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Game Preview This game will not be pretty. In fact, it will be downright ugly. The game isn't even going to be televised on most cable packages because there are much better games to televise...

Florida-Citadel: A Look into the Future

by Michael Oleszek (Analyst)

15

670 reads

Preview/Prediction

November 18, 2008


Game Preview

This game will not be pretty. In fact, it will be downright ugly.

The game isn't even going to be televised on most cable packages because there are much better games to televise.

If other games on Florida's schedule are road bumps, this game with the Citadel amounts to the bug that gets smashed on your windshield. Florida will win the game without much effort, in what amounts to a glorified scrimmage, before next week's rivalry game with Florida State.

And, for those fans who complain about schools playing FCS teams, keep in mind that undefeated Texas Tech has played

two FCS schools this season

 

Thank You, Seniors

Thank you to each and every senior Gator that will suit up for their last home game. Thank you for the 2006 SEC and National Championships. Go get another one. You will be missed.

 

What to Look Forward to in '09 and Beyond

The starters probably won't play more than a half, but here are some players you may not have seen that much this season who will get their first significant playing time:

John Brantley—Quarterback

Emmanual Moody—Running Back

Brandon Frazier—Wide Receiver

Cade Holliday—Wide Receiver

Deonte Thompson—Wide Receiver

Corey Hobbs—Offensive Line

James Wilson—Offensive Line

Will Hill—Safety

Justin Williams—Safety

Brandon Antwine—Defensive Tackle

Torrey Davis—Defensive Line

Jaye Howard—Defensive Tackle

Lorenzo Edwards—Linebacker

 

Game Prediction

Florida 77, Citadel 0

Author Poll

Which Florida junior will not be back next season?

  • Tim Tebow
  • Percy Harvin
  • Brandon Spikes
vote to see results
Author Poll Results

Which Florida junior will not be back next season?

  • Tim Tebow

    6.7%

  • Percy Harvin

    37.1%

  • Brandon Spikes

    56.2%
  • Total votes: 89
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15 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. JoeGator Gator 7 months ago

    This game will give the Citadel players a supply of football stories for the rest of their lives.

    Sure, they're going to get spanked, but how many ballplayers can say they stepped onto the football field with the likes of Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Brandon Spikes, Jeff Demps, Major Wright, Janoris Jenkins, Deonte Thompson, Aaron Hernandez... the list goes on and on.

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    • Michael Oleszek 7 months ago

      Maybe so, but the 4 years spent inside the walls of The Citadel may provide so many more compelling stories.

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    • JoeGator Gator 7 months ago

      I doubt the Citadel players will find any more compelling "football stories" than on their trip to the Swamp against the hottest team in college football. Meyer won't waste a minute of the live game time with the Citadel. While the one's will surely get some rest, the two's and three's need playing time badly (as seen in the second half of the Vandy game).

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  2. JoeGator Gator 7 months ago

    It seems that the Citadel game comes at an opportune time for the Gators. FSU and Bama back-to-back are a major challenge no matter how well the Gators have played of late. Also, the Gators will get a chance to work on things that need it, and injured players needing some r&r can comfortably sit out for an extra week.

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    • Michael Oleszek 7 months ago

      It amounts to an off week for the first teamers and gives the younger guys a chance at some experience. But, the younger guys go up against the best in practice everyday.

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    • O-town Gator 7 months ago

      Very good point; not only will this game against The Citadel give John Brantley, Cam Newton and the rest of our bench some much-needed playing time just like the Western Carolina game back in 2006 did; it'll give our starters a breather and have them fresher and healthier for the fsu and Bama games in the following two weeks. Coach Meyer can also use this game to evaluate the rest of his roster even more as far as their strengths and weaknesses go; some may think it's just a "glorified scrimmage" but this time our bench is facing an opponent instead of their teammates.

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    • Ray 7 months ago

      Speaking of working on things, be on the lookout, while the 1st team is on the field, for a new wrinkle in the offensive razzle dazzle that you have not seen before. great time to live fire a few suprises for Alabama.

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  3. vee man 7 months ago

    How many seniors start? I know Louis Murphy, Trautwein, who else?

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  4. Kevin Crosby 7 months ago

    Although this game will be over in the first 5 minutes, Florida needs to keep the foot on the pedal throughout. Critics will be waiting and looking for a reason to bash Florida's inability to annhialate a "lesser FCS opponent" the first chance they get. If UF doesnt score 60+ and if the D allows more than 7 points, the haters will come out of the woodwork. I, personally, could care less. But, if some of them have voting power, it could hurt in the rankings.
    With that being said, it will definitely be a good week to get the starters out early, get some reps for the 2nd/3rd stringers, and work on fundamentals and cutting down on errors (ie penalties, turnovers and other mental mistakes). The Gators will not show any new wrinkles this weekend for FSU or Alabama to game-plan for. Expect the same sets and formations all day long that we've seen this season already.
    With all due respect to The Citadel... prepare for an a$$whipping.
    UF 66 - Citadel 3

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  5. Trey Jones 7 months ago

    I remember when Spurrier started Eric Kresser (instead of Danny Wonderful) in a late season game against Northern Illinois back in 1995. Spurrier stated that he would start Eric due to his work ethic and commitment to team play...

    Well, wild horses couldn't keep Tebow away from a game but I do wish Newton was healthy enough to take some snaps.

    GO GATOR SENIORS!!!

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    • Michael Oleszek 7 months ago

      I remember that. He also let Berlin start the Orange Bowl when Grossman got 'suspended.' Maybe if Newton said he was going to transfer, he would start

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    • JoeGator Gator 7 months ago

      I think Newton is applying for a medical redshirt. He only played in one game this season, and a redshirt designation would be good for Cam and the Gators.

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  6. JoeGator Gator 7 months ago

    Here are some comments from "ecletikbob" from TSN:

    It gives those kids from schools with a 6,000 to 10,000 seat capacity stadium the chance to experience a 80,000 to 100,00 seat stadium. Florida fans are gracious to these visitors. I have been in the Swamp when the Gators were playing Georgia Southern and also Valdosta State. About mid-way through the 1st quarter, we cheered 1st downs and all good plays by the visitors as if they were the Gators...

    ...and give the [Gator] seniors from the scout squad an opportunity to play in the Swamp before 90,000 fans as a reward for 4-years of their contributions to the team (e.e., the "Rudys of Notre Dame").

    The half-million appearance fee is more than the "GATE" receipts for all of the Citidel's home games combined. The game is also on ESPN Game-Plan, more money for the Citidel and exposure for these kids back home on TV. The real "WINNERS" in these games are the 1AA (FCS) schools.

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