Reader Questions Blog Part 2

Reader Questions Blog Part 2

This week's question comes from James Matthews in Florida.

" I see you stuck to ranking only the Top 10. If you were rating 25 teams, where would the Gators fit in? And will the Miami Hurricanes ever get back? especially with all the violations around that program. I say no."

Thank you, James, for your questions.

  Hmmm. Ranking Florida isn't as easy as it has been in recent years. I would put them at #17. They have had a couple down years, and I must say, very down years for a program like Florida.

  The Gators have a couple of talented QBs going into the fall but still with question marks. The defense has its question marks as well. A secondary that will be tested every game in the SEC. But as I have looked at what would be positive for them, it has to be the front seven on defense. The line-backers are experienced and have proven themselves. This will be key to stopping the run, especially when playing Georgia and South Carolina.  Real talk, the Gators' greatest questions and concerns in which keeps them from cracking the top 15 in my mind......it's the offense. New offensive coordinator this year, offensive line struggles the past couple of seasons, and we still don't know who will be the QB week one.

  The record at the end of the season may not show it, but they will be a better team than last season. I look at the schedule and I count five wins, no problem (or at least shouldn't be a problem). A couple of games could go either way, and then you have games against South Carolina, Georgia, and LSU that the Gators don't really match up well with. And then there is that little game in Tallahassee that they don't match up too well with either. Don't get your hopes too high on the Florida Gators this year. I think 2013 season is when the expectations can be raised, but for now, another mediocre season is about all Gators have to look forward to this season.

  Now for Miami fans.  Interesting situation down there. I will make one comparison that could spark some hope for the Canes. Remember when USC got hit with the bowl bans, and conference championship bans? I thought USC, for sure, wouldn't matter in college football years after they had their post season bans lifted. Sure enough, USC is back in the National Title talks in the first year they are off the post season ban. Credit that to coaching and recruiting.

  If Al Golden can keep his guys focused and recruit well, they will be back. The question right now? How long will they be banned from post season activity? And right now, nobody knows the answer to that question. The other scary part about the Canes.....A team with nothing to lose is pretty dangerous and can play spoiler to other teams with big seasons on the line.

Thanks again for the questions. Send to jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com

   Check back soon as I breakdown the #4 team in my Preseason Top 10 countdown. Oklahoma.