Florida fans respond to my Spring Game recap

After the 2018 Orange and Blue Debut, I released an article that was critical of the atmosphere surrounding the game and has received considerable attention. I asked people who disagree with me to submit rebuttals. Michelle, Nathan and many others were kind enough to do so. I thank them for their perspectives and for helping to make me and the site better. Go Gators!

Counterpoint: How to interpret what happened during the 2018 UF spring game

By: Michelle Yates

Entertaining (adj) – providing amusement or enjoyment; synonyms: diverting, appealing, engaging, interesting, funny

Perhaps many of the roughly 52,000 Gator fans in attendance at Saturday’s spring game and the unknown numbers watching on TV expected to see the newest and sharpest Gator football offensive weapons and an improved defense.

For numerous others, it was enough to have experienced a solid month of eager anticipation and to walk into Ben Hill Griffin stadium without dread and a knot in the stomach for the first time in several years.

After embarrassing losses on the field and shameful antics off, Florida faithful were in need of bringing back the joy to Steve Spurrier Field. That’s exactly what first year head coach Dan Mullen painstakingly choreographed in an exhibition that brought back the “Fun” if not the “Gun”, of the ‘Fun ‘n Gun’ offense of old.

This spring celebration seemed to never really be about the ‘X’s and ‘O’s, or even the Jimmys and Joes, but about energizing the players who had been demoralized over the past several campaigns, the fan base who had slowly drifted away when watching simply became too painful, and former players who had been shunned by previous staffs for reasons unknown.

By utilizing honorary coaches in recognition of significant contributions to the re-establishment of excellence in UAA infrastructure and with over 150 former players in the stands, on the sidelines and coming off the sidelines to cameo in a few planned plays, Coach Mullen and staff created an atmosphere designed to demonstrate to a record number of recruits present that The Swamp was the most energized place to play, with the best fan base in the SEC.

This ‘Spring Game’ was never intended to reveal a depth chart on either side of the line nor to showcase much about offensive or defensive scheme. Practices and scrimmages open to the public and press, an atmosphere refreshing after the previous administration, had already given those outside the program that opportunity over the past four weeks.

For those who attended prepared to gain insight that would allow a careful analysis of player development or any technical aspect of the program, they would leave disappointed.

Rather Saturday’s “Field Day” seemed to be mostly about entertaining the loyal fanbase who have despaired over the last eight years and ending spring workouts with an event that left recruits impressed with the atmosphere and players and fans alike feeling happy, for a change, to have been in The Swamp.

Mission accomplished.

WHY SO SERIOUS?…

By: Nathan Walker

In case you didn’t notice, the Florida spring game was different this year. So the Gators found a dominant force at QB to take the offense to the promised land? No. Ok, well then they at least completed more than 50 percent of their passes? Yes but barely, only with the help of players that aren’t actually on the team any more. Ok, so how was it different and why am I supposed to be excited?

1. It was outside the box. We now have a coach that isn’t afraid to shake things up a little bit. I could understand not wanting change if we are wearing maroon and white and coming off another National Championship. BUT we aren’t.. And their way is not the only way to win. Being a blue-blood program doesn’t have to mean being conventional. Our coach wears bright blue Jordans and throws rallies at sororities. He has opened the doors for former players to come back and contribute to the team (we now know he meant literally) teaching and mentoring both on and off the field. There’s nothing gimmick about that. The more positive influences surrounding these kids the less we have to worry about off the field problems. He wants the fan base and media to feel welcomed at practices so that we can feel invested in the process and hardwork his team is putting in. You put in the reps in the weight room and work your butt off at practice so that the games can be a celebration.
2. The players had a blast. Every gator fan wanted to see Franks and Trask and Jones and Allen each throw for 200 yards, 3 TDs and rush for 100, while at the same time somehow the defense being dominant as well. They didn’t do that, but they weren’t down about it or afraid to make mistakes trying. The atmosphere was loose to get the players having fun in front of the fans again. And they clearly were. As fans sometimes we can care too much about ourselves. Some fans loved it, some hated it, but what’s really important is that the players/recruits had a blast. We should want to see our QB so excited that he does a little giddy-up and rides his teammate’s back to the sideline. Because scoring touchdowns is fun and they are 19 year-old kids with a world of pressure on their shoulders, and its just the spring game.
3. Its just the spring game. It comes after weeks of strenuous practices and months of a Mullen/Savage self proclaimed “something they have never experienced” strength and conditioning program. At the end of the day no one remembers the score of the game. There will be teams that win National Championships after having spring games that looked like ours did (don’t quote me on that but I’ve seen some crazy bad ones from good teams) and some teams that go 4-8. But really its just a chance for fans and players to celebrate Gator football together and make the coming months of waiting for the new season bearable.

At the end of the day Mullen’s career as Florida head coach wont be judged on spring games. Let’s embrace the change and let Mullen do it his way. Go Gators!

FEATURED IMAGE USED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE FROm Luke m. schierholz