(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
The defending champion Florida Gators are bringing back a roster packed full of returning starters from both their 2006 and 2008 championship squads. The Gators enter the 2009 season as odds on favorites to reclaim their title. Expectations are higher than ever with a whirlwind of anticipation surrounding the coming season.
With no shortage of teams looking to stifle the dreams of Gator Nation, we take a closer look at the Top 10 most anticipated and intriguing matchups which could make or break the coming season for the defending champs.
No. 10: John Brantley (Jr., QB, Florida) vs. Charleston Southern / Troy / FIU
This is not a matchup predicated on Brantley versus any one player, but more of a vision of the future of Gator football.
John Brantley turned quite a few heads during this spring’s Orange and Blue game, rushing for two touchdowns and completing 14-of-23 passes for 265 yards and three more touchdowns. After the impressive performance, Gator fans are thirsty to see more of the junior quarterback and future leader of this team.
When Brantley takes the field this fall, Gator fans will also be watching one of his favorite targets. Brantley has built quite a rapport with redshirt freshman, Frankie Hammond. The young receiver had an amazing spring game thanks in large part to Brantley. The duo hooked up four times for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.
No. 9: Florida Linebackers vs. Michael Smith (Jr., RB, Arkansas)
Arkansas speedster Michael Smith torched the Gator defense for 176 all purpose yards and one touchdown in Fayetteville last season. Smith was a one man show for the Razorbacks gaining 133 yards on the ground and another 43 yards via a series of flats passes and short crossing routes.
The Gator defense will have home field advantage this time around, but will also have to contend with Bobby Petrino’s new quarterback, Ryan Mallett. The main burden of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the outside linebackers (starters to be determined).
Their job will be to keep Smith from turning the corner and breaking away into open space where he is most dangerous.
No. 8: Urban Meyer (Head Coach, Florida) vs. Dan Mullen (Head Coach, Mississippi St.)
This is a classic battle between mentor and protégé.
In a move that many consider a demotion, Dan Mullen, the former Florida offensive coordinator, left the Gators this offseason to become head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The ensuing battle will be a duel of two great offensive minds with similar game plans. Expect plenty of new formations and a little trickery from both Meyer and Mullen. Both coaches are likely to anticipate each others traditional moves and try to counter with knockout punches.
The only problem for Mullen will be the lack of available weapons in his arsenal. Essentially, Mullen is bringing his fists to a gun fight...blindfolded…with hands tied behind back.
Gator fans are sure to enjoy the matchup. Expect a little barking from the Bulldogs, but not much bite.
We'd like to send you the most entertaining Florida Gators Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
30 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete