It's no secret that the last couple of years have been far from ideal for the University of Florida's football program. With a final record of 7-5 in 2014 and a horrifying 4-8 record in 2013, the Gators have not had very much to brag about. Things are expected to be different this year now that new head coach Jim McElwain has taken over and given the offense a new and improved look.
Under previous head coach Will Muschamp, the Gators were known for a hard-hitting defense that was one of the best in the country - however the offense struggled to find a first down. In four years as head coach of the Gators, Will Muschamp hired three different offensive coordinators and could not manage to record an offensive ranking of anything higher than 93rd in the nation.
Not only did our defensive minded head coach leave, but Jeff Driskel also departed from the Gators. Driskel was a highly praised quarterback coming out of high school, but whether it was a flawed system that failed him, injuries, or just not being able to handle the pressure, he crashed and burned in the Gators offense. After throwing almost as many interceptions as he did touchdowns in three seasons, Driskel decided to transfer to Louisiana Tech, where he has had a hot start.
The Gators have only played their first game of 2015, but both quarterbacks look like they have more potential than Gator fans have seen in the position for years. Sophomore Treon Harris got the start in the game against New Mexico State and threw for two touchdowns on 14 for 19 passing. Will Grier capitalized on his chance to shine by recording two touchdown passes as well. Grier was 15 for 17 on pass attempts, and the two quarterbacks combined for 379 passing yards in the win against the Aggies.
Gator fans can be nothing but ecstatic after seeing a dominant performance like that in the first game of the season. While New Mexico State may not be a defensive force, it can only be good news to see TWO quarterbacks throwing so efficiently after not even having one in the past couple years. The running game will still be important to the offensive scheme, but it will no longer be the focal point of how we move up and down the field.
Not only does the offense look like it will be firing on all cylinders, but the defense is expected to be a powerhouse like it has always been. Vernon Hargreaves III, defensive captain, is expected to be a Top-10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and will be a nightmare for any opposing quarterback this year. McElwain has plans to get Hargreaves involved in the offense as well, and he has been quick to sing his praises.
"He's not a prima donna, which really to me is what sets him apart." McElwain said when asked about Hargreaves. "I'll go ahead and tell you, but we've got packages for him on offense too."
McElwain wasted no time in utilizing Hargreaves in the offense, and the defensive back managed to record a 6-yard reception from Grier in the first game of the season. Don't be surprised to see Hargreaves making plays on special teams, too, as he will be returning punts this season as well. If Hargreaves can manage to stay healthy this year, the Gators will be looking to him to make some big time plays.
Leading tackler, Antonio Morrison, has also returned this season, and his hard-hitting style of play will be much needed in the linebacker core. Morrison is known for misbehaving off the field, but if he can keep himself under control, the Gators will have two star players leading the defense.
The Gators have a great shot of being a top team this season, and they are expected to have a much better record against SEC teams. The team was fortunate with the schedule this year by avoiding both the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. Both teams are expected to make a run for the championship this year, and the Gators will not have to worry about either of them in the regular season.
It is too early to determine whether this will be the Gators' year, but Gator fans everywhere should have a sense of hope that has not been there recently. There will be many changes to the style of play we had seen from Muschamp, but McElwain has done a great job of changing the mood around Gator football.
Jim McElwain was the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2009, when the Crimson Tide ended any dreams the Gators had of winning a championship. The Tide defeated the Gators in the SEC Championship game, and went on to win the National Championship. While McElwain was once the reason for Gator fans losing hope, he is now the reason Gator fans are excited for a new season of football.
It's the best time of the year again, and The Swamp is expected to be louder and rowdier than ever.
