The love’s only coming when the wins start happening. Right now, Billy’s record as Gator HBC stands at 11-13 to date as he nears the end of year two. He’s 0-2 vs UGA, UK, Mizzou, lost to Vandy in year 1, lost to F$U year 1, blown out in the bowl game last year. Big wins were Utah last year, Tennessee this year. Everybody with a brain knew he had a young roster and there would be struggles. Nobody dreamed the defense last year and especially this year would be absolutely incapable of slowing down the opposition, much less stopping them. If he’s going to turn things around, it’s got to start this Saturday, but even with a win, it’ll likely be more of a sigh of relief than a shower of love. The only way for the love to flow is for Billy and staff to do a complete 180 with this team, especially the defense, and start playing hard-nosed, disciplined, and mistake-free. I’d love nothing more than to see that, but at this point I remain skeptical that it will change until it does and then repeats itself.
I concluded last game’s “Bits & Pieces” with one game remaining so there’s a glimmer of hope to finish 6-6 with a guaranteed bowl appearance. “Hope” isn’t a great plan, but it’s all we’ve got. The biggest problem is that Billy and staff and players have consistently made the same mistakes over and again. At some point, doubling down and getting your teeth kicked in should be a wake up call. Maybe this is the week? If so, it’s about time. If not, don’t expect the love anytime soon. Only winning will bring that and right now, the hole that Billy started in has only gotten deeper, much of it by his own making.
I wish I could be more optimistic, but right now, the best I’ve got is to be pleasantly surprised, if only momentarily, by Billy pulling a rabbit out of the hat Saturday. But I’ll gladly take that at this point and worry about next year when we see what can be made from the portal, recruiting, and potential staff changes/upgrades/additions. Failing any or all of that, we’re likely looking at the next coaching search upcoming.
