The humbling of the Mighty Gators continues unabated; this time, a frustrating 17-12 loss to the Carolina Gamecocks. You know when your little nieces Cacky-lacky call talking football smack before the game that things have changed for the worse for the Orange and Blue. Arrrgggghhhhh !!!
Upon hearing the news last year that Brantley had decided to return for his senior season, there was truly not a doubt in my mind that we would end up in this type of situation.
He can't play well enough, he can't stay healthy enough, he can't make players around him better enough, and he can't lead well enough for what we've needed the last two seasons.
Pretty hard to get a more damning indictment of a Gator QB, and pretty hard to dispute any of those assertions I made. Especially when I see his former teammates, Tim Tebow *and* Cam Newton, starting in the NFL! It's incredibly hard for Brantley fans to acknowledge this but *all* of our opponents salivate at the sight of this guy.
Need I say more?
I've said it before: the kid is cursed. He had LSU beaten last year at home before a fluke play bounced the Bengal Tigers' way, he made a great effort under difficult circumstances this year against Georgia (especially in the first half). Without a lackluster play or three from Chris Rainey (IMHO), we win that game. Even with a few boneheaded plays from Rainey, had we utilized the "pistol" offensive set against Georgia -- we win that game. As it stands now, based on the hard results, we've wasted a season when our freshmen quarterbacks (and I like both of them, Driskel and Brissett) could have received some truly valuable game experience. Wasted! And that drives me crazy.
John Brantley? I feel for the guy, I've always felt for the guy, but this is what it is. I knew I was going to have to endure this season but -- staring at a quite possible loss to the damn Noles in the Swamp -- thinking of this season leaves a very bitter taste that lingers.
Agree. Ugh. :(
Posted by: Steph | November 16, 2011 at 09:25 PM
How much responsibility do the coaches have? Personally, I think it may take a couple of years to see the results of Muschamp and Company's recruiting results. Right now, he's coaching Meyer's recruits. And I agree completely about Brantley. Not a QB under any Division 1 scheme.
Posted by: Mary | November 18, 2011 at 12:22 PM
All teams have seasons like that. The question is, can the coaching staff use it as an opportunity to hone the skills of the players, and teach them how to overcome?
I've already gotten some Outback Bowl tickes from http://amazonticketsonline.com/Outback-Bowl. Michigan vs. Georgia. I'm hoping Georgia sends Michigan packing.
Posted by: Ray Cambridge | November 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM