LOREN MEADOWS. The Opening Argument: Eight Reasons Why the Florida Gators Could Win Eight Or More

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With some breaks, Bill Napier has a shot at 8 or more wins. (Chris Spears Photo)

As the Spring seasons come to an end with track and field the last remaining sport for the Gators, many fans will turn their attention to the Florida football and the 2022 season.

By LOREN MEADOWS

GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst

Gone is former head coach Dan Mullen, whose fall from grace still mystifies fans and pundits alike. Enter Billy Napier, who brings an “army” and a level of autonomy that rivals a major corporation as opposed to past coaching staffs. Napier has infused new life into a program coming off a coaching change and its first losing season in four years. However, most of the gambling sites that set the over/under for team win totals have the Florida Gators sitting at 7-7.5 wins for the 2022 season. This win total would be a slight improvement from last year’s total, however still below the standard that many expect from the Gators. With a new coaching staff, systems and signal-caller,

there may be cause for optimism. Here are 8 reasons why the Gators can win 8 or more games this season.

#8-Discipline and (NO) Penalties

From workouts during the “Identity” phase of the program where every player was “required” to be dressed alike with T-Shirts tucked in, discipline will reign supreme in everything the Gators do. The 2021 Gators were whistled for 105 penalties in 13 games while Napier’s Louisiana team committed only 77 penalties in 14 games. An early call out to excessive penalties after a spring scrimmage further drives home that undisciplined activity will not be tolerated on and off the field.

#7-Defensive Accountability

It is no secret that the Florida Gators struggled to defend teams running and passing in 2021. The defense constantly struggled to line up properly and communicate in critical situations. Losses to South Carolina, and LSU saw the Gators allow an unknown quarterback and running back to have career games against the Gators. Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney encourages a “fundamentally sound” defense that allows “different things to look the same, and same things look different”, all while allowing the players to play free and loose.

#6-Game Changer (Special Teams)

Many a coach has said “special teams are special." The Gators were abysmal on special teams in 2021, with one loss (Kentucky) directly affected by miscues and two others (Alabama, Missouri) looming large as well. The “Game Changer” title for the Gators special teams shows the importance the Coach Napier places on these units. In 2021, Louisiana was Top 10 nationally in net punting, and blocked kicks, while cracking the Top 20 in punting average, and kick return yardage against. The Grade A point of emphasis, the return of Jeremy Crawshaw and the addition of nationally ranked kicker Tre’ Smack should help Napier and Game Changer Coordinator Chris Couch redefine the Gators special teams.

#5-Assistant Coaching Hires

Given an A+ for his on-field hires, Coach Napier has assembled some of the top coaches also known for burning up the recruiting trail. The Gators have made what many believe are significant upgrades with Offensive Line Coach Rob Sale, Defensive Line Coach Sean Spencer and former Gator Mike Peterson coaching outside linebackers. The most prominent addition could be the arrival of the “Yoda” of defensive back coaches Corey Raymond, who has coached several NFL first round draft picks in Tre’Davious White, Eric Reid, and Derek Stingley Jr.

#4-Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson presents a certain challenge for any defense. At 6-4 , 237 pounds, Richardson has the talent to impact games both on the ground and in the air. While the darkhorse Heisman candidate has been most impressive on the ground, averaging close to eight yards per carry. Richardson did show improved decision -making through the air, completing 75 percent of his throws in Florida’s spring game. Richardson was also singled out by Coach Napier and teammates alike for his leadership and command of the offense throughout the offseason.

#3 Difficult But Favorable Schedule

While the Gators play in the SEC and open the season with Top-10 Pac-12 foe Utah. The schedule is favorable with some of the Gators’ toughest opponents coming to Gainesville. They will play host to Utah, Kentucky, LSU and South Carolina. While the Gators travel to Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Jacksonville to play Georgia, a win in one of the three and winnable games at Vanderbilt and at FSU could put Florida in a good spot to eclipse the 7 win total.

#2 Florida May Just Be Better

Florida could be favored in 8 games in 2022 but underdog in the others due to noted deficiencies on the roster. Many players return from the team that was outgained by Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri in 2021 matchups but somehow came away with the win in only one of those games. The 24-point win against Tennessee demonstrated Florida’s superior talent. A renewed focus on fundamentals and team play could showcase roster superiority with more consistency in 2022.

#1 Billy Napier

Napier was 40-12 in four seasons at Louisiana. His 2021 team was 13-1. This is a coach who is not accustomed to losing. Napier understands the expectations at Florida, respects NIL, and knows that recruiting is at the center of team building. Napier was given the budget to hire an “army” of support staff, many dedicated to talent acquisition at all levels. More impressive he has been able to clearly outline his goals for his team on and off the field which represents a high level of organizational understanding of the team-building process. Gone are the parking tickets that have affected football players going back to the era of the Head Ball Coach. Meals have improved, expectations have increased and most everyone in the program seems engaged and locked in. Will it all matter? It most likely will take another 20 or 30 bullet points before November to decipher where the Gators will ultimately fall in the win column.