Mullen/Urban/Spurrier: First 32 Games

neteng

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Trask is a blessing. He really is and we should enjoy it. He is a Danny Wuerffel type of human and one hell of a QB.

But he is surrounded by a solid roster of talent too. Im not saying that is why he is doing so good but that is why he is doing so good. He is making throws that only our receivers can catch. He is reading defenses and picking defenses apart. He is great. But our running backs and receivers are matching his play. Shorter is looking like a beast who just goes up and takes balls out of the air with authority. Grimes is a technician. Toney can take it to the house at any moment. Henderson is really looking good. Gamble is a beast. Whitmore doesn't drop the ball ever. Peirce, Davis and Wright are bowling balls who always get 2-3 yds after contact. Pitts, well, he is Pitts. And our OL is giving Trask plenty of time to do what he does.

The point is, to sit back and blow off what Coach Mullen has accomplished as we are just lucking Trask fell in his lap is beyond stupid. The offense has gotten better from the moment Mullen stepped on campus. This season, the offense has shown no real signs of slowing and has gotten better every game. Minimal penalties. Minimal moments where they look lost. Our O is a very well coached unit stocked with plenty of talent that didn't just fall into Mullen's lap. Mullen gets the credit. He hasn't recruited great but he has used the portal to make this offense potent and I really don't think there will be a huge loss next year when Jones takes over. Jones is a stud and he looks to have the mentality of sticking around and learning. I have no worries about our offense next year.

Defense. Not so much.
 

Theologator

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But even the staunchest of Mullen haters have to be impressed by what he’s doing. In 3 years we’ve went from doormat to a budding powerhouse. I’d say the guy is doing his job.

I like him a lot. He has definitely restored almost every area of the program. We were a dumpster fire and were looking promising. If we include the transfers, even his recruiting and roster management are trending in the right direction.

But that last step is harder than all that precede it combined, and it often takes a few breaks (ask SOS about Texas and ASU upsets setting the stage for the Sugar Bowl blitz of F$U.)

I am rooting for Mullen and really hope he makes us a championship program again.
 

lizardbreath

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Gotta give Mullen a ton of credit for his win total so far. I think it has surpassed all of our expectations, but like others have said he hasn’t won anything of consequence yet. That said, he has had to deal with a Dwag team loaded with 5 stars that SOS and Meyer didn’t.
This may be his best shot at a title because of Trask and these receivers, but...I’ll believe he can win a title when I actually see it.
That's reasonable. But 26-6 doesn't suck and Bama can be beaten. We'll find soon enough, one way or the other.
 

lizardbreath

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For the record, I don’t like the constant compare/contrast with previous coaches. Every one is unique and should just be judged on their own performance in that particular window of time. That said, as I’ve stated before, where a particular nemesis lies is really irrelevant. Yes, Spurrier beat uga(with Ray Goff) in his first seasons to establish that dominance. But he was 1-4 against fsu(with Bowden) in that same span. I’m not knocking him in any way, but if fsu were in the SEC East, he’d have had 1 trip to Atalanta in 5 seasons. As it was, he could beat the majority of the SEC with ease—tenn, Aub and Alabama the only real threats—then lose to fsu but still win the conference. I’m thrilled with the accomplishment and still revere him. But he had his own humps he struggled to get over. You can’t pretend it’s any different than looking up to uga for the most part right now. The noles just happened to be OOC.

And yes, Mullen took over a shell of what either Meyer or Spurrier took over. That has to be noted as well. In general, he’s surpassing expectations and has made UF fun to watch again. I don’t really care where he measures up. Things and times change. Let’s just keep winning.

Best post of the day. Well said.
 

Circle City Gator

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Mullen has two things working against him in his tenure so far:

1) Recruiting
2) The fact that Franks would still be starting for UF if he hadn't broken his ankle

Trask is the reason for our success this year. Mullen didn't recruit him, nor did he have any intention of ever playing him.

Arguing Mullen doesn't deserve credit for Trask's success ignores the coach's role in developing talent. Also, stating as a "fact" that Franks would be starting ignores the actual fact that Mullen previously showed that he was willing to change his starting quarterback. And finally, Trask isn't just playing pitch-and-catch. He's been wildly successful because of talent, development, and play calling, as well as development of the offensive line and the receivers. This sour grapes trying to take credit from Mullen is just pitiful.
 

oxrageous

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This sour grapes trying to take credit from Mullen is just pitiful.
Not nearly as pitiful as your posts. You're just a fanboi type that wouldn't criticize Mullen if he went to midfield in the middle of a game and took a dump. You'd say he was just trying to install the proper fertilizer. stephenPE busts a nut when he sees you post something. They would absolutely love you at Swamp Gas.

In the meantime, the adults over here will discuss the coaching staff realistically and honestly. Without Franks getting hurt, Trask would have ended up in the ash heap of football history. Trask has dragged Mullen kicking and screaming into a terrific offense. Next year will be a huge step back - but at least Mullen will be happier. He absolutely MUST have a running-QB dimension (whether it works or not) or he feels like some kind of failure. It's a mental illness that a lot of coaches seem to have now.

Hey Mullen, believe it or not a prototypical drop-back passer that can't run a lick can actually dominate and win games - a lot of them.
 

soflagator

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Not nearly as pitiful as your posts. You're just a fanboi type that wouldn't criticize Mullen if he went to midfield in the middle of a game and took a dump. You'd say he was just trying to install the proper fertilizer. stephenPE busts a nut when he sees you post something. They would absolutely love you at Swamp Gas.

In the meantime, the adults over here will discuss the coaching staff realistically and honestly. Without Franks getting hurt, Trask would have ended up in the ash heap of football history. Trask has dragged Mullen kicking and screaming into a terrific offense. Next year will be a huge step back - but at least Mullen will be happier. He absolutely MUST have a running-QB dimension (whether it works or not) or he feels like some kind of failure. It's a mental illness that a lot of coaches seem to have now.

Hey Mullen, believe it or not a prototypical drop-back passer that can't run a lick can actually dominate and win games - a lot of them.

I wasn't actually there so I have no visual evidence of the kicking. But the screaming could be heard for miles. It's definitely true.

Also, Alex Smith did not throw for almost 3,000 yards and 32 TDs in 2004 with Mullen as QB coach. Nor did Prescott throw for over 7,000 yards and 56 TDs in his final two years under Mullen. Where you guys get these crazy made-up stats I have no idea.
 

soflagator

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But Spurrier won 2 SEC championships and Urban won an SEC and a NC in their first 32 games. HUGE difference.

I continue to like our direction but good and very good need to be on the path to great, not the apex themselves.

Well, one title technically. And keep in mind, he won exactly 1 in his final 5 seasons. As I've said, landscapes change.

You'll never hear me bad mouth '91 because it was not only a ridiculously good team that should've been playing for it all, but also was very special because of the official first SEC crown. But as much as we technically were first in the SEC in 1990, we ended with the same record as the vols, but were also smoked 45-3 in the head to head. I can't even imagine the uproar if Mullen ever tried to claim a title of any sort in a season that featured a loss like that. And '92 had 3 blowout losses(one to Msu) and was the definition of "backing in" to Birmingham. It would've been no different than Auburn beating uga last year and giving us the East title. They didn't lose, '92 tenn did. Only difference. So again, I think we can favorably remember things without looking at the whole picture.

The fact that we're pacing a trip to Atlanta with a chance for an SEC and/or NC is very comparable to those '91 and '06 seasons. I'm not equating Mullen with two all time greats. Just stating there are other measurables that have to be considered.
 

Double Gator Dad

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Mullen is the CEO. We have one of the worst defenses Florida has ever fielded. Most of our special teams play is terrible. The coaches have done a great job of coaching up 2 and 3 stars, but a dismal job of recruiting 4 and 5 stars.

I love how the O is clicking right now. Its fun to watch. After a decade of BS, we have a vertical passing game and a decent run game. Its amazing to see.

But there are cracks just under the surface.

Mullen isn't the coach we're looking for.

Special teams has not been mentioned enough this season
Other than our fantastic kicker our special teams are awful. The majority of kickoffs are returned well past the 30 and many are close to touchdowns
Hard to believe Mullen was with Urban all those years and didn’t embrace Urban’s passion for excellence in this area
 

oxrageous

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I wasn't actually there so I have no visual evidence of the kicking. But the screaming could be heard for miles. It's definitely true.

Also, Alex Smith did not throw for almost 3,000 yards and 32 TDs in 2004 with Mullen as QB coach. Nor did Prescott throw for over 7,000 yards and 56 TDs in his final two years under Mullen. Where you guys get these crazy made-up stats I have no idea.
Not surprisingly, you've missed the point. You've been slowly going downhill since 2011 or so.

Alex Smith rushed for over 600 yards in 2004 and Prescott rushed for over 1,500 yards in his final two years. THAT'S the point. They have to be runners, too. If they can run, Mullen is like a pig in sh!t and may let them toss it around a little.

Trask not running is driving him crazy. He probably has to go home and get drunk after games to relieve his anxiousness. He HATES this prototypical QB stuff. He's not scoring the "right" way in his mind. He feels worthless as a result.

Face it, boys: Mullen can't WAIT for Trask to be gone. Wouldn't totally surprise me if he literally gives him a swift kick in his ass on the way out the door. He will never, ever recruit a QB like Trask.
 

soflagator

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Not surprisingly, you've missed the point. You've been slowly going downhill since 2011 or so.

Alex Smith rushed for over 600 yards in 2004 and Prescott rushed for over 1,500 yards in his final two years. THAT'S the point. They have to be runners, too. If they can run, Mullen is like a pig in sh!t and may let them toss it around a little.

Trask not running is driving him crazy. He probably has to go home and get drunk after games to relieve his anxiousness. He HATES this prototypical QB stuff. He's not scoring the "right" way in his mind. He feels worthless as a result.

Face it, boys: Mullen can't WAIT for Trask to be gone. Wouldn't totally surprise me if he literally gives him a swift kick in his ass on the way out the door. He will never, ever recruit a QB like Trask.

Except Kitna, of course. Not only did he go after a pro-style QB, he insisted they had to come from Texas, have a five letter last name with at least one K mixed in somewhere, and no real high profile offers so commentators can talk about that every game he ever plays.
 

Bushmaster

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Not surprisingly, you've missed the point. You've been slowly going downhill since 2011 or so.

Alex Smith rushed for over 600 yards in 2004 and Prescott rushed for over 1,500 yards in his final two years. THAT'S the point. They have to be runners, too. If they can run, Mullen is like a pig in sh!t and may let them toss it around a little.

Trask not running is driving him crazy. He probably has to go home and get drunk after games to relieve his anxiousness. He HATES this prototypical QB stuff. He's not scoring the "right" way in his mind. He feels worthless as a result.

Face it, boys: Mullen can't WAIT for Trask to be gone. Wouldn't totally surprise me if he literally gives him a swift kick in his ass on the way out the door. He will never, ever recruit a QB like Trask.

I don't know if this is funny because you are drunk, but I gave you a drunk. A funny drunk, like Otis from the Andy Griffin Show.
 

oxrageous

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I don't know if this is funny because you are drunk, but I gave you a drunk. A funny drunk, like Otis from the Andy Griffin Show.
Tell me specifically which part of the post you disagree with. Let's have a debate.
 

gardnerwebbgator

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Our great QB whisperer thought Franks was a better option than Trask. If that injury never happens, we would have maybe got to 7 wins last season, maybe, after UK finished pushing it in on us.

Our great QB whisper has a QB room full of options that he recruited that will replace Trask with not much drop off. Pffft.
 

TheDouglas78

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Well, one title technically. And keep in mind, he won exactly 1 in his final 5 seasons. As I've said, landscapes change.

You'll never hear me bad mouth '91 because it was not only a ridiculously good team that should've been playing for it all, but also was very special because of the official first SEC crown. But as much as we technically were first in the SEC in 1990, we ended with the same record as the vols, but were also smoked 45-3 in the head to head. I can't even imagine the uproar if Mullen ever tried to claim a title of any sort in a season that featured a loss like that. And '92 had 3 blowout losses(one to Msu) and was the definition of "backing in" to Birmingham. It would've been no different than Auburn beating uga last year and giving us the East title. They didn't lose, '92 tenn did. Only difference. So again, I think we can favorably remember things without looking at the whole picture.

The fact that we're pacing a trip to Atlanta with a chance for an SEC and/or NC is very comparable to those '91 and '06 seasons. I'm not equating Mullen with two all time greats. Just stating there are other measurables that have to be considered.

Sofla still not giving 84 team credit for their season, just like I don't give the '17 Eagles their credit because they were on probation for starting a ginger most of the season.
 

RocketCityGator

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Trask is a blessing. He really is and we should enjoy it. He is a Danny Wuerffel type of human and one hell of a QB.

But he is surrounded by a solid roster of talent too. Im not saying that is why he is doing so good but that is why he is doing so good. He is making throws that only our receivers can catch. He is reading defenses and picking defenses apart. He is great. But our running backs and receivers are matching his play. Shorter is looking like a beast who just goes up and takes balls out of the air with authority. Grimes is a technician. Toney can take it to the house at any moment. Henderson is really looking good. Gamble is a beast. Whitmore doesn't drop the ball ever. Peirce, Davis and Wright are bowling balls who always get 2-3 yds after contact. Pitts, well, he is Pitts. And our OL is giving Trask plenty of time to do what he does.

The point is, to sit back and blow off what Coach Mullen has accomplished as we are just lucking Trask fell in his lap is beyond stupid. The offense has gotten better from the moment Mullen stepped on campus. This season, the offense has shown no real signs of slowing and has gotten better every game. Minimal penalties. Minimal moments where they look lost. Our O is a very well coached unit stocked with plenty of talent that didn't just fall into Mullen's lap. Mullen gets the credit. He hasn't recruited great but he has used the portal to make this offense potent and I really don't think there will be a huge loss next year when Jones takes over. Jones is a stud and he looks to have the mentality of sticking around and learning. I have no worries about our offense next year.

Defense. Not so much.

Only Law, Traz, Fooley will argue with you on the offense. They have axes to grind. But "Defense. Not so much."? That's it, nothing more? Until Mullen gets rid of the dwag and recruiting picks up to where it should be, he deserves all the questions that can be slung at him.
 

Double Gator Dad

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Our great QB whisperer thought Franks was a better option than Trask. If that injury never happens, we would have maybe got to 7 wins last season, maybe, after UK finished pushing it in on us.

Our great QB whisper has a QB room full of options that he recruited that will replace Trask with not much drop off. Pffft.

Imagine where we would be today if Mullen had sent Emery in when Feleipe got hurt

Nothing against Emery but I doubt we would have had the same success
 

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