
What went wrong?
You can talk all you like about Dan Mullen’s erratic behavior, lack of discipline or any other reason he was fired after a disappointing 2021. But there were two important parts to all this:
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The Gators lost a lot of talent and had to change their offensive identity, moving from high-powered passing attacks to more power and balance. 2021 was a year of rebuilding in many ways.
Mullen could still be present if the Gators make the two-point conversion against Alabama, and pull off an overtime comeback.
It’s hard to imagine how Mullen’s team would have reacted if the season started 4-0 with victories over Tennessee and Bama. But after that win over Tennessee, it lost five of the next seven games. There was no consistency, and three close defeats – plus a loss against South Carolina – sealed Mullen’s fate.
But…
It was a huge accomplishment to get Billy Napier the next head coach.
Mullen was a better coach than he deserves, but Napier is a young head coach with the potential to be exceptional. He seems to be ready for college football’s modern era.
The shift in Gator offense last year – which was fourth in SEC in rush and 15th in total O – should be a huge help to the new staff.
Napier brought in a few players who were part of his Louisiana team – RB Montrell Johnson is a star among the NFL Scouting circuit. QB Anthony Richardson has enough experience to make a difference on the defensive side.
This is supposed to be a national championship-level program. It is supposed to beat Utah. It is supposed to beat Kentucky. It is supposed to fight Georgia and give Texas A&M more than just a road fight.
Yes, it is a problem.
Although there are only four games on the road, hosting South Carolina or LSU is not an easy task.
Whatever. It’s Florida. It is supposed to be enough to win six or more college football games, no matter the schedule.
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