OK, it's the traditional opponent come the 3rd week in September.
I am finished with both heartfelt pleas and thoughtful analysis. It's time we faced whatever we are, full on.
Here is the most optimistic I can manage:
IF we are healthy, can field our best on both sides of the ball,
IF these young men can finally shed the arrogant sense of entitlement, absorb the lessons of humility, inexperience and the simple fact that there are lots of TEAMS in our conference that are better and further along in developing it than they are,
IF they are thus now ready to listen, learn from and follow their Coach, well, MAYBE we can keep it close enough to make things interesting in the 4th qrtr--in this and maybe even future, tougher games against even stronger rivals.
Of course, even playing as a TEAM, it'll also take at least some high-flying offense--not to mention a kicker who hits them long or short. Losing a game late we unexpectedly turn out to have had every chance of winning, if/when our kicker chunks a chip shot, won't exactly help the short-, mid- OR long-range health of the Gator-psyche--players' or fans'.
So. Here we go. Who, what and/or where, well, it don't look so dazzling so far--but here's where we begin to find out, for real.
I am finished with both heartfelt pleas and thoughtful analysis. It's time we faced whatever we are, full on.
Here is the most optimistic I can manage:
IF we are healthy, can field our best on both sides of the ball,
IF these young men can finally shed the arrogant sense of entitlement, absorb the lessons of humility, inexperience and the simple fact that there are lots of TEAMS in our conference that are better and further along in developing it than they are,
IF they are thus now ready to listen, learn from and follow their Coach, well, MAYBE we can keep it close enough to make things interesting in the 4th qrtr--in this and maybe even future, tougher games against even stronger rivals.
Of course, even playing as a TEAM, it'll also take at least some high-flying offense--not to mention a kicker who hits them long or short. Losing a game late we unexpectedly turn out to have had every chance of winning, if/when our kicker chunks a chip shot, won't exactly help the short-, mid- OR long-range health of the Gator-psyche--players' or fans'.
So. Here we go. Who, what and/or where, well, it don't look so dazzling so far--but here's where we begin to find out, for real.