I was thinking about this on the way to work listening to sports talk. The game really does seem to mean a ton this year but not in the usual way. The public perception really doesn't seem to question who will win, everybody knows the gators are, but by how much. A lot of people seem to think it will be a blow out.
Now, when your program has come to a point like that it is VERY important that you make a statement and prove the nation, including your own fanbase, wrong. A sounding victory over the Gators this week in will do so much for this team.
- The team, town, and fanbase will be revived by a much needed victory and more importantly each will gain a ton of confidence that will be needed the following weeks.
- The team supposedly has a bunch of "playmakers" for many of which this will be their first UF game at home. GJ didn't play last year. Crompton, Lincoln, and Wilson watched from the pine in '06. Not sure if Briscoe, Rogers, or Bolden played at all (in '06). Berry, Martin, Walker, Willingham, Rogan, Vinson, and McKenzie all experienced their first UF and Bama games last year, but both on the road. If any of these guys are truly "playmakers" then there is no greater time to shine. At home, a nationally televised game against a rival and a Top 5 team, back against the walls. If these guys can lay the smack down on this year's Gator's it could set the tone for better things either this year or next.
-There is going to be a bunch of recruits at the game and there is going to be a lot of recruits watching. A big time, hard fought, impressive victory could leave them saying "Hey, that's who I wanna play for, or that's my boys right there!"
- Everyone I think knows what this game means for the coaching staff.
LET's GO VOLS!!!! This one's BIG.