ergator920103;n11744 said:
I am curious why some of you think that Driskel and the offense will make a quantum leap this season? Roper had 15 practices in the spring and he has around 20 practices on the fall to continue to implement the offense. Driskel has never shown he can carry this team and I have serious questions about the overall offensive player development over the past 3 seasons.
The Orange and Blue game was set-up to be a huge game for Driskel and he could not even throw for 200 yards in that game. The O & B stats: Driskel 19/33, 171 yards 1 TD and 1 sack with a long pass of 31 yards, Mornhinweg: 14/18, 149 yards, 2 TD and 1 sack and Grier: 8/15, 1 interception, 72 yards, 0 TD and 1 sack.
My opinion is that we need to hang 50+ on Idaho and Eastern Michigan in the first two games. Idaho and Eastern Michigan each gave up 40 points and over 9 times last season. Their combined record was 3 - 21 and we need to blow them out. Alabama will be the game to let us know where we stand this season.
I'll answer your question. You may not agree, but I'll still share. One thing I like to add before I answer your question is that they did not play 15 min quarters in the spring game. If I remember correctly it was only 8 or 10 minutes. Anyways, if they had played a full 60 min game, then there is no doubt that Driskel would have had 200+ yards passing. Here's why I think they'll significantly improve:
1) Driskel's skillset and comfortability are better suited for this type of offense, and it is more simple to execute. While we may not have confidence in him now, he is still the most experienced QB in the East, and that is a good advantage to have. 2) Roper has a better track record at developing QB's and calling plays than Pease.His presence alone is an improvement. 3) Summers also has an excellent reputation as an O-line coach and his addition will be noticed. It also helps that he and Roper are on the same page. That was not true for Pease and Davis. 4) This is the currently the best O-line Muschamp has had as long as they stay relatively healthy. Depth isn't where it needs to be but it has improved significantly from last year.The quicker pass plays that Roper likes to call will also help with the O-line production.
5) This is the best group of RB's that UF has had in awhile. Taylor looks to have a breakout year, and Brown and Lane look to be solid contributors. 6) The addition of McGee is huge. He was one of the best TE's in the ACC last year, and Driskel loves throwing to the TE as evident in 2012 when he had Reed. Another plus is the he and Driskel are roommates and will develop a good rapport. 7) This is the most talented WR group in several years. The freshmen last year weren't ready, but it looks like from the spring game and reports that they have matured and will contribute. The senior leadership of Dunbar and Debose should also help. 8) This team has a lot of playing experience at every position thanks to the injuries. That benefited Mizzou last year, and will certainly benefit UF this year.
Also, they have player lead practices in the summer, and I'm sure the coaches have given them things to work on even though the coaches technically can't be around. They certainly will have a lot more than 20 practices to learn this offense. Also, I'm not going to put too much stock into the first two games since those will still essentially be practices but with greater consequences. Yes, they need to have the ability to score in the 30's at least, but if they are shy of 50, then that doesn't necesarilly mean doom and gloom either. They can still improve as the year goes on.
