“10 Things I Want Out Of The Florida Gators 2012 Football Season” – The Bull Gator

We spend so much time discussing what’s best for the Florida Gators; what will help the sports teams both on and off the field. From time to time, we decide to be selfish though and discuss what’s best for us. These thoughts could help the football team or they could help us as fans. We may want a certain player to succeed because he’s a vital part of the roster or just because we like his jersey number. Whatever the case, these are the things we want out of the Gators’2012 football season. One Eyed Willy was up first; now it’s my turn.

10. The return of The Swamp. I get that it’s a rough time for our country and the economy isn’t what it used to be, but that won’t stop me from longing for the return of a packed house. I want it to be hard for me to get tickets when I want to make the drive to Gainesville. I want the place to be full for each and every home game regardless of who the Gators are playing. I want to feel the energy I did during 1997 against Florida State and 2006 against South Carolina. I don’t want anyone but Gators to get out alive. Bring back the intimidation factor and that feeling of fear put into opponents when they walk out of the visitor’s tunnel.

9. Quinton Dunbar. The spring star needs to do the same on Saturdays in the fall. This one is dedicated to Dunbar because of his jersey number. Florida needs a star wide receiver and realistically it’s up for grabs. I honestly wouldn’t care if it were Andre Debose or Ja’Juan Story or anyone on the roster, but I’m going with Dunbar because, for whatever reason, he’s the one I want to see break out. If Dunbar can translate his spring success to the fall, good things will come for the Gators just as they did in 2006 when Dallas Baker put it all together.

8. On that note, I want offensive fireworks. I’ll even narrow it down to the passing game. Remember Danny Wuerffel? What about Rex Grossman? Tim Tebow’s final game? Whatever happened in 2010 and 2011 was a kick back to the dark ages. The passing game needs to return and Brent Pease can lead it. Will Muschamp mentioned keeping the offense the same, but not even he knows what that offense is. However it works out, it better include short passes, long passes, and every other pass in between.

7. Success for Ronald Powell. Another one chosen for the jersey number of the player mentioned. I don’t just want Powell to be average. I don’t just want him to be good. I want Powell to absolutely dominate. His first two seasons in Gainesville have been rough. He’s had as many ups and downs on the field as anyone, but every so often we get a glimpse. We see the talent and dream of the potential. Powell will be a junior this fall and it’s time for him to live up to that No. 1 overall recruit billing.

6. Jarvis Williams. Louis Oliver. Lawrence Wright. Reggie Nelson. Major Wright. You know what’s coming next. Matt Elam. Like homeruns, big hits can completely change whatever direction momentum may have been headed. It doesn’t have to be Elam that lowers the boom, but he’s the likely candidate. We revere that group of former Gators for more than just the big hits, but the big hits are what we remember first. Elam is well on his way to being a great defensive back; let’s see him make a few of those game changing plays.