Florida football: Here’s 5 opponents we’d like to see for the Gators
5. Texas, Big 12 (oops, I have to backtrack on this because they already have a home-and-home scheduled) … so, how about Oklahoma instead?
The Kansas kid in me wanted to pick Kansas or Kansas State, but I remember Stricklin saying he wanted games the fans would be energized for — neither of those opponents would do that.
But, I think Texas (Oklahoma) sure would.
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The two teams haven’t played since 1940 (2008) and Florida football has never (actually) beaten the Longhorns (Sooners).
The distance isn’t a problem, but the television rights could be. Texas has its own network while Florida does not. But, if the games were picked up nationally, as I imagine they would be, this isn’t a problem anymore. (doesn’t really apply now does it?)
Two very strong programs going head-to-head would be a very good draw and Texas (Oklahoma) is a school Gator Nation could certainly get behind and hate.
Plus, we would likely draw fans from our SEC brethren in Texas A&M — another school that loves to hate Texas (Oklahoma — from their days in the Big 12).
And, it gets the Florida coaching staff a foot in the door for recruiting Texas (and Oklahoma), which is second to Florida for recruiting.
Will it happen: There is a long line of teams looking to play Texas because of the money. The question here is similar to Ohio State: Do they have the scheduling room and do they even want the game in the first place. My inclination is ‘no’ to both questions. (yeah, I kind of botched that up a bit, didn’t I? Well, we all make mistakes. As for playing Oklahoma, sure, I could see it happen.)
No way Urban Meyer goes to Florida State. dark. Next
Remember, No. 7 Florida is off this week and returns to action next Saturday at Jacksonville where they face No. 10 Georgia.