the blame for Florida's woes in Saturday's 34-12 win over Miami (Ohio). Pouncey said the ball was slipping out of his hand, which worries me. If you're gripping the ball on a snap under center, the laces (usually) face left with the thumb over a seam. That way, the laces hit the QB's top/dominant hand as the center curls his wrist on the snap. On a shotgun, the laces (usually) face right, under the center's fingers, assuming a righty center. (To me it looked like Pouncey's thumb was on the laces. But I haven't seen a clear replay yet.) I guess Pouncey could have been doing everything right and the ball was still slipping. In that case, he needs a sticky pair of gloves.
John Brantley was a bit wild, but 17 of 25 and two touchdowns isn't bad. The 113 yards passing was bad. Brantley either wasn't willing to go upfield or didn't want to. Either way, Brantley thinks there is plenty of room for improvement. And to the people asking Brantley to "run over" defenders, get real. He is a passing quarterback. Leave that to Trey Burton.
Will Hill, Carl Johnson and Frankie Hammond were suspended for Saturday's game. Andre Debose didn't play because for some reason. Seriously. Urban Meyer didn't know Debose never saw action until asked in the post game.
Pat Dooley kindly asks you to back away from the ledge, then gives the offense a "D". Even grading on a scale, I think that is too high.
ESPN's Chris Fowler is a smart guy and he is knocking the Gators back in his AP poll. I would expect the same from other voters. On the bright side, the AP poll is not used for the BCS.
If you were upset with the play calling, don't be. Florida, in the Meyer era, has a basic offense for the first game and ramps up for Tennessee. The problem was a lack of execution and lack of blocking. I think I made as many blocks as T.J. Pridemore did. Pouncey's bad day snapping also led to him glancing off defenders, instead of knocking them backwards. Plus, Jeff Demps big run came when Ian Silberman was used as a tight end. When I saw that, I was actually worried since Tennessee will see it coming when big No. 77 gets on the field.
I was very pleased to see how big (even from the top of the south end zone) Ronald Powell, Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley were. Powell looks like a freak, Floyd looks like former Packer Gilbert Brown, and it looked like Easley's legs would pop the seams of his pants.

Game One: Gators win, but this doesn't feel good

2010-09-05T00:11:04Z

More photos » John Raoux - AP

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Between Mike Pouncey turning into Chuck Knoblauch, Deonte Thompson still having stone hands and mysterious suspensions, Florida's 34-12 win over Miami (Ohio) did not feel like a win.

Today's game story begins and ends with Pouncey and how his yips impacted the Gator offense. With John Brantley, he could never get in a rhythm when he was chasing down snaps. The play calling was vanilla, but the offensive line couldn't execute with their leader having the worst day of his career.

John-Boy will have better days than the 17-25 for 113 yards. He didn't go up field and forced the ball a few times to Chris Rainey and Omarius Hines. For his part, Hines might have been the best Gator offensive player with Jeff Demps. We know Demps has world class speed, and his sweep (with a tackle playing tight end) was proof of it. But we didn't know what we would get out of Hines. His blocking was lacking, but he became a big target with a touchdown and two more catches for first downs. Hines won't be an All-American, but he was a bright spot in a dark cloud of suck for the Gators offense.

On defense, you have to be pleased, even if the RedHawks scored four times. They held the ball for nearly 35 minutes, allowing the UF defense to wilt in the heat. With nearly everyone playing, aside from Will Hill (suspension), Florida was fairly basic on defense, but was executing. Matt Elam seemed to be the most impressive to me. Yes, he might have ended up a stride behind his man a few times, but he's a freshman. That will happen. We also realized UF has four linebackers who can play any position. Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic both played well, with Bostic getting most of the action. On Bostic's interception, he swung out into coverage as A.J. Jones pulled off his man and blitzed. Bostic was able to get into the passing lane for the pick. That won't happen against a better team, but this is just the first of many games. Better to see it now than never. Janoris Jenkins and Ahmad Black played well, with Jenkins taking a leadership role. Jeremy Brown also was a solid contributor, especially considering his sprained ankle from practice this week.

We will have more on Pouncey tomorrow, but I really hope you have some sympathy for him. Just like the rest of his team, it's just one game. It wasn't very good, but there are a lot of games left to fix the problems.

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On a personal note, thanks to the new twitter followers who followed @AlligatorArmy until our crappy AT&T coverage dropped out. Also, to the student section, don't do the wave when we have the ball.

Game One: Miami (Ohio) vs. Florida Gators; Opening Day 104

2010-09-04T15:00:39Z

Game One: Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. Florida Gators

Kickoff: 12pm

Weather: Sunny, 89 degrees, 30 percent chance of rain.

Television: ESPN

Series History: Miami (OH) 1-0

Line, O/U: Florida -38, 54 O/U

The Gators should have no problem with the RedHawks. What will be interesting to see is how vanilla the Gators play. Fans want to see the bomb and exotic defensive formations. But it's better for the Gators to keep things close to the vest before USF and Tennessee.

I am excited to see what John Brantley does and how good Chris Rainey really will be as a receiver. On defense, who will be in the middle; Jon Bostic or Jelani Jenkins? Will the problem children Dominique Easley and Ronald Powell cause as many problems for the RedHawks as they have reportedly caused in practice?

The goals for this game are to stay healthy and get comfortable. Everything will get harder starting tomorrow.

Alligator Army will be in Gainesville. Follow us on the twitter @AlligatorArmy. Since we'll be driving back on I-75, expect a delay before our game report.

Florida Gators Gameday Notes

2010-09-04T10:54:40Z

What the Fourth Estate is saying about today's Miami (Ohio)-Florida game;

Urban Meyer tells the Palm Beach Post that 2010 Florida will not be 2007 Florida. He says this rebuilding project has the same amount of young talent, but more veteran leadership that will be the difference.
The Miami Herald writes about the numerous questions still surrounding the Gators. From quarterback to wide receiver, defensive line to linebacker, plus new coaches and Meyer's health, no one really knows what to expect.
Pat Dooley says Opening Day is Christmas. I prefer thinking of it as Easter, since Easter has a Holy Thursday, too. There's more to it than that, but it's too early in the morning to breakdown feast days.
How will UF cope without their missing defensive leaders? That's the question asked by the St. Petersburg Times. I'd love to see one of Florida's defensive players wear the Black Hat retired by Brandon Spikes when he went to the NFL. I'm hoping Dominique Easley ("In 9th grade I realized I like hitting people") is that guy.
The Oxford Press (Ohio) writes what we all know; the speed difference between Southern and Northern schools are on the lines. Everyone has fast skill positions. But the South has fast tackles and ends.

The only proper way to begin the season

2010-09-03T16:52:01Z

This video is now ~~four~~ five years old. (Oh my God, I am old.) But it is still awesome.

Alligator Army will be in Gainesville tomorrow. It's like going to the Vatican for Easter.

Gators Rebuilding 2010: Urban Meyer and you

2010-09-03T16:36:44Z

More photos » Dave Martin - ASSOCIATED PRESS

Keep on rockin' Urban.

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We continue our season preview, "Gators Rebuilding 2010." Until kickoff on Sept. 4 against Miami-Ohio, we will have a series of posts on players, positions and factors that will determine the Gators' success or failure this season. For all previous posts tagged as "Gators Rebuilding 2010" click here.

Like every aging white male, Urban Meyer had a little problem with stress last season. But, since he is the head coach of Florida and not an insurance agent or computer programmer, it made him doubt if he wanted to stay in his current profession. Once he realized this was something he could control, Meyer returned to flip out at reporters, recruit a tremendous class and generally be the same ornery guy in public he always was. The changes he has made are behind the scenes; more time at home instead of the office and delegating responsibilities among the staff.

What we don't know is how Meyer will react to a team that might struggle this season. If the Gators were to lose three games, it would triple last season's losses. I can't even think of losing four games, because it makes my stomach hurt to think of losing to Tennessee, Georgia or Florida State. Meyer, just like us, takes those losses personally. As good as we think we might be in looking at the big picture, we live week to week during the season.

How Meyer deals with adversity will be a hidden storyline this season. We did see some evidence of how Meyer might react last week in fall camp. On Monday, he was thinking about a panic button. By Thursday, everything was good. Meyer is coming to the realization that while these Gators are good, they shouldn't be expected to compete for a National Championship. Winning the SEC is possible. But you don't need a perfect season for that. I think Meyer wants to create a sense of accountability based on previous teams, but this one doesn't have the maturity or talent yet to do that. It's like asking a freshman to pass the same tests as a senior. It just won't happen. Meyer realizes that.

We also have to realize that too. As much as I can see a path to winning a National Championship, I also know that winning at Tennessee and FSU will be hard. I also know that eventually Tennessee and FSU will beat us again, just as we eventually started beating Georgia after years of struggling. Maybe this team is better than the 2007 Gators, but we won't know that until October. Just as that 2007 season was necessary for 2008 to happen, 2010 is necessary for a title run in 2011.

We should always expect greatness from our team, but be realistic in our expectations. The problem is that we have been spoiled lately. As Pat Dooley pointed out, my generation (born in the 1980's, graduated 2000's) has no concept of "Run, Lindsay, Run" or 0-10-1. It still stuns me to see old Gator games with astroturf and no skyboxes. Even now, when I mention Ron Zook to kids younger than me, it's as if I'm talking about the 1800s. Gator fans live in this season and the one before it.

With that said, enjoy this season, but enjoy it not just for the wins. John Brantley is Florida royalty, finally reaching the throne. But he won't throw for 300 every game. Chris Rainey might be the Next Great Florida Wide Receiver, but that won't happen overnight. I love Dominique Easley, but I expect him to get beat up the first time he faces an SEC offensive line. The sooner you understand this, the sooner you can appreciate these kids who are playing for you. Urban gets it. So should you.

Gameday Preview: Miami (Ohio)

2010-09-03T15:24:56Z

We have talked about how this is a rebuilding year for the Gators. It is a rebuilding year too for Miami (Ohio), but that is because last season was demolishing the house to the foundation and starting over. The Redhawks were 1-11 last season, starting 0-8 before defeating Toledo. They only won two games in 2008. This is also the third consecutive season Miami (OH) will open with a SEC team. In 2008, the Redhawks lost to Vanderbilt and lost 42-0 to Kentucky in 2009.

The Redhawks were not exactly awful in 2009. They allowed 377 yards on defense per game, which was 70th nationally. But they allowed 34 points per game, which was 108th. Combined with their 15 points per game on offense, which was 116th, it is easier to see how they were 1-11.

Head coach Michael Haywood is in his second season at Miami (OH). Haywood coached at LSU, so he knows something about playing at Gainesville. He was also Charlie Weis' offensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Miami (OH) will run their offense through quarterback Zac Dysert and running back Thomas Merriweather. As a freshman last season, Dysert threw for 2611 yards, 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Merriweather was the leader of an awful running game, collecting 291 of the team's 841 yards rushing.

On defense, the Redhawks are very young. Their depth chart lists nine freshmen or sophomores. They have undersized ends around 240 pounds who should get eaten up by Florida's offensive line. Leading tackler MLB Jerrell Wedge returns to follow his 2009 season of 114 tackles, including 18.5 for a loss.

Gators Rebuilding 2010: Teryl Austin's Defense

2010-09-02T18:03:52Z

More photos » Doug Benc - Getty Images

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We continue our season preview, "Gators Rebuilding 2010." Until kickoff on Sept. 4 against Miami-Ohio, we will have a series of posts on players, positions and factors that will determine the Gators' success or failure this season. For all previous posts tagged as "Gators Rebuilding 2010" click here.

For the first time since 2001, Charlie Strong will not be coaching the Gators defense. Gone is a man who spent 16 years at UF, the last eight as coordinator. In his place is Teryl Austin, who might as well have come to UF off the side of a milk carton. He has never been a coordinator, but has coached defensive backs at major colleges and the NFL.

We don't know what to make of Austin yet. With Strong, his defenses were based on the talent he had. That's why UF was so good in 2006, 2008 and 2009 when they had older players, but nearly awful in 2005 and 2007 in rebuilding mode. Will Austin look at the talent around him, mostly in the secondary, and rely on their speed? Or will it be something else?

Austin hasn't committed to a 4-3, 3-4 or 3-3-5, which is exactly how Strong worked. At times, Florida's front seven rotation made it seem as if they were running a 3-4, when they were a 4-3 team. The 3-3-5 is a 3-4 with a monster back. I would think Austin would at least start the same way.

What will be interesting to see is how much reliance is placed on who ever wins the middle linebacker position. We remember the struggle Brandon Spikes had in 2007, but forget that he also had Ryan Stamper, who was seen as the Gators' smartest defensive player. With Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic, they will have elder statesmen on the outsides, but MLB is still the motor of the defense. How much will Austin protect his players by making as many calls from the sideline as possible?

The two remaining position battles at MLB and cornerback (Moses Jenkins and Jeremy Brown) will sort themselves out. But we will have to wait a few games to see if the personality and style of the defense has changed at all.

SEC Best and Worst Case Scenarios

2010-09-02T15:18:38Z

Just like last season, we are presenting our best and worst case scenarios for each SEC team. Since it is impossible to accurately predict what 12 teams will do, this is tongue-in-cheek. That should seem obvious, but I have to mention it in case Mississippi State fans freak out when I make a joke about Starkville.

We're going in alphabetical order and by division. I wanted to mention that in case Mississippi State fans freak out when they are listed last and don't know why.

SEC East

Florida

Best Case: The Gators complete an Impossible Dream season. UF loses to Alabama, but wins the rematch in the SEC Championship Game. The win secures a berth in the BCS Championship Game following Nebraska's upset of undefeated Texas. The Gators blow out Boise State to win their fourth National Championship.

Worst Case: John Brantley is not ready for primetime. After struggling to defeat USF and a stunning loss at Tennessee, Brantley is limited to handing the ball off to UF's backs. The Gators defense cannot make enough plays and UF loses to Alabama, LSU, Georgia and FSU, finishing the regular season at 7-5.

Georgia

Best Case: Mark Richt moves off the hot seat with impressive wins over Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech. Led by quarterback Aaron Murray, the Bulldogs are finally defeated by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. UGA wins the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame.

Worst Case: The Dawgs begin the season 6-0. Before the Vanderbilt game, UGA VIII is introduced and interim mascot Russ is retired. Vandy stuns the Dawgs, 17-13. Georgia then loses at Kentucky, to Florida and at Auburn. The Dawgs recover in time to defeat Georgia Tech, but Mark Richt is fired and the Curse of Russ is born.

Kentucky

Best Case: The Wildcats begin the season 3-0, but drop to 4-5, including losses to Florida, Auburn and Georgia. UK runs the table, defeating Tennessee in Knoxville, to give Joker Phillips a 7-5 record and Liberty Bowl bid.

Worst Case: Kentucky boosters are investigated by the NCAA for allegedly paying recruit Anthony Davis. The morose feeling on campus even puts the football team in a tailspin, as the Cats finish with a losing record. John Calipari quits in April to join the New Jersey Nets.

South Carolina

Best Case: With no clear leader in the SEC East, South Carolina's game at Florida becomes the de facto SEC East title game. Quarterback Connor Shaw takes the Gamecocks into overtime at UF. The Gators' attempt at a tying field goal is blocked, as Cliff Matthews erases the memory of Jarvis Moss in 2006. The Cocks win the SEC East, but lose to Alabama in the SEC title game.

Worst Case: Neither Shaw or Stephen Garcia assert themselves enough to become the starter as Steve Spurrier begins aging in dog years. The Gamecocks defense loses their 2009 form and allows 31 points per game. Following a losing season capped by a loss at Clemson, Spurrier quits.

Tennessee

Best Case: Matt Simms leads the Vols over Oregon and Florida to make Tennessee a top-15 team. Tennessee loses to LSU and Alabama, but clinches the SEC East with tiebreakers over UF and Georgia. The Vols go to the Sugar Bowl following their loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

Worst Case: After upsetting Oregon, a report leaks that NCAA investigators are prepared to level heavy sanctions on the Vols due to recruiting tactics during Lane Kiffin's time as coach. The report becomes a distraction as UF rolls the Vols. While prepping for LSU, the NCAA announces the Vols will lose scholarships and some recruiting privileges, with Kiffin himself getting most of the punishment. Tennessee finishes the season 6-6 and sees several players transfer out of Knoxville.

Vanderbilt

Best Case: Robbie Caldwell is named National Coach of The Year, as Vandy finishes the season 7-5, including wins over Northwestern, Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Vandy defeats FSU in the Music City Bowl.

Worst Case: Injuries to Warren Norman and Zac Stacy submarine the Commodores' season. Vandy goes 1-11, defeating only Eastern Michigan.

SEC West

Alabama

Best Case: The Crimson Tide run the table and win their second consecutive National Championship. Auburn has a losing record and Urban Meyer retires following three consecutive blowout losses to the Tide.

Worst Case: The undefeated Tide face one-loss Auburn to determine the SEC West winner. The Tigers stun Alabama 17-13, with the winning touchdown scored on a 90-yard, three minute drive. After two-loss Florida beats Auburn in the SEC Championship Game, Bama claims they should be in the National Championship game. Instead, undefeated Boise State is picked, and loses to one-loss Texas.

Arkansas

Best Case: Ryan Mallett finishes third in the Heisman voting as Arkansas ends the regular season 9-3. The Hogs defeat Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.

Worst Case: The Razorbacks lose their first three SEC games before getting back above .500 with wins against Ole Miss and Vandy. But Mallett never reaches his potential as the Hogs drop 3 of their last 4. Their 6-6 record is good enough for the Papa John's Bowl.

Auburn

Best Case: Cam Newton becomes the Black Tim Tebow. The Tigers enter the Alabama game with only one loss to LSU. Behind Newton's 100 yards rushing and 250 yards passing, Auburn upsets Alabama on the road. Auburn wins the SEC, but once again misses out on playing for a National Championship when Boise State and Texas remain undefeated.

Worst Case: The Tigers choke in big games, losing to Clemson, LSU, Georgia and Alabama. Auburn wins the Outback Bowl over Purdue, but will be never invited back after their fans start a series of drunken fights in South Tampa the night before.

LSU

Best Case: Les Miles and the Tigers roll over an NCAA decimated UNC in the opener. In October, LSU defeats Tennessee, who also suspended players due to NCAA investigations. They lose at Florida, but defeat Alabama, to set up a rematch with the Gators in Atlanta. LSU wins the SEC and defeats an overwhelmed Boise State in the Sugar Bowl.

Worst Case: LSU wins the SEC and faces Boise State in the Sugar Bowl. The Broncos take the early lead, but LSU comes back for a 23-20 advantage. With 20 seconds left, Boise attempts a 31-yard field goal on 4-and-4. Miles, not realizing LSU has used all three timeouts, runs out onto the field to get the officials attention for a timeout. The officials blow the play dead, and give LSU a five-yard sideline warning penalty. With a second chance, Boise scores a touchdown for the 27-23 win.

Mississippi

Best Case: Jeremiah Masoli wins his appeal in time for the Alabama game. The Rebels still lose, but Masoli looks good in the loss. The Rebels finish the regular season 9-3, and defeat Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Worst Case: Masoli loses his NCAA appeal. Faced with either enjoying Southern hospitality or staying in school, Masoli picks neither and goes on a two-state crime spree. He is arrested at Graceland trying to steal a guitar.

Mississippi State

Best Case: Transfixed by the incredible natural beauty of Starkville, road teams struggle against the Bulldogs, who go undefeated at home. Money Magazine comes to Starkville and picks the city as the 2011 Best Place to Live. Starkville becomes known as "The Paris of The Deep South, Minus The Pinko Liberal Socialists Of The Real Paris."

Worst Case: Dan Mullen still doesn't have the talent to run the spread. The Bulldogs go 4-8. The ghost of Johnny Cash tells Starkville townspeople how much he hates their town, ending the only interesting Starkville had going for them.

Florida's Nike Pro Combat Uniforms; Good or Stupid?

2010-09-01T15:55:42Z

Once again, we channel our inner Paul Lukas and ask of the Gators' new Nike Pro Combat uniforms; is it good or is it stupid? Picture via here.

The helmet: While it is orange and has the Gators script, the striping is removed. Instead is an alligator scales pattern. Verdict? Stupid.

The jersey: The alligator scales continue to the numbers. Also, Albert's logo on the left chest is replaced by the basketball team's word mark in the center chest. The collar patch looks like the patch on the Gator basketball jersey. The sleeves have shoulder numbers and another set of Gator scales with random flourishes. Verdict? Stupid.

The pants: If these were solid blue pants, it would be ok. Instead, there is an orange stripe that begins as solid then becomes an alligator print, then fades out. Verdict? Stupid.

Florida will wear these uniforms against Georgia on October 30.

Obviously, I am a uniform traditionalist, so the only way I would have liked this is if it was a throwback. Instead, they want the football team to look like the basketball team.

What do you think?

Poll

Are Florida's Nike Pro Combat uniforms good or stupid?

Gators Rebuilding 2010: Front Four Roulette

2010-09-01T15:09:27Z

Line coach Dan McCarney sees a 10-12 man rotation against Miami-Ohio on Saturday. If Florida flips between a 3-4, 4-3 and 3-3-5, a deep rotation will keep the team fresh for a 12pm kickoff and save some energy. Inside, Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard will be switched with Brandon Antwine, Sharrif Floyd and Lawrence Marsh. The key there is not for any of those linemen to be studs, but to hold their ground. We saw in the SEC Championship Game how Alabama ate up Florida's front, limiting the chances of UF's backers and secondary. Watching the next few games, look to see who is best at taking up a double team and holding the line. Getting in the backfield is a bonus.

The ends is where UF will be tested early. Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens haven't shown the freakish ability that Cunningham and Dunlap had. That's not to say they won't. But I think most of us would agree that Ronald Powell and Dominique Easley would fit that mold. Plus, if UF goes to a 3-4, Powell and Easley become frighting outside linebackers. The Gators won't have their pass rush tested much this season (Alabama probably being the first good passing team), and part of this season is building to 2011.

The Gators may also try including Powell and Easley inside, as well as Jon Bostic and Neiron Ball as a stand-up nose. With this much youth, and a lack of knowing exactly who plays where, expect to see multiple looks and maybe a New York Jets-style defense that relies on confusion.

Gators Rebuilding 2010: Can Jeff Demps become a star?

2010-08-31T21:03:49Z

More photos » John Raoux - AP

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Urban Meyer has said repeatedly that the Gators will look more traditional, a movement which actually began last season. The Gators in the last two seasons have been a fast backfield and great offensive line. We may want to throw the ball downfield, but the Gators will have a lot easier time of moving the ball in 5-6 yard bursts from the backfield.

Jeff Demps might be the benefactor of the Gators' throwback style. While Florida is likely to spread it around with Emmanuel Moody and Mike Gillislee, neither of them is the dynamic back that Demps is. Demps' world class speed can make him the difference maker for UF.

In his previous two seasons, Demps has averaged about 7.5 yards per carry. He has also moved from 78 to 99 carries (95 and 109 touches) from freshman to sophomore years. Here's the thing with Demps; at 5'8", 190 does he have the body for 125-150 touches? If Demps becomes the hot hand, will UF stick with him?

Aside from Percy Harvin and Aaron Hernandez, there has not be a UF player under Meyer that was seen as a hot hand. Those players, no matter the situation, were given a chance to make a play either by design or by Leak/Tebow. At running back, Meyer has rolled his players like a hockey line. Meyer will likely do that again. However, Demps has to be a focus.

If Demps becomes a star worthy of his talent, UF will win a lot of games. If the Gators get to the midway point as a running team, it will open up the offense and allow time for John Brantley and his receivers to develop. Florida will score in bunches and it will be from Demps becoming a star in Florida's offense.

Alligator Army College Football Pick'em Returns

2010-08-31T15:13:22Z

Once again, we will have an Alligator Army college football pick'em. To sign up, go to Yahoo college football pick'em private group and enter league ID: 20234 and password: army.

If you played last season, you should have received an invite for this season. Our prize for the pick'em champion is the "Gridiron Gators" DVD. One change from last season is that we are using the Yahoo default games (notable weekly games) and SEC games. This way, you will be picking every Florida game this season. Of course, we are picking with the spread.

Good luck!

SEC Power Poll 2010: The Uniforms

2010-08-31T10:00:42Z

The SEC Power Poll returns with a look at how stylish the SEC is. Rather than a poll based on who is the best team or which quarterback looks most like an idiot because of his Bama Bangs (sorry John Brantley), we're picking who will look the best on Saturday.

Unlike our normal power poll ballot, we're ranking the teams from 12-1. Follow us after the jump as we pull on our Frankfurt Galaxy-sleeved Gators jersey and channel our inner Paul Lukas.

One note before we begin; we are not considering novelty uniforms. Florida's Cal-State Fullerton helmet and jersey, Georgia's Project Runway look and Tennessee's great pumpkin will not factor into our rankings. Also, we are using Paul Lukas' Uni Watch update for the new jerseys, as well as the Wikipedia listings. Helmet Project is a valuable source, but we wish there was a college football version of Dressed To The Nines.

12. Arkansas: A traditional football school deserves a traditional jersey. Instead, Arkansas has arm piping and pit stains (comparison by Paul Lukas). The pit stains go up the back, too. The pants are not traditional either; the sides say "RAZORBACKS" with the Hog logo on the hip. This is the result of a new deal with Nike, but you would think someone in Arkansas would have stopped those pants from being made. As for the road jersey, it doesn't look good.

11. South Carolina: We won't even consider that they are hijacking "Carolina" from North Carolina and "USC" from Southern Cal. We will consider the terrible shoulder stripes, collarbone piping, uneven pant stripes and knee tusks. This uniform was designed by someone who didn't know when to quit. The piping should be removed and the shoulder striping should be traditional. The pant stripes need to match the garnet-black-garnet of the helmet stripe. The helmet is the only thing SC got right.

10. Mississippi State: You can't do much with maroon and black, but the Bulldogs did themselves no favors. The shoulder piping is unnecessary, especially when it wraps around. The jerseys don't need alternate color side panels either. Mississippi State could also use a cool Bulldog logo for their uniform.

9. Vanderbilt: Black suits look good. Black football uniforms do not. Vandy's black-on-black desperately needs pants striping. Actually, all of their pants could use striping. The jersey piping needs to go, since it wraps around to the back. However, Vandy does get points for the coolest logo.

8. Kentucky: Aside from random side panels, Kentucky has a traditional design. (The Wikipedia page notes shoulder piping, which is really how the jersey is cut, not an alternate color.) The pants are also a traditional design, with white-blue-white stripes on the blue pants and blue-white-blue on the white pants. The look could be improved with a helmet stripe. Overall, a solid traditional look.

7. Tennessee: My problem with Tennessee isn't the shade of orange. It's allowing black to become a part of the jersey. From black socks (comparison by Paul Lukas), to the black borders and black lettering, it is as if the Vols are Orange, Black and White. Get rid of the black and look like the Tennessee teams of old. As for the orange-on-orange look, I like it. Like the 1984 Padres, orange-on-orange is so ugly, it is cool.

6. Georgia: Georgia has a great uniform. The silver pants are a nice accent to bring out the black and white in the uniform, which is a classic look. The only problem is the traditional "G". Outside of the South, the "G" is for Green Bay. The Georgia "G" was made in 1964, three years after the Packers.

5. Florida: I have always thought UF looked awesome in blue-on-blue and white-on-white, especially when UF goes monochrome for big games (Tennessee, Georgia, LSU and FSU was blue-on-blue; Alabama, SC were white-on-white). I like that Urban Meyer canned the orange pants too. However, the helmet is cheesy. The script "Gators" is iconic now, but I would like to see this at least once a year.

4. Ole Miss: Between the navy and red, gray pants that are just enough of a reminder of their Confederate past and the shoulder stripes, Ole Miss has an awesome uniform set. My one critique would be the "Ole Miss" script on the helmet. I think a block "M" or a smaller "Ole Miss" so the logo isn't stacked would look good.

3. Auburn: Aside from tailoring changes and a modernized word mark, the Auburn uniform is the same as it was 40 years ago. The helmet logo is still the interlocking AU and the jersey is uncluttered. The simple set is classic.

2. Alabama: One of the simplest uniforms is also one of the best. Although, I would love to see Alabama wear a throwback white helmet with their white-on-white set. Bama, like UF, will wear a Nike Pro Combat uniform this season. However, the Bama set is supposed to be traditional looking.

1. LSU: The Tigers have the best uniform in the SEC. The shoulder striping, the helmet stripe that matches the pants stripe, the classic "LSU" helmet with the Tiger head, and always wearing white make this set the best. No team does more with less. There is no alternate jersey or white pants, either. The additions of the fleur de lis and Louisiana state flag to the LSU helmet in recent years are a nice touch, too.

Gators depth chart an incomplete answer

2010-08-30T21:03:43Z

More photos » Doug Benc - Getty Images

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Florida's depth chart (via the Miami Herald) for Saturday's game against Miami-Ohio answered some of our questions but not others.

At running back, Jeff Demps and Emmanuel Moody are listed as possible starters, with Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown following. Deonte Thompson, Chris Rainey and Carl Moore are the wides, with Andre Debose, Justin Williams and Robert Clark as the backups. Gerald Christian is listed as T.J. Pridemore's backup at fullback. Omarius Hines gets the nod at tight end.

The offensive line will definitely be UF's strength with a lineup of (from LT to RT) Marcus Gilbert, Carl Johnson, Mike Pouncey, James Wilson and Maurice Hurt.

On defense, MLB and right corner are still vague. Jon Bostic or Jelani Jenkins will start at MLB. Jeremy Brown or Moses Jenkins will start at right cornerback. None of UF's incoming freshman made the starting lineup, but Matt Elam will likely be the nickel back as the backup to Ahmad Black. Dominique Easley (DE), Sharrif Floyd (DT) and Ronald Powell (DE) are all backups on the defensive line. Your starting line is (DE to DE) Justin Trattou, Omar Hunter, Jaye Howard and Duke Lemmens

Demps, Rainey, Gillislee and Janoris Jenkins are all listed as possible return men.

Alligator Army Confidence Poll / Anxiety Index

2010-08-30T16:02:06Z

"Complex litigation, this is John..."

"Ohhhhhhhhhh Johnnnnnnnnnny!"

If you know what this is from, this post is for you. Actually, if you don't know Bill and JackO, this post is for you too.

At the top of the left side of the page is a "confidence poll" about the Gators. SBNation has used it on other blogs previously and has now introduced it network wide. You can vote as much as you like and it is anonymous. Voting is weekly.

We'll have occasional posts about it, especially in this rebuilding/transition/holy crap, we have a chance season. It will be especially interesting to see what happens if UF has close games against USF and Tennessee before the LSU-Alabama weeks. Maybe by then, it will become an anxiety index.

Gators Rebuilding 2010: Finally, John Brantley

2010-08-30T10:00:51Z

More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

John Brantley is ready for his close-up.

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John Brantley was the 2006 Gatorade Player of The Year and committed to Texas. In 2010, Brantley will be the starting quarterback for the Gators, a position once held by his father.

That is the extent of Brantley's depth. There is no larger calling of missionary work or charity. He doesn't need NFL riches to support his family, either. Brantley is a Gator player first and everything else is a distant second. He is the barer of the Florida Football blood line, but other than growing a mustache to honor his father's work in the 1970s, Brantley does not seem to be swayed by the enormity of the situation he is assuming.

That is a good thing for the Gators. Brantley, even as a starter in Knoxville and Tuscaloosa, will not be intimidated by those environments. That coolness can be interpreted as disengagement. The opposite seems to be the case for Brantley. He has spent time with his o-line at his Ocala home. In spring, his connections with the much maligned Deonte Thompson made us hope that Brantley could make a player out of someone. An offense not expected to be dominant needs a quarterback that also has the same expectations. UF doesn't need 42 points a game, just as Brantley doesn't have to be a legend. He needs to be himself and that should be enough.

Brantley was quarterback coach Scot Loeffler's only student in 2009. With Tim Tebow left on his own as a senior, Loeffler molded Brantley into a more efficient quarterback. Everything we have seen or heard has been positive. Gamedays will be a new challenge, but nothing demonstrates that Brantley will struggle.

Brantley will need plenty of help though. Not just in Steve Addazio and Urban Meyer calling plays by making sure Brantley stays out of options and quarterback draws. His unproven receivers have to be there for him. Carl Moore needs to man up and Jordan Reed or Omarius Hines has to take the initiative at tight end. Andre Debose and Chris Rainey have to provide legit threats, while the running backs shoulder the burden of moving the ball. On the line, health will be the biggest challenge.

Taking the long view, Brantley must demonstrate that he will get better in each successive game. It will hard to be patient, especially when the improvements are minimal. But that is what will work. This is about 2010 and 2011. It has taken Brantley this long to get to the throne. His success will ultimately be judged by four quarters in Atlanta, Glendale and New Orleans.