Now that I am one-third finished with my 2008 Florida Gators Season Preview, I have looked back on my predictions and read the feedback give by you, the readers.
Now, I'll reiterate some of my points, admit my mistakes, and give my final opinion on how Florida will fare in their first four games.
Game One, vs. Hawaii
Original Prediction: Florida 45 - Hawaii 17
Most of the feedback I received agreed with my analysis of the game. The major points mentioned included Hawaii's loss of Colt Brennan and Florida's offensive versatility, as well as the Gators' ability to put a lot of points on the board in the opener.
Many people concluded, as did I, that June Jones got out of Hawaii at the opportune time.
New Prediction: Florida 45 - Hawaii 17
Based on feedback from readers and further research on Hawaii, my opinion did not change. Hawaii will have a tough time repeating as WAC Champions with Boise State and Fresno State looking to steal the one of the coveted at-large BCS bids.
Game Two, vs. Miami
Original Prediction: Florida 42 - 24
I had mixed responses from this prediction. Some thought that Miami would make the game closer than I thought, others thought that I overestimated Miami's offense and that Hurricanes wouldn't score that many.
One reader even suggested the possibility of an upset in this heated rivalry game.
New Prediction: Florida 35 - Miami 14
Upon further review, I don't think that Miami will be able to put that many points on Florida in "the Swamp," considering that it will only be the second game of the season, with a first-time starting quarterback.
Game Three, vs. Tennessee
Original Prediction: Florida 34 - Tennessee 14
After publishing this story, I couldn't believe that I had made this game a 20-point victory for the Gators. I had underestimated the energy of Neyland Stadium, especially when the Gators come to town for their annual SEC opener.
New Prediction: Florida 31 - Tennessee 21
Despite the raucous home crowd, I still believe that Florida will spread out the field with their playmakers and give Tim Tebow a great selection of scoring options.
In addition, I still believe the major key to the game is containing Tennessee running back Arian Foster. I believe that the Florida defense will be able to contain to Foster and win their fourth straight matchup with SEC rival Tennessee.
Game Four, vs., Ole Miss
Original Prediction: Florida 42 - Ole Miss 10
This prediction, by far, was the most--what's a good word? I guess I would say "controver
4 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Chad Haynie 11 months ago
Good article. I still don't personally believe the margin will be that wide, but that was a much more realistic and logic based prediction.
I also like your quote from Tebow and it can really be applied to every team in the country. No one has accomplished anything until they step out and prove themselves on the field.
And I'll tell ya, I can't wait 'til that happens. Just 35 days until kick off!!!
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Nick The Only 11 months ago
I think your point totals for the Gators are on the low side. The Gators AVERAGED 42.5 points last season. This season Tebow will be more mature and they add the Pac 10 Freshman of the year (Moody), the fastest player in college football (Rainey), their projected starter at RB from last year (Mon Williams), and several other speedsters like Deonte Thompson and Jeff Demps.
I think they will put up over 50 points against Hawaii, over 35 points against Miami, over 35 points against Tennessee, and over 40 points against Ole Miss.
My predictions for the first 4:
Florida 63 - Hawaii 10.
Florida 38 - Miami 17.
Florida 41 - Tennessee 24.
Florida 48 - Ole Miss 13.
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Chris Copeland 11 months ago
Just remember the last time UF went into Knoxville (the year they won the National title)-
UF- 21 Tennessee- 20.. a lot closer than the "experts" thought...
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James Doker 11 months ago
I thought your revised prediction for the Miami game had the Gators scoring too few points. Nick makes a good point about the offense. I think they'll probably have a tough game against Tennessee, but the other three ought not be close.
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