Florida's historical schedule causes hysteria for at least one Gators fan
John throws a pity party for himself and his beloved Florida Gators
I have always stayed away from writing about one specific topic.
I’m too close and it means too much to me.
But this year, I’m going to talk about my team, the Florida Gators, this one time.
And why, oh why, am I focusing on my Gators as the 2024 season draws near?
Well, because they may be facing the biggest uphill climb in college football history, with a coach that may be about to face an unfair Judgement Day based on what lies before him and his team, which is potentially, the hardest schedule since World War II.
Eight preseason Top 25 teams are already on tap. Kentucky and UCF stand just outside the Top 25. That’s 10 of their 12 opponents.
But it’s nothing compared to the month of November. Hoo boy!
Gator Bait?
Just look at it!
I have. Then I’ve had to walk away and get a stiff drink.
Walked back, and looked again, and just shook my head.
Florida will be just the 8th team since 2000 to play 5 straight games against preseason ranked opponents. But compared to the others on this list, nobody was playing a Top 10 team in those 5 straight weeks.
LSU is the 13th ranked team, and that’s for now.
Could it be that every prognosticator gets it wrong and all these teams are garbage? Perhaps.
But if they’re even close to being right, what is any team supposed to do with that schedule?
To be honest, honing your skills against the best can only make you better. But when your fan base is calling for your coach’s head, this type of schedule isn’t helpful.
A Positive Spin?
I am not in that camp. I believe in Billy Napier, still. But if wins are what quantifies progress, that will be hard this season.
Basically, Florida has to be bowl-eligible before November. That’s 6-1 before November 2. They will play No. 19 Miami, No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 15 Tennessee, in-state rival UCF, SEC opponents Kentucky and Mississippi State, and Samford in that stretch.
Yikes.
I truly believe they’re a better team than last year.
Defensively, they should be better, because it can’t get any worse and last year’s freshmen took their lumps, but gained experience.
It’s daunting and scary for a fan base that hasn’t seen 4-straight losing seasons since the 40’s, but you have to play the hand (or schedule) you’re dealt.
It’s time to show some pride, Gators!
And if we succeed, I want to find the sadistic mad men who made this schedule…and thank them. Because in spite of the horror, it may be just the thing to shake the players and coaches awake to say we’re down.
We’re no one’s whipping boy, and we are taking the next step!
Or, we may be road kill real quick.
Florida Gators 2024 Schedule
