100 Thoughts about the 2010 College Football Season…Revisited
The 2010 college football season has come to an end. A new National Champion that virtually no one predicted has been crowned and we’ve already turned our focus to recruiting. We can look back, but not for long because most of us have already started to look ahead. In looking back, it’s always fun to take shots at those who made predictions before the season even started. Predictions that didn’t come true, ones that were so far off it’s laughable. What better place to start than right here. We consider ourselves to be fairly courteous individuals here at The Bull Gator. We like to joke, but usually only call out idiocy in its purest forms. We allow for the occasional hiccup here and there…except when it comes to ourselves. So the gloves are off. Start swinging.
Here are 100 thoughts about the 2010 college football season that were posted before the games began. In italics below each past thought or prediction is the outcome.
1. I’m glad critics are downplaying Florida’s chances because Tim Tebow is no longer a Gator. They’ll quickly learn just how good John Brantley is. Brantley isn’t a stopgap until Florida finds the next great Gator quarterback. He’s had the opportunity to learn under Tebow and now the offense is his. Look out.
Moving on to #2.
2. Mike Gillislee is one of the most underrated players on Florida’s roster. If you don’t know who he is yet, you will by the end of the season.
Still true and firmly standing by it even if Gillislee didn’t get much of an opportunity to show it over the course of the year. There are some predictions you stand by. You don’t know why, but you stand your ground. This is one of those.
3. Don’t believe Chris Rainey has made a complete switch to wide receiver. He’s far too talented of a rusher to not be given the ball on the ground in 2010.
There was an issue with a text message that nearly derailed Rainey’s college career. He came back from the incident as a running back first and a wide receiver second. We’ll mark that down in the “Damn right!” category.
4. I’m not sure if 2010 will be a breakout season for Deonte Thompson, but I’m sure it has to be. This will be Thompson’s fourth year in the system. He is the clear-cut #1 receiver entering the season. He needs to be the clear-cut #1 leaving it.
Not sure if 2011 will be a breakout season for Deonte Thompson, but it sure has to be. 2011 will be Thompson’s fifth year in the system. He might not be the clear-cut #1 receiver entering 2011. He might not be the clear-cut #1 receiver leaving it.
5. I don’t care if Andre Debose is the perfect fit for the “Percy” position. I only care about him being healthy and being on the field. “Percy” position or not, Debose is a special talent who makes a dangerous offense even more so. He can make the difference in games. The Gators need him to be 100%.
Debose is a special talent who added kick returns to his arsenal. Unfortunately a lack of understanding when it came to the playbook hurt his chances to see the field too much on offense when he was healthy during 2010. A new offense may provide some fire for Debose to become the player he has the potential to be. Or he may be relegated to special teams. Could really go either way.
6. Don’t worry about the Gators lack of depth at tight end. If every rumor is true, Florida has somewhere between 12 and 37 players working out at the position this fall. It’s hard to say who will end up taking control of the position and getting the most playing time, but the easy guess is either former quarterback Jordan Reed or true freshman Gerald Christian.
No one has any idea who came out of the season as the primary tight end or h-back or whatever similar positions the Gators might utilize. Going forward, Florida will need a tight end. There are a few young ones on the roster. One needs to step up and be ready to play. It’s been a while since the Gators haven’t had one to rely on.
7. If everyone stays healthy, we’ll look back at this group of Florida offensive linemen as possibly the best the school has ever assembled. Although, with Xavier Nixon and Matt Patchan already hurting entering the season, we may never see them at full strength.
Um…uh…well…see what had happened was…
8. Defensive tackle is a very difficult position to be dominant at immediately. Be patient with Dominique Easley and Sharrif Floyd. If they’re great right away, all the better, but if they aren’t, it’s nothing to worry about.
Floyd was very nearly great right away and by the end of the season gave Florida fans something to look forward to. Easley was solid in limited time, but the cloud of transfer rumors hung over his head all season. Look for Floyd to continue his climb to All-SEC performer in 2011 and Easley to gain significant playing time. Solid core returning in the middle of the defensive line.
9. I – and every other sensible Gator fan out there – don’t care whether Jon Bostic or Jelani Jenkins is named the starter. We just all know they both need to be on the field…a lot. (Side note to the St. Pete Times: it’s too late now, but doing your research before previewing the Gators is a wise idea. There was no mention of Jenkins when discussing the linebackers.)
The linebacking corps was largely invisible for most of the season. A lot of this could be blamed on the defensive schemes. When allowed to do their thing, Bostic and Jenkins can be great. A new defensive should allow them to thrive in 2011. Dominance is coming. Have patience.
10. The amount of young talent in Florida’s secondary excites me. And I’m extending this one into 2011 as well. Some great names coming to Gainesville next year.
Still excited. Although not as much. Will miss Ahmad Black more than any other player leaving the Gators. Janoris Jenkins decision to return for his senior season was as big as it gets.
11. I wouldn’t want to catch a pass and look up to see Will Hill bearing down on me. Then again, I’m 31 with any marginally athletic days behind me. I wouldn’t want to catch a pass and look up to see anyone bearing down on me.
Hill could leave for the NFL Draft after his junior season. Why?
12. Chas Henry is the best punter in the nation. And has been for most of his career.
Oh yeah, that’s the happy dance friends. It feels so good.
13. Kids transfer. We all know this. Schools don’t always become what they thought they would be. I’ll never be upset with a kid changing his mind. It happens. But I do wish kids would go through at least one season before making their decision to leave. Just a little more time in the program to learn more about it.
Well said.
14. Then again I take all of that back when it comes to Chris Martin.
Don’t forget about Martin. Coming soon to a field near you. Big get.
15. Looking ahead to next year, with five and half months left in the recruiting cycle, is James Wilder Jr. really done?
It appears as if he is. And it looks like he plans on remaining a running back as long as FSU will allow.
16. And if he is, why don’t Plant kids pick Florida? Someone please tell me. Do I have to camp outside of the school handing out UF brochures?
Hasn’t changed. Doesn’t seem to be anytime soon.
17. Don’t worry, I won’t mention that other Tampa school and a certain prospect I’ve brought up before. Then again, I sort of just did.
He got his offer. Now we wait. Reel him in Boom! Reel him in.
18. I’m looking forward to the commitment of Wayne Lyons – a Myron Rolle-esque defensive back with a bright future ahead of him outside of football. Hoping he keeps Florida at the top of his list.
Lyons didn’t keep the Gators at the top of his list and was rumored to be miffed Florida didn’t either. He’s headed west to Stanford for education first and football second.
19. B.J. Daniels has a lot of pressure on his shoulders this season. If he remains patient in the pocket in 2010, there’s no reason he can’t be one of the nation’s better quarterbacks. Decision making is the key. Don’t take off running too early and don’t throw the ball up for grabs.
Had patience at times, didn’t at others. 2010 was hardly a success, but it wasn’t a failure either. The same said above can be said for 2011. That might not be a good thing, but it’s not a bad one either.
20. I can’t be the only one nervous about USF’s running game.
Performed admirably given the changes on offense and injury problems throughout the season.
21. I can’t be the only one nervous about USF’s depth at wide receiver.
Was an issue all season. Appears to still be.
22. One is a numbers thing. One is an injuries thing. Both have me concerned about the upcoming season.
Oh good, a wasted thought that just combined the previous two. Fail.
23. Remember Terrell McClain’s name. Those of you who live outside of the Big East bubble may not know much about him, but he’s the Bulls best defensive player and a legitimate NFL prospect.
Relatively quiet, but still performed. Not much to brag about, but at the same time nothing to complain about.
24. It might not all come together this season, but the Bulls have plenty of big-time players in the secondary. The defensive backfield should be a strength for USF in the future. You have a guy nicknamed T-Rex and you have to be in for good things, right?
Ups and downs. Consistency still something to improve upon.
25. As usual, I’d rather not talk about the Bulls kicking game. This may not change anytime soon.
Eh.
26. Skip Holtz was most definitely the right hire. Although I want to hurt whoever came up with the “A Holtz New Era” slogan.
Unable to locate sadly misguided creative mind. Settled for scowls directed at billboards.
27. If he can direct USF to a bowl game in his first season, it’ll be a success. You read that right. Expectations aren’t very high this year, but Holtz can keep the Bulls on track if he can get them to a bowl game and build for 2011.
SUCCESS!
28. Unfortunately, the Bulls are another season or two away from seriously challenging for the Big East title. And with that, my dream of a 10-win season.
The time is coming. It is. Believe it.
29. But once they reach that plateau, it’ll be hard to knock them down from it. There’s no reason USF can’t consistently compete for the conference title. So far, they haven’t gotten there, but when they do, they should stick around for quite some time.
And battle newcomer TCU for conference supremacy. That is if the Horned Frogs don’t destroy all within their path for years to come.
30. Gator freshman I like: Gideon Ajagbe. There’s something very diamond in the rough about him. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him work his way into the lineup in a few years.
Waiting.
31. Bull freshman I like: Jamius Gunsby. Love the touch he puts on the ball. And he’s big. Really big. Massive larger than quarterback big.
Still waiting.
32. Freshman I like that neither team got: Kadron Boone. Had high hopes for Boone in orange and blue, but it didn’t come to be. Instead he ended up at Gator rival LSU.
4 catches, 52 yards. More to come.
33. I’ll be there, but I’m still not happy about the Noon start time for the Florida/USF game. I will spend at least $100 on bottled water during that one. Luckily my seats are how do you say “not good?” So I’ll be up where there is usually at least a little bit of a breeze.
There was no breeze. None. Hottest game ever. Unbelievable.
34. I’ll be attending the game with four USF alums and one Western Kentucky grad. The Hilltopper will also be wearing orange and blue. I salute him.
Hottest game ever. Yes, that was already said.
35. Not that you asked, but I’ll also be attending the Florida/LSU game this year. And yes, the Tigers still bleaux (sorry, but it’ll be a while before I stop thinking that’s laugh worthy). You did this to yourselves LSU.
Grumble, mumble, kick stuff, grumble.
36. On the USF side, I’m leaning toward attending the game on November 20 when they take on Pittsburgh. I plan which Bulls games to attend based entirely on the Florida schedule. I’m not afraid to admit that.
Made both. Both losses. Not enjoyable.
37. Florida was the last school to win its first national title back in 1996. It’ll be a long time before we get another school winning its first. Sorry to disappoint those of you hoping this is finally your school’s chance. It’s not. Unless you cheer for Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, Texas, etc., you’re going to be disappointed at the end of the season.
Still not another first time winner. Auburn won its second.
38. That should be directed at Boise State. The Broncos are in perfect position to end up playing for the title, but even if they do there’s a miniscule chance they’ll actually win it. Yes, they beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, Utah beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Neither of those teams was taking on opponents with a chance to win the national championship. That game is very different from any bowl game, BCS or not.
TCU became the non-AQ darling. And they won. But again, it wasn’t for the National Championship.
39. And if Boise State is America’s Team as many have been calling them lately, why do so many want them to lose their first game to Virginia Tech so all of this foolishness is over with? Count me among those. Go Hokies.
Back to grumbling.
40. My pick to win it: get back to me after October 2 and then talk to me again after the SEC Championship Game. I know. Not very ballsy of me. Oh well. My prediction track record is garbage.
Not that that October 2 game mattered, but the SEC Championship Game did. Take that to the bank!
41. Mark Ingram won’t win the Heisman in 2010 and Trent Richardson will be the reason. Richardson will get the ball at least four more times a game than he did in 2009. 50 or so carries lost of the course of the season is a big deal if you’re trying to put up Heisman numbers. Ingram may be in the discussion at the end of the year, but he won’t take it home unless Richardson sees a lot of the bench.
Richardson actually got less carries than he did in 2009, but so did Ingram. A lot less.
42. My pick to take home the Heisman Trophy: Terrelle Pryor in a down year.
Wrong. Cam Newton for the win.
43. Who should be a Heisman candidate but isn’t…yet: That Brantley kid I mentioned earlier.
Oh look, is that #44 over there?
44. In the bold prediction department (remember, I’m not good at this), the winner of the SEC will be one of the schools that won the last two titles. Going out on a limb I know.
Wrong again, but the winner of the SEC went on to win the National Championship again. Does that count? No? Damn.
45. That said, watch out for Auburn. Cameron Newton is the real deal and the Tigers will put up a fight in the West. Should be a great regular season finale this year for the teams from the state of Alabama.
Speaking of. It was a great game and propelled the Tigers to win it all and Newton to take home the Heisman. Although it wasn’t smooth sailing for the constantly accused.
46. Vanderbilt should NOT be removed from the SEC.
Keep believing that. They shouldn’t be.
47. I won’t believe South Carolina can make a move in the East until they actually do it.
Give the Gamecocks credit, but did they really make a move or was it an extremely down year for the SEC East?
48. Similarly, I won’t believe Randy Shannon is the right head coach at Miami until the Hurricanes put together a great season from start to finish, but I won’t be surprised if this is the year they do it.
It wasn’t the year and Shannon is no longer the coach. Was time to move on.
49. I don’t believe in FSU as much as others might. This has nothing to do with the Gator in me and everything to do with the Seminoles needing to return to prominence before I crown them as being back in the national spotlight.
The Noles made a step in the right direction, but FSU still had its struggles in some areas. That being said, they are clawing their way back and don’t look to be that far off.
50. On that note, Jimbo Fisher may turn out to be a great head coach, but considering the fact that he’s NEVER been one before, let’s wait before we crown him the man that returns FSU to the top five.
See above.
51. Lane Kiffin won’t be coaching USC in five years.
Up in the air.
52. Rich Rodriguez won’t be coaching Michigan in three years.
Check.
53. Dan Hawkins won’t ever be a Pac-10 head coach. I think you know what that means.
And mate.
54. The entertainment value lover in me will miss Kiffin in the SEC. Seriously. He gave us all plenty to talk about and laugh at last season. Now he’s just some coach out west.
And a relatively tame coach out west at that.
55. Florida’s one win over Kiffin was a win, but it wasn’t pretty. I was hoping for a level five blowout and now the odds of us ever seeing that are slim.
Sigh.
56. I have to wonder if USC wasn’t currently in so much trouble with the NCAA if we’d be hearing a lot more out of Kiffin. I’m guessing we would be.
Only time will tell on this one.
57. Plenty of people talk about Les Miles and Mark Richt being on the hot seat. Both have great resumes at their current schools. Removing either could be a big mistake.
One had a surprisingly good season despite, well, being lucky beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. The other didn’t have a great go, but is still around.
58. But with both schools on the fence between having solid seasons in 2010 and ending up in the middle of the SEC, we could be talking about their hot seats for months to come.
Hot seat for Richt still relatively hot.
59. Desmond Howard picking Georgia to win the East was purely for shock factor. I’m convinced.
The Bulldogs started the season 1-4, then won three in a row, and finished 2-3. Their 6-7 record was good for third in the SEC East.
60. I know I’m not the only one that thinks this (at least I hope I’m not), but Alabama’s Julio Jones is overrated. He has the size, talents, and abilities to be the best receiver in the nation, but after two seasons, he still isn’t. If he puts it all together in 2010, the Crimson Tide could be even better than they have been over his time at Bama.
The Crimson Tide weren’t better, but Jones was. He looked like every bit of the player he was predicted to be years ago.
61. I’m glad Arkansas and Ryan Mallett aren’t on the Gators 2010 schedule.
More glad after the fact than before. That might not have been a pretty game.
62. Mallett will have a big year, but I’m just not sure it’ll be Heisman Trophy big.
It was big, but not Heisman big. Correct predictions just piling up now! Okay, not really.
63. Robert Marve will be entering his first season as Purdue’s starting quarterback.
Entered, didn’t exit.
64. Robert Marve will be entering his fourth season in college.
Come this fall, he’ll be entering his fifth.
65. That last one has to be surprising to everyone. He entered college the same year as Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, Carlos Dunlap, Major Wright, and Aaron Hernandez. All of those former Gators are now in the NFL.
Still surprising that he still has any eligibility left. It feels like Marve has been around forever at this point.
66. How many years will it take Nebraska to win a Big Ten title? I’m going with and over/under of 2.5 and I’m going under.
Sticking with that prediction. There will be some competition, but the Cornhuskers will be able to pull it all together relatively quickly.
67. Only one last season of the Big Ten’s “we actually have 11 teams” logo. Although beyond stupid from a naming perspective, the logo design is pretty creative.
The new logo couldn’t be worse. Are you a Leader or a Legend?
68. Ohio State will win the Big Ten.
Technically the Buckeyes were part of the three-way tie for the title.
69. Wisconsin could win the Big Ten.
So were the Badgers.
70. Iowa won’t win the Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes were NOT the third team. That honor went to Michigan State.
71. For $2.99 a month I can add the Big Ten Network to my Bright House package. I’ll hold on to my three bucks thank you. I already get enough of the Big Ten games during the earlier hours of most Saturdays.
The Big Ten Network was added, but not for increased viewing of the conference. Because it was thrown in as part of the package that included the NHL Network. Be reassured, the Big Ten Network hasn’t been watched once yet in the TBG household although the guide has been looked at on several occasions to see what innovative programming they offer.
72. I really have no idea who to go with to win the Pac-10. I’m not as high on Oregon as most others are.
Probably should have been. Well, until the final game that is.
73. Jake Locker has the talent and will be a high draft pick, but Washington? This goes right into that “believe it when I see it” category I keep mentioning.
Still didn’t see it despite an upset bowl victory. After another “eh” season from Locker, starting to become amazed people still view him as a sure-fire first-rounder.
74. Why is no one picking Cal? I’m really asking. They always seem only a step or two away. Could they make some noise?
They could have, but they didn’t. A few more steps away than first thought.
75. I feel like adopting Arizona for no reason at all. Why not? I’ve never been there and can’t remember the last time I watched a Wildcats game. Seems like the perfect pick.
Had a chance to make a move. Ended up in the middle of the pack.
76. People keep forgetting that when Utah makes the move to the Pac-10 that the Utes will have to play Pac-10 teams.
The Utes seem like a perfect fit for the Pac-10, but may struggle to compete right away.
77. Utah can be great in a BCS conference, but it won’t be the same as the Mountain West. I hope I’m not the first person to make that realization.
See #76.
78. I have to pick Virginia Tech to win the ACC, don’t I? Miami has a chance. Georgia Tech has a shot. But I have to pick the Hokies, right?
Ding ding ding on the ACC winner. Those other two didn’t do so hot, although they did finish second and third in the Coastal Division.
79. UNC seems like the dark horse pick, but too many people are jumping on the Tar Heel bandwagon. I’d rather play it safe until proven wrong. What can I say?
Didn’t jump on the bandwagon and happy about it.
80. I appreciate what UNC has put together on the defensive side of the ball, but I’m not so high on the offensive side. That defense can’t stop everyone from scoring. The offense will have to do its part too.
The offense wasn’t terrible, but couldn’t get going in key losses to Miami and Virginia Tech.
81. Similar to my Mallett feelings, I’m not sure Christian Ponder can put together a Heisman Trophy season. Ponder is the best quarterback the Seminoles have had for quite some time, but FSU would have to win nine or 10 games and he would have to put up huge numbers to get the honor.
Again, predicted with unfathomable accuracy.
82. I always want to pick Oklahoma to win the Big 12 (call it the Bob Stoops factor), but I have a hard time going against Texas. Who wouldn’t? The Longhorns could be a serious national title contender. The Sooners may be a little bit off of that.
Let’s pretend you didn’t read that part about the Longhorns being a serious title contender. Nothing to see here.
83. It would be interesting to see another program take the Big 12 South one of these days. Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Texas A&M. Whoever wants to step up, please do.
Both Oklahoma State and Texas A&M came close, but not close enough.
84. Damn right I cheer for Baylor. Because it’s fun. It’s similar to wanting Vandy to win every other game except the Florida one. It won’t happen, but it’s a good dream.
Too bad they forgot to show up for their bowl game battle with Illinois.
85. I like Turner Gill at Kansas. Just not yet.
Be amazed. Not yet was right. Kansas went 3-9.
86. Dion Lewis, Heisman candidate.
Hmm…
87. Pittsburgh, Big East champions.
Well, okay then…
88. Although it is the Big East and there are four or five teams that could make a serious run at the title.
There were quite a few in it until the final weeks of the regular season.
89. One last look at Noel Devine the college years. Remember when the highlight videos of a high school Devine hit the internet years ago? Talk about hype. Everyone wanted him. Me included. Even since then, I can’t remember one highlight video sparking so much interest. Good luck to Devine in his final season at West Virginia.
Devine’s career is over and what a long one it seemed. From that first highlight video to his rocky road in choosing a college. Devine was a dynamic weapon when healthy and one that was probably better suited for the college game than the professional one.
90. Nothing but love for Charlie Strong and Louisville. Couldn’t be happier for the former Gator defensive coordinator. Hope for good things for him and the Cardinals in the years to come.
Great first season for Strong. Expect the turnaround to continue and expect the big boys to come for him in only a couple more seasons.
91. Notre Dame meeting with NBC to discuss their offense and commercial breaks is one of the many reasons people hate the Fighting Irish. This is very high up the “are you kidding me?!?” meter.
Still disgusted.
92. Brian Kelly could be the answer at ND. Charlie Weis could have been as well. The bigger problem is the Irish aura isn’t what it used to be. Kids these days didn’t grow up with Notre Dame as a power and because of that many don’t list them among their top schools.
One 8-5 season from Kelly and the aura still isn’t back. And not that it matters to the Fighting Irish, but Weis is headed to Florida.
93. I like Navy this season. A lot.
Solid season for the Midshipmen capped off with a disappointing bowl appearance.
94. And it has everything to do with Ricky Dobbs. I will be watching Navy games this year because of him.
An up-and-down final season for the senior. Will miss watching him next year.
95. We’re very close to Thursday and Presbyterian at Wake Forest. Technically the first game of the 2010 season.
Quick, someone tell me the final record of either of these teams.
96. Southern Miss at South Carolina will be the first game I’ll be watching from the comfort of a local sports bar. It’s something of a tradition.
An impressive opening victory for the Gamecocks pushed them toward a successful season and a SEC Championship Game appearance.
97. Nothing against either of those teams, but I wish the big ticket television game on Thursday night was a little more…well…big ticket.
Hoping something special is in store for 2011.
98. Although, with five straight days of college football, I’ll be just fine.
All vital signs were good after the opening week.
99. The season is just starting and I’m already worried about it being over.
And now it is. As always, quicker than desired. The offseason is not even a week old and is already dragging. September can’t get here soon enough.
100. And what in the world I’ll write about when it is.
Good question. The pace has definitely slowed. Hopes of picking it back up come in and out. Time will tell.