2012 Gator Bowl Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Will Muschamp ('Boom')
Assistant Coaches: Official School Bios
Brian White - Running Backs
Frank Verducci - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator
Aubrey Hill - Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator
Derek Lewis - Tight Ends
Dan Quinn - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
D.J. Durkin - Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator
Travaris Robinson - Defensive Backs
Bryant Young - Defensive Line
RecruitingAssistant Coaches: Official School Bios
Brian White - Running Backs
Frank Verducci - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator
Aubrey Hill - Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator
Derek Lewis - Tight Ends
Dan Quinn - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
D.J. Durkin - Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator
Travaris Robinson - Defensive Backs
Bryant Young - Defensive Line
Incoming Recruits:
2012 Verbal Commitments
Scout.com - #7 class - 2-5*, 9-4*, 7-3*, 0-2* - 3.72* average
Rivals.com - #4 class - 1-5*, 12-4*, 4-3*, 1-2* - 3.72* average
Willie Bailey S 6-2 160 Hallandale, FL - 3*/3*
Jessamen Dunker OT 6-6 315 Boynton Beach, FL - 4*/4*
Austin Hardin K 5-11 195 Atlanta, GA - 3*/2*
DJ Humphries OT 6-6 262 Charlotte, NC - 5*/5*
Damien Jacobs DT 6-2 300 Scooba, MS - 4*/4* - JUCO
Matt Jones RB 6-3 225 Seffner, FL - 4*/4*
Rhaheim Ledbetter S 5-11 190 Shelby, NC - 4*/3*
Jafar Mann DT 6-4 293 Stone Mountain, GA - 3*/3*
Marcus Maye S 6-1 195 Melbourne, FL - 4*/4*
Antonio Morrison LB 6-3 220 Bolingbrook, IL - 3*/4*
Omari Phillips OT 6-6 270 Venice, FL - 4*/4*
Latroy Pittman WR 6-1 185 Citra, FL - 3*/4*
Brian Poole CB 5-11 185 Bradenton, FL - 5*/4*
Jeremi Powell LB 6-2 200 Largo, FL - 4*/4*
Junior Salt OG 6-3 340 Walnut, CA - 3*/4* - JUCO
Kent Taylor TE 6-5 215 Land O' Lakes, FL - 4*/4*
Colin Thompson TE 6-5 255 Warminster, PA - 4*/4*
Quinteze Williams DE 6-3.5 260 Tyrone, GA - 3*/3*
2011 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #26 class - 1-5*, 7-4*, 8-3*, 1-2* - 3.47* average
Rivals.com - #12 class - 0-5*, 9-4*, 8-3*, 0-2* - 3.53* average
Jacoby Brissett QB 6-4 225 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 4*/4*
Clay Burton DE 6-3 235 Venice, FL - 3*/3*
Kyle Christy P 6-2 185 Brownsburg, IN - 3*/3*
Jeff Driskel QB 6-4 225 Oviedo, FL - 5*/4*
Jabari Gorman S 5-11 175 Miami, FL - 4*/4*
Chris Johnson LB 5-10 185 Ocala, FL - 3*/3*
Tommy Jordan OT 6-5 295 Ridgefield, CT - 3*/3*
Hunter Joyer FB 5-11 248 Tampa, FL - 3*/3*
AC Leonard TE 6-3 220 Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4*
Louchiez Purifoy CB 6-1 170 Pensacola, FL - 3*/4*
Marcus Roberson S 6-1 180 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 4*/4*
Pop Saunders CB 5-11 170 Deland, FL - 3*/3*
Valdez Showers CB 6-0 185 Madison Heights, MI - 4*/3*
Graham Stewart LB 6-2 225 Middletown, CT - 4*/4*
JaJuan Story WR 6-4 192 Brooksville, FL - 4*/4*
Trip Thurman DT 6-6 310 Dover, DE - 3*/4*
Tevin Westbrook DE 6-5 240 Coconut Creek, FL - 2*/3*
2010 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #1 class - 6-5*, 14-4*, 6-3*, 1-2* - 3.93* average
Rivals.com - #2 class - 5-5*, 16-4*, 5-3*, 1-2* - 3.93* average
Gideon Ajagbe LB 6-1.5 192 Coconut Grove, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Neiron Bell LB 6-4 210 Jackson, GA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Mack Brown RB 5-10.5 190 Lithonia, GA - 4*/4*
Trey Burton QB 6-3 220 Venice, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Gerald Christian TE 6-3 230 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Robert Clark CB 5-10 170 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jonathan Dowling S 6-4 185 Bradenton, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Quinton Dunbar WR 6-2 165 Miami, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Chris Dunkley WR 5-11 169 Pahokee, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
Dominique Easley DT 6-2 253 Staten Island, NY - 5*/5*
Matt Elam S 6-1 205 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 5*/5*
Sharrif Floyd DT 6-2 311 Philadelphia, PA - 5*/5*
Chaz Green OT 6-6 278 Tampa, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Jordan Haden S 6-0 200 Ft. Washington, MD - 4*/4*[/strike]
Darrin Kitchens LB 6-2 215 Homestead, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Chris Martin LB 6-4 240 Aurora, CO - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Michael McFarland TE 6-6 220 Tampa, FL - 4*/3*[/strike]
Tyler Murphy WR 6-2 190 Wethersfield, CT - 2*/2*
Leon Orr DT 6-4 295 New Port Richey, FL - 4*/4*
Solomon Patton WR 5-9 167 Mobile, AL - 4*/4*
Ronald Powell DE 6-4 250 Moreno Valley, CA - 5*/5*
Cody Riggs CB 5-9.5 165 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Joshua Shaw CB 6-1 180 Palmdale, CA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Ian Silberman OT 6-6 278 Orange Park, FL - 4*/4*
Michael Taylor LB 6-0 200 Atlanta, GA - 3*/4*
Lynden Trail DE 6-7 200 Miami, FL - 4*/4*
Jaylen Watkins CB 6-0 175 Cape Coral, FL - 4*/4*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #21 class - 4-5*, 5-4*, 8-3* - 3.77* average
Rivals.com - #11 class - 3-5*, 9-4*, 5-3* - 3.88* average
Nick Alajajian OG 6-4 280 Naples, FL - 4*/4*
Stephen Alli WR 6-6 210 Andover, NH - 3*/3*
Jon Bostic LB 6-2 225 Wellington, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Gary Brown DT 6-4 275 Quincy, FL - 5*/5*[/strike]
Andre Debose WR 5-11.5 175 Sanford, FL - 5*/5*
Josh Evans S 6-2 185 Irvington, NJ - 3*/4*
[strike]Dee Finley S 6-1 193 New Berlin, NY - 4*/4* - PREP[/strike]
Mike Gillislee RB 6-0 190 Deland, FL - 3*/4*
Jon Halapio OG 6-4 300 St. Petersburg, FL - 3*/3*
Jonotthan Harrison OG 6-3 279 Groveland, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Edwin Herbert DT 6-3.5 295 San Francisco, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
Jelani Jenkins LB 6-1 200 Olney, MD - 5*/5*
Kedric Johnson DE 6-4 215 Palmetto, FL - 3*/3*
Kyle Koehne OT 6-6 300 Indianapolis, IN - 3*/3*
Xavier Nixon OT 6-6 285 Fayetteville, NC - 5*/4*
[strike]Desmond Parks TE 6-6 215 Greer, SC - 3*/3*[/strike]
Jordan Reed QB 6-3 225 New London, CT - 3*/4*
2008 Recruting Class
Scout.com - #12 class - 4-5*, 8-4*, 9-3*, 1-2* - 3.68* average
Rivals.com - #3 class - 4-5*, 12-4*, 4-3*, 2-2* - 3.82* average
[strike]Brendan Beal LB 6-3 240 Bethlehem, PA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Jeremy Brown CB 5-10 170 Orlando, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Adrian Bushell CB 5-11 175 Desoto, TX - 3*/4*[/strike]
Jeff Demps RB 5-10 180 Groveland, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Troy Epps DE 6-1 270 Coffeyville, KS - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Dee Finley S 6-3 205 Auburn, AL - 4*/4*[/strike]
William Green LB 6-5 208Hoover, AL - 4*/4*
Frankie Hammond WR 6-1 162 Hallandale, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Will Hill S 6-3 203 Jersey City, NJ - 5*/5*[/strike]
Omarius Hines WR 6-2.5 205 Corsicana, TX - 4*/4*
Omar Hunter DT 6-2 297 Buford, GA - 5*/5*
[strike]Janoris Jenkins CB 5-11 180 Pahokee, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Byran Jones OG 6-2.5 328 Jacksonville, FL - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]TJ Lawrence WR 6-1.5 190 Lakeland, FL - 3*/4*[/strike]
Lerentee McCray LB 6-2 200 Dunnellon, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Carl Moore WR 6-4 220 Rocklin, CA - 5*/5* - JUCO[/strike]
Earl Okine DE 6-7 235 Gainesville, FL - 4*/4*
Matt Patchan OT 6-7 265 Seffner, FL - 5*/5*
[strike]TJ Pridemore FB 6-2 235 Buford, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
Sam Robey DE 6-5 270 Louisville, KY - 3*/3*
Caleb Sturgis K 5-11 180 St. Augustine, FL - 3*/2*
David Young OT 6-6 275 Edwardsville, IL - 2*/3*
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #1 class - 10-5*, 13-4*, 4-3* - 4.22* average
Rivals.com - #1 class - 3-5*, 17-4*, 7-3* - 3.85* average
[strike]Ahmad Black CB 5-10 170 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
John Brantley QB 6-3 195 Ocala, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]John Brown DT 6-1 285 Lakeland, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Torrey Davis DT 6-4 285 Seffner, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Carlos Dunlap DE 6-6 240 North Charleston, SC - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Lorenzo Edwards LB 6-2 221 Orlando, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Jerimy Finch S 6-2 200 Indianapolis, IN - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Joe Haden WR 5-11 195 Fort Washington, MD - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Chas Henry K 6-4 200 Dallas, GA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Aaron Hernandez TE 6-4 235 Bristol, CT - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Brandon Hicks LB 6-2 205 Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Jay Howard DE 6-5 230 Orlando, FL - 3*/4*
Moses Jenkins CB 6-2.5 175 Lauderdale Lakes, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]John Jones LB 6-3 205 Sarasota, FL - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Duke Lemmens DE 6-5 238 Westlake Village, CA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Cam Newton QB 6-5.5 255 Atlanta, GA - 4*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Maurkice Pouncey OG 6-4.5 283 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Mike Pouncey OG 6-4.5 298 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Chris Rainey RB 5-9 156 Lakeland, FL - 5*/4*
Deonte Thompson WR 5-11 .5 185 Belle Glade, FL - 5*/4*
[strike]Justin Trattou DE 6-4 250 Ramsey, NJ - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Bryan Waggener QB 6-4 226 Glendora, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Steven Wilks S 6-2 195 Lakeland, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Bo Williams RB 6-0 205 Oakland Park, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
James Wilson OG 6-5 305 St. Augustine, FL - 5*/5*
[strike]Paul Wilson WR 6-1 175 Lakeland, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Major Wright S 6-1 204 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
Name Position Ht Weight Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
Bold indicates starter
[strike]No longer with team[/strike]
Behind the Numbers2012 Verbal Commitments
Scout.com - #7 class - 2-5*, 9-4*, 7-3*, 0-2* - 3.72* average
Rivals.com - #4 class - 1-5*, 12-4*, 4-3*, 1-2* - 3.72* average
Willie Bailey S 6-2 160 Hallandale, FL - 3*/3*
Jessamen Dunker OT 6-6 315 Boynton Beach, FL - 4*/4*
Austin Hardin K 5-11 195 Atlanta, GA - 3*/2*
DJ Humphries OT 6-6 262 Charlotte, NC - 5*/5*
Damien Jacobs DT 6-2 300 Scooba, MS - 4*/4* - JUCO
Matt Jones RB 6-3 225 Seffner, FL - 4*/4*
Rhaheim Ledbetter S 5-11 190 Shelby, NC - 4*/3*
Jafar Mann DT 6-4 293 Stone Mountain, GA - 3*/3*
Marcus Maye S 6-1 195 Melbourne, FL - 4*/4*
Antonio Morrison LB 6-3 220 Bolingbrook, IL - 3*/4*
Omari Phillips OT 6-6 270 Venice, FL - 4*/4*
Latroy Pittman WR 6-1 185 Citra, FL - 3*/4*
Brian Poole CB 5-11 185 Bradenton, FL - 5*/4*
Jeremi Powell LB 6-2 200 Largo, FL - 4*/4*
Junior Salt OG 6-3 340 Walnut, CA - 3*/4* - JUCO
Kent Taylor TE 6-5 215 Land O' Lakes, FL - 4*/4*
Colin Thompson TE 6-5 255 Warminster, PA - 4*/4*
Quinteze Williams DE 6-3.5 260 Tyrone, GA - 3*/3*
2011 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #26 class - 1-5*, 7-4*, 8-3*, 1-2* - 3.47* average
Rivals.com - #12 class - 0-5*, 9-4*, 8-3*, 0-2* - 3.53* average
Jacoby Brissett QB 6-4 225 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 4*/4*
Clay Burton DE 6-3 235 Venice, FL - 3*/3*
Kyle Christy P 6-2 185 Brownsburg, IN - 3*/3*
Jeff Driskel QB 6-4 225 Oviedo, FL - 5*/4*
Jabari Gorman S 5-11 175 Miami, FL - 4*/4*
Chris Johnson LB 5-10 185 Ocala, FL - 3*/3*
Tommy Jordan OT 6-5 295 Ridgefield, CT - 3*/3*
Hunter Joyer FB 5-11 248 Tampa, FL - 3*/3*
AC Leonard TE 6-3 220 Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4*
Louchiez Purifoy CB 6-1 170 Pensacola, FL - 3*/4*
Marcus Roberson S 6-1 180 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 4*/4*
Pop Saunders CB 5-11 170 Deland, FL - 3*/3*
Valdez Showers CB 6-0 185 Madison Heights, MI - 4*/3*
Graham Stewart LB 6-2 225 Middletown, CT - 4*/4*
JaJuan Story WR 6-4 192 Brooksville, FL - 4*/4*
Trip Thurman DT 6-6 310 Dover, DE - 3*/4*
Tevin Westbrook DE 6-5 240 Coconut Creek, FL - 2*/3*
2010 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #1 class - 6-5*, 14-4*, 6-3*, 1-2* - 3.93* average
Rivals.com - #2 class - 5-5*, 16-4*, 5-3*, 1-2* - 3.93* average
Gideon Ajagbe LB 6-1.5 192 Coconut Grove, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Neiron Bell LB 6-4 210 Jackson, GA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Mack Brown RB 5-10.5 190 Lithonia, GA - 4*/4*
Trey Burton QB 6-3 220 Venice, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Gerald Christian TE 6-3 230 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Robert Clark CB 5-10 170 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jonathan Dowling S 6-4 185 Bradenton, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Quinton Dunbar WR 6-2 165 Miami, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Chris Dunkley WR 5-11 169 Pahokee, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
Dominique Easley DT 6-2 253 Staten Island, NY - 5*/5*
Matt Elam S 6-1 205 Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 5*/5*
Sharrif Floyd DT 6-2 311 Philadelphia, PA - 5*/5*
Chaz Green OT 6-6 278 Tampa, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Jordan Haden S 6-0 200 Ft. Washington, MD - 4*/4*[/strike]
Darrin Kitchens LB 6-2 215 Homestead, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]Chris Martin LB 6-4 240 Aurora, CO - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Michael McFarland TE 6-6 220 Tampa, FL - 4*/3*[/strike]
Tyler Murphy WR 6-2 190 Wethersfield, CT - 2*/2*
Leon Orr DT 6-4 295 New Port Richey, FL - 4*/4*
Solomon Patton WR 5-9 167 Mobile, AL - 4*/4*
Ronald Powell DE 6-4 250 Moreno Valley, CA - 5*/5*
Cody Riggs CB 5-9.5 165 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Joshua Shaw CB 6-1 180 Palmdale, CA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Ian Silberman OT 6-6 278 Orange Park, FL - 4*/4*
Michael Taylor LB 6-0 200 Atlanta, GA - 3*/4*
Lynden Trail DE 6-7 200 Miami, FL - 4*/4*
Jaylen Watkins CB 6-0 175 Cape Coral, FL - 4*/4*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #21 class - 4-5*, 5-4*, 8-3* - 3.77* average
Rivals.com - #11 class - 3-5*, 9-4*, 5-3* - 3.88* average
Nick Alajajian OG 6-4 280 Naples, FL - 4*/4*
Stephen Alli WR 6-6 210 Andover, NH - 3*/3*
Jon Bostic LB 6-2 225 Wellington, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Gary Brown DT 6-4 275 Quincy, FL - 5*/5*[/strike]
Andre Debose WR 5-11.5 175 Sanford, FL - 5*/5*
Josh Evans S 6-2 185 Irvington, NJ - 3*/4*
[strike]Dee Finley S 6-1 193 New Berlin, NY - 4*/4* - PREP[/strike]
Mike Gillislee RB 6-0 190 Deland, FL - 3*/4*
Jon Halapio OG 6-4 300 St. Petersburg, FL - 3*/3*
Jonotthan Harrison OG 6-3 279 Groveland, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Edwin Herbert DT 6-3.5 295 San Francisco, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
Jelani Jenkins LB 6-1 200 Olney, MD - 5*/5*
Kedric Johnson DE 6-4 215 Palmetto, FL - 3*/3*
Kyle Koehne OT 6-6 300 Indianapolis, IN - 3*/3*
Xavier Nixon OT 6-6 285 Fayetteville, NC - 5*/4*
[strike]Desmond Parks TE 6-6 215 Greer, SC - 3*/3*[/strike]
Jordan Reed QB 6-3 225 New London, CT - 3*/4*
2008 Recruting Class
Scout.com - #12 class - 4-5*, 8-4*, 9-3*, 1-2* - 3.68* average
Rivals.com - #3 class - 4-5*, 12-4*, 4-3*, 2-2* - 3.82* average
[strike]Brendan Beal LB 6-3 240 Bethlehem, PA - 4*/4*[/strike]
Jeremy Brown CB 5-10 170 Orlando, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Adrian Bushell CB 5-11 175 Desoto, TX - 3*/4*[/strike]
Jeff Demps RB 5-10 180 Groveland, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Troy Epps DE 6-1 270 Coffeyville, KS - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Dee Finley S 6-3 205 Auburn, AL - 4*/4*[/strike]
William Green LB 6-5 208Hoover, AL - 4*/4*
Frankie Hammond WR 6-1 162 Hallandale, FL - 3*/4*
[strike]Will Hill S 6-3 203 Jersey City, NJ - 5*/5*[/strike]
Omarius Hines WR 6-2.5 205 Corsicana, TX - 4*/4*
Omar Hunter DT 6-2 297 Buford, GA - 5*/5*
[strike]Janoris Jenkins CB 5-11 180 Pahokee, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Byran Jones OG 6-2.5 328 Jacksonville, FL - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]TJ Lawrence WR 6-1.5 190 Lakeland, FL - 3*/4*[/strike]
Lerentee McCray LB 6-2 200 Dunnellon, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]Carl Moore WR 6-4 220 Rocklin, CA - 5*/5* - JUCO[/strike]
Earl Okine DE 6-7 235 Gainesville, FL - 4*/4*
Matt Patchan OT 6-7 265 Seffner, FL - 5*/5*
[strike]TJ Pridemore FB 6-2 235 Buford, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
Sam Robey DE 6-5 270 Louisville, KY - 3*/3*
Caleb Sturgis K 5-11 180 St. Augustine, FL - 3*/2*
David Young OT 6-6 275 Edwardsville, IL - 2*/3*
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #1 class - 10-5*, 13-4*, 4-3* - 4.22* average
Rivals.com - #1 class - 3-5*, 17-4*, 7-3* - 3.85* average
[strike]Ahmad Black CB 5-10 170 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
John Brantley QB 6-3 195 Ocala, FL - 4*/4*
[strike]John Brown DT 6-1 285 Lakeland, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Torrey Davis DT 6-4 285 Seffner, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Carlos Dunlap DE 6-6 240 North Charleston, SC - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Lorenzo Edwards LB 6-2 221 Orlando, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Jerimy Finch S 6-2 200 Indianapolis, IN - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Joe Haden WR 5-11 195 Fort Washington, MD - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Chas Henry K 6-4 200 Dallas, GA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Aaron Hernandez TE 6-4 235 Bristol, CT - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Brandon Hicks LB 6-2 205 Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Jay Howard DE 6-5 230 Orlando, FL - 3*/4*
Moses Jenkins CB 6-2.5 175 Lauderdale Lakes, FL - 3*/3*
[strike]John Jones LB 6-3 205 Sarasota, FL - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Duke Lemmens DE 6-5 238 Westlake Village, CA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Cam Newton QB 6-5.5 255 Atlanta, GA - 4*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Maurkice Pouncey OG 6-4.5 283 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Mike Pouncey OG 6-4.5 298 Lakeland, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
Chris Rainey RB 5-9 156 Lakeland, FL - 5*/4*
Deonte Thompson WR 5-11 .5 185 Belle Glade, FL - 5*/4*
[strike]Justin Trattou DE 6-4 250 Ramsey, NJ - 5*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Bryan Waggener QB 6-4 226 Glendora, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Steven Wilks S 6-2 195 Lakeland, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Bo Williams RB 6-0 205 Oakland Park, FL - 4*/4*[/strike]
James Wilson OG 6-5 305 St. Augustine, FL - 5*/5*
[strike]Paul Wilson WR 6-1 175 Lakeland, FL - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Major Wright S 6-1 204 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 5*/4*[/strike]
Name Position Ht Weight Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
Bold indicates starter
[strike]No longer with team[/strike]
For most bowl games, Behind the Numbers has examined the history between the Buckeyes and the coming opponent. For this opponent, no history was found. While there is a completely blank spot in the memory banks where January 2007 should be, it is no doubt a coincidence. Let us just examine the match-up at hand.
The conventional wisdom is that the 2012 Gator Bowl features evenly matched teams. Differential analysis shows that this is more or less true, but Florida does appear to have a slight advantage on both sides of the ball. Differential analysis combines traditional scoring and yardage metrics with measures comparing each team to the other teams their opponents have played. For both kinds of numbers, all games against FCS teams are discarded for all FBS teams.
For the differential numbers, each of them is a ratio. Differential Scoring Offense (DSO) for example, is the ratio of how many points a team scores to how many points their opponents typically give up. All other differential numbers work the same way. On to the numbers.
SO = Scoring Offense
DSO = Differential Scoring Offense
TO = Total Offense
DTO = Differential Total Offense
SD = Scoring Defense
DSD = Differential Scoring Defense
TD = Total Defense
DTD = Differential Total Defense
DSC = Differential Scoring Composite = DSO/DSD
DYC = Differential Yardage Composite = DTO/DTD
If the identical 6-6 records weren't enough, then the numbers above certainly illustrate that these teams are fairly evenly matched. Though Florida enjoys slight statistical superiority across the board, except for Scoring Offense (because their game against Furman was discarded), there are other numbers to consider.
While both offenses are among the worst in the nation at moving the ball (Total Offense), the Gators also rank among the worst at scoring in the red zone. Traditional red zone rankings, like those found at the official NCAA web-site, show that the Gators score 86% of the time in the red zone. There are however, better ways of determining red zone prowess. In Points Per Appearance in the red zone, the Gators rank 93rd in the nation, while the Buckeyes are ranked 29th.
The primary reason for Florida's poor red zone performance is their inability to convert on 3rd down. While the Buckeyes languish at 70th in the nation in 3rd down %, the Gators actually rank 42 spots lower at 112. The upshot is that the Buckeyes have converted 20 more 3rd downs than have the Gators, and have scored 30 more points in the Red Zone, largely as a direct result of this.
Florida makes up for their shortcomings on 3rd down (sort of) by being better on 1st and 2nd down and producing more big plays. The Gators actually have 208 first downs on the year versus just 202 for the Buckeyes. Further, the Gators have scored 36 more points from outside the red zone than the Buckeyes have, all games considered. This would not be so disturbing to Buckeye fans if it weren't for the fact that the Silver Bullets have been uniquely susceptible to big plays this season.
Though the above shows that the two offenses have produced similar results in very different ways, a look at the differential numbers shows that their production is not that similar. Though the Buckeyes rank 23 spots higher in Scoring Offense (FCS games discarded), the Gators rank 10 spots higher in DSO as a result of having played better defenses than Ohio State has faced in 2011. Florida's opponent's average DSD is 0.869. Ohio State's opponent's average DSD is 0.970. This fact, combined with the above numbers, implies a slight but definite degree of superiority for the Gator offense.
The same fact however, has more to say about the defensive comparison. First, note that these defenses have the same DSD to three decimal places. While Florida's DSD number is marginally lower (better), there are only 3 significant digits in this analysis, so the defenses are virtually identical. This is where the superiority of the SEC defenses really comes into play. Differential analysis compares a team to the other teams on each opponents schedule. This places a premium on conference strength. In Florida's case, it means that several of their opponents played Alabama, LSU or both. As these 2 defenses were far and away the best this year (see below), and as they figure prominently in the differential analysis of Florida's defense; Florida's 0.767 is more impressive than Ohio State's 0.767.
Another illustration of Florida's defensive superiority is 3rd down percentage. The Gators rank 2nd only to Alabama here, while the Buckeyes are just below average at 62nd in the nation (out of 120 teams). The upshot of this is to offset Florida's inferiority in 3rd down offense. Conversely, there seems to be nothing to offset the Buckeyes' susceptibility to big plays.
The final point to make about this analysis is illustrated by the composite numbers. While Ohio State is amazingly average when you look at DYC (0.999, with 1.000 being precisely average), and while they rank a whopping 32 spots behind Florida in this metric that shows the ability to move the ball and stop the opponent; the Buckeyes are only 11 spots behind the Gators in DSC, the king of all statistics. The reason for this goes beyond the 3rd down numbers, as the Gators paltry 3rd down offense is offset by their stellar 3rd down defense. The answer here is turnover margin.
Ohio State is +0.33 in Turnover Margin, having turned the ball over 13 times and picked up 17; the Gators are -0.92 in Turnover Margin, reeling in only 12 enemy miscues and committing 23 of their own. It is this fact, and this fact alone, that gives the Buckeyes a chance in this game. If the Buckeyes win the turnover battle by 1, this should be as close as differential analysis predicts. If they win the turnover battle by 2 or more, they have a better than even chance to win. It really is that simple.
Perhaps the best aspect of differential statistics is that they allow for a pair of predictions for the outcome of the game. Combining average offense with differential defense gives one prediction, combining average defense with differential offense gives the other. The results are below:
__________________POINTS_______YARDS
Ohio State____18.8-19.2____247-262
Florida_______17.6-21.2____279-321
For most games, the analysis would end here. As this is the season's end however, the top 40 teams are shown below for DSC. As the Buckeyes rank slightly below the Mendoza line in DYC, the top 65 are shown.
________
The Lighter SideThe conventional wisdom is that the 2012 Gator Bowl features evenly matched teams. Differential analysis shows that this is more or less true, but Florida does appear to have a slight advantage on both sides of the ball. Differential analysis combines traditional scoring and yardage metrics with measures comparing each team to the other teams their opponents have played. For both kinds of numbers, all games against FCS teams are discarded for all FBS teams.
For the differential numbers, each of them is a ratio. Differential Scoring Offense (DSO) for example, is the ratio of how many points a team scores to how many points their opponents typically give up. All other differential numbers work the same way. On to the numbers.
SO = Scoring Offense
DSO = Differential Scoring Offense
TO = Total Offense
DTO = Differential Total Offense
SD = Scoring Defense
DSD = Differential Scoring Defense
TD = Total Defense
DTD = Differential Total Defense
DSC = Differential Scoring Composite = DSO/DSD
DYC = Differential Yardage Composite = DTO/DTD
If the identical 6-6 records weren't enough, then the numbers above certainly illustrate that these teams are fairly evenly matched. Though Florida enjoys slight statistical superiority across the board, except for Scoring Offense (because their game against Furman was discarded), there are other numbers to consider.
While both offenses are among the worst in the nation at moving the ball (Total Offense), the Gators also rank among the worst at scoring in the red zone. Traditional red zone rankings, like those found at the official NCAA web-site, show that the Gators score 86% of the time in the red zone. There are however, better ways of determining red zone prowess. In Points Per Appearance in the red zone, the Gators rank 93rd in the nation, while the Buckeyes are ranked 29th.
The primary reason for Florida's poor red zone performance is their inability to convert on 3rd down. While the Buckeyes languish at 70th in the nation in 3rd down %, the Gators actually rank 42 spots lower at 112. The upshot is that the Buckeyes have converted 20 more 3rd downs than have the Gators, and have scored 30 more points in the Red Zone, largely as a direct result of this.
Florida makes up for their shortcomings on 3rd down (sort of) by being better on 1st and 2nd down and producing more big plays. The Gators actually have 208 first downs on the year versus just 202 for the Buckeyes. Further, the Gators have scored 36 more points from outside the red zone than the Buckeyes have, all games considered. This would not be so disturbing to Buckeye fans if it weren't for the fact that the Silver Bullets have been uniquely susceptible to big plays this season.
Though the above shows that the two offenses have produced similar results in very different ways, a look at the differential numbers shows that their production is not that similar. Though the Buckeyes rank 23 spots higher in Scoring Offense (FCS games discarded), the Gators rank 10 spots higher in DSO as a result of having played better defenses than Ohio State has faced in 2011. Florida's opponent's average DSD is 0.869. Ohio State's opponent's average DSD is 0.970. This fact, combined with the above numbers, implies a slight but definite degree of superiority for the Gator offense.
The same fact however, has more to say about the defensive comparison. First, note that these defenses have the same DSD to three decimal places. While Florida's DSD number is marginally lower (better), there are only 3 significant digits in this analysis, so the defenses are virtually identical. This is where the superiority of the SEC defenses really comes into play. Differential analysis compares a team to the other teams on each opponents schedule. This places a premium on conference strength. In Florida's case, it means that several of their opponents played Alabama, LSU or both. As these 2 defenses were far and away the best this year (see below), and as they figure prominently in the differential analysis of Florida's defense; Florida's 0.767 is more impressive than Ohio State's 0.767.
Another illustration of Florida's defensive superiority is 3rd down percentage. The Gators rank 2nd only to Alabama here, while the Buckeyes are just below average at 62nd in the nation (out of 120 teams). The upshot of this is to offset Florida's inferiority in 3rd down offense. Conversely, there seems to be nothing to offset the Buckeyes' susceptibility to big plays.
The final point to make about this analysis is illustrated by the composite numbers. While Ohio State is amazingly average when you look at DYC (0.999, with 1.000 being precisely average), and while they rank a whopping 32 spots behind Florida in this metric that shows the ability to move the ball and stop the opponent; the Buckeyes are only 11 spots behind the Gators in DSC, the king of all statistics. The reason for this goes beyond the 3rd down numbers, as the Gators paltry 3rd down offense is offset by their stellar 3rd down defense. The answer here is turnover margin.
Ohio State is +0.33 in Turnover Margin, having turned the ball over 13 times and picked up 17; the Gators are -0.92 in Turnover Margin, reeling in only 12 enemy miscues and committing 23 of their own. It is this fact, and this fact alone, that gives the Buckeyes a chance in this game. If the Buckeyes win the turnover battle by 1, this should be as close as differential analysis predicts. If they win the turnover battle by 2 or more, they have a better than even chance to win. It really is that simple.
Perhaps the best aspect of differential statistics is that they allow for a pair of predictions for the outcome of the game. Combining average offense with differential defense gives one prediction, combining average defense with differential offense gives the other. The results are below:
__________________POINTS_______YARDS
Ohio State____18.8-19.2____247-262
Florida_______17.6-21.2____279-321
For most games, the analysis would end here. As this is the season's end however, the top 40 teams are shown below for DSC. As the Buckeyes rank slightly below the Mendoza line in DYC, the top 65 are shown.
Going into the 2011 Sugar Bowl against Arkansas, the Lighter Side, in its entirety was as follows:
Jokes. The Ohio State problems during the 2011 off season are so well known to us it makes no sense to talk about them, again, here. Nonetheless, it's hard to take a governing body seriously when one compares various situations across the College football landscape. Ohio State suspends 5 players for 5 games because those individuals obtained improper benefits from a drug dealer tattoo artist who is in no way affiliated with Ohio State. Miami of Florida, in contrast, suspended some of its players, who took actual money from an actual booster for a few as one game. On the other hand, we're talking about an organization which "investigated" Auburn and couldn't turn up anything unseemly. Just saying "Auburn" makes one feel like they're overdue for prison time. But, that's cool with the NCAA.
Really, the biggest slap in the face is the Buckeyes are going to suffer a bowl ban at the conclusion of the 2012 season. It doesn't make the least bit of sense to impose this bowl ban. None. Oh, I'm aware of the "We're Ohio State, we do things the right way, and we'll take our medicine" mentality. Let me just say this as nicely as I can - Go fuck yourself.
Look - Ohio State, while bumbling early on, cooperated every step of the way with this investigation. True enough, information was slow to come out, and when it did it looked more and more ugly and like a cover up. Nonetheless, the whole process ended up taking just about one year. USC's investigation went on for 5 years, by way of contrast. Ohio State self imposed the following penalties - 5 game suspension of the players invloved in the underlying violation; fired its legendary coach, Jim Tressel; returned over $350,000.00 in bowl proceeds; suspended one player an additional 6 games; suspended yet another player 2 games; wiped the 2010 season from the record books; and recommended its own scholarship reduction of 5 over three years.
Good enough for the NCAA? Ummm... no. It's not enough to fire Tressel, he needs a 5 year show cause. It's not enough to sit players, vacate 2010, give back all the money from the Sugar Bowl (which, ironically, the NCAA cleared those same 5 guys to play in). No. As per NCAA lunacy, the appropriate punishment is to ban the Buckeyes from playing in a bowl in 2012. This bowl ban makes perfect sense doesn't it? After all, with the exception of Solomon Thomas, all the perpetrators of these "NCAA crimes" will be on NFL rosters or on to their professional careers in whatever job they end up doing. That sure sends a message, no? Yes it does - Solomon, you are a very very very bad guy.
On the other hand, it could be worse. Ohio might not be a "Real State" but at least our "legendary coach" doesn't look the other way while a 30 year assistant coach, who was the front runner to replace said "legend" before being suspiciously retired, rapes young boys.
In that light, I suppose watching 6-6 Ohio State battle 6-6 Florida in the Gator bowl isn't so bad.
Win or lose, as soon as that final gun sounds, the Urban Meyer era begins. Win or lose, Ohio State has already beat Florida. It hardly matters what happens on the field. As far as I'm concerned the Buckeyes can run Dave all day long. Because, as much as I hate to admit this, I could give a damn about the Gator bowl.
Traditions & Opponent PerspectiveWow. If we only knew.
Jokes. The Ohio State problems during the 2011 off season are so well known to us it makes no sense to talk about them, again, here. Nonetheless, it's hard to take a governing body seriously when one compares various situations across the College football landscape. Ohio State suspends 5 players for 5 games because those individuals obtained improper benefits from a drug dealer tattoo artist who is in no way affiliated with Ohio State. Miami of Florida, in contrast, suspended some of its players, who took actual money from an actual booster for a few as one game. On the other hand, we're talking about an organization which "investigated" Auburn and couldn't turn up anything unseemly. Just saying "Auburn" makes one feel like they're overdue for prison time. But, that's cool with the NCAA.
Really, the biggest slap in the face is the Buckeyes are going to suffer a bowl ban at the conclusion of the 2012 season. It doesn't make the least bit of sense to impose this bowl ban. None. Oh, I'm aware of the "We're Ohio State, we do things the right way, and we'll take our medicine" mentality. Let me just say this as nicely as I can - Go fuck yourself.
Look - Ohio State, while bumbling early on, cooperated every step of the way with this investigation. True enough, information was slow to come out, and when it did it looked more and more ugly and like a cover up. Nonetheless, the whole process ended up taking just about one year. USC's investigation went on for 5 years, by way of contrast. Ohio State self imposed the following penalties - 5 game suspension of the players invloved in the underlying violation; fired its legendary coach, Jim Tressel; returned over $350,000.00 in bowl proceeds; suspended one player an additional 6 games; suspended yet another player 2 games; wiped the 2010 season from the record books; and recommended its own scholarship reduction of 5 over three years.
Good enough for the NCAA? Ummm... no. It's not enough to fire Tressel, he needs a 5 year show cause. It's not enough to sit players, vacate 2010, give back all the money from the Sugar Bowl (which, ironically, the NCAA cleared those same 5 guys to play in). No. As per NCAA lunacy, the appropriate punishment is to ban the Buckeyes from playing in a bowl in 2012. This bowl ban makes perfect sense doesn't it? After all, with the exception of Solomon Thomas, all the perpetrators of these "NCAA crimes" will be on NFL rosters or on to their professional careers in whatever job they end up doing. That sure sends a message, no? Yes it does - Solomon, you are a very very very bad guy.
On the other hand, it could be worse. Ohio might not be a "Real State" but at least our "legendary coach" doesn't look the other way while a 30 year assistant coach, who was the front runner to replace said "legend" before being suspiciously retired, rapes young boys.
In that light, I suppose watching 6-6 Ohio State battle 6-6 Florida in the Gator bowl isn't so bad.
Win or lose, as soon as that final gun sounds, the Urban Meyer era begins. Win or lose, Ohio State has already beat Florida. It hardly matters what happens on the field. As far as I'm concerned the Buckeyes can run Dave all day long. Because, as much as I hate to admit this, I could give a damn about the Gator bowl.
The University of Florida has one of college football's most loyal fan bases. They have been ranked in the top 15 nationally in college football attendance in each of the last 28 years, and in each of the last 19 seasons, Florida has ranked among the top eight. Drawing over 90,000 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, the University of Florida has been the site of the largest football crowds - college or professional - in the State of Florida history. The stadium is popularly known as "The Swamp," and was given the nickname in the early 1990s by Steve Spurrier, who quipped that "only the Gators get out alive."
Albert and his counterpart Alberta are the popular Gator mascots.
Two hours before the game, the players and coaches participate in The Gator Walk as they walk down University Avenue to Gate 8, while thousands of screaming fans surround them and welcome into the stadium.
The Gator "Chomp" is one of the most widely known fan hand motions in college football.
The fans yell "Orange" and "Blue" back and forth across the stadium during the game.
Fan hangs a "Work 'Em Silly Gators" tapestry over a corner wall at home games. According to the SwampGas posters, the tapestry is so famous that it made it onto EA Sports NCAA Football the last two years.
One of the best-known Gator spirit traditions is Mr. Two-Bits, George Edmondson, a Tampa resident and avid Gator fan. The beloved man who traveled from section to section at all Gator games leading rousing renditions of "Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits, a Dollar - All for the Gators Stand Up and Holler!" Edmondson sponsors an annual scholarship for a member of the cheerleading squad.
He retired from his cheerleading at the end of the 2008 Florida football season. Florida held a special ceremony prior to the UF/Citadel game in 2008 to "officially" retire Mr. Two Bits. Unlike his first "retirement" at the end of the 1998 season, Mr. Two Bits has not been seen on the field since the UF/Citadel game. Mr. Two Bits always wore the same clothes - a yellow shirt, orange and blue tie, and a pair of white and blue striped seersucker pants - to stand out in the crowd.
You can see a clip of Mr. Two-Bits at [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gcLt0GfHc"]Gators Mr. 2 Bits (UF vs. LSU, 10/7/06) - YouTube[/ame].
At the end of the third quarter, the band strikes up "We Are the Boys from Old Florida," a tribute to UF formerly being an all-boys school, and all Gator fans stand together and sway left and right, arm-in-arm, while singing this traditional tune.
At Homecoming each year, current Gator students and staff members, Gator alumni and fans from all over converge on Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field for an evening of entertainment and pep rallies. Gator Growl, as this 80-year-old event is so popularly known, is regarded as the World's Largest Student-Run Pep Rally, packing nearly 70,000 fans in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field each year.
The Gators have a number of rivalries, most notably the in-state Florida State University (for the Governor's Cup) and University of Miami, and the SEC competitors University of Tennessee and University of Georgia.
Since 1933, the Florida/Georgia game is played in Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium and is dubbed the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. It is usually on the last Saturday in October. Following the 2011 season, Georgia held a 48-40-2 advantage in the all-time series. There is a slight disagreement with regards the overall series record. University of Florida records indicate the series record with Georgia stands at 47-40-2 in UGA's favor. Georgia's records indicate a 48-40-2 lead, which includes a 52-0 Bulldog win in a game played in Macon, Ga., in 1904. However, Florida did not field an official team until 1906.
The majority of the tailgating takes place on riverfront plaza called "The Jacksonville Landing," facing the St. Johns River. The Landing is packed with thousands of drunk revelers each year, making it a great but crowded nightspot. Due to sensitivity about consumption of alcohol by college students, the match is officially known as the Georgia-Florida/Florida-Georgia game (depending on which team is the home team in a given year). Additionally, in May 2006, the Southeastern Conference asked the three networks which broadcast SEC football games not to refer to the game by the moniker "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," as it conveys a message regarding consumption of alcohol that the schools do not desire.
The University of Florida Fightin' Gator Marching Band, the "Pride of the Sunshine" was established in 1914 by director "Pug" Hamilton with the motto "We play anything, anytime, anywhere." The band consists of a group of 300 students.
Everything might be bigger in Texas, but "The Biggest Boom in Dixie" is the Gator Band Bass Drum.
One of the band's newest traditions was started by former head coach Urban Meyer in 2005. After every game the team walks over and the team, band, and fans sing the UF Alma Mater and Fight Song together.
Albert and his counterpart Alberta are the popular Gator mascots.
Two hours before the game, the players and coaches participate in The Gator Walk as they walk down University Avenue to Gate 8, while thousands of screaming fans surround them and welcome into the stadium.
The Gator "Chomp" is one of the most widely known fan hand motions in college football.
The fans yell "Orange" and "Blue" back and forth across the stadium during the game.
Fan hangs a "Work 'Em Silly Gators" tapestry over a corner wall at home games. According to the SwampGas posters, the tapestry is so famous that it made it onto EA Sports NCAA Football the last two years.
One of the best-known Gator spirit traditions is Mr. Two-Bits, George Edmondson, a Tampa resident and avid Gator fan. The beloved man who traveled from section to section at all Gator games leading rousing renditions of "Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits, a Dollar - All for the Gators Stand Up and Holler!" Edmondson sponsors an annual scholarship for a member of the cheerleading squad.
He retired from his cheerleading at the end of the 2008 Florida football season. Florida held a special ceremony prior to the UF/Citadel game in 2008 to "officially" retire Mr. Two Bits. Unlike his first "retirement" at the end of the 1998 season, Mr. Two Bits has not been seen on the field since the UF/Citadel game. Mr. Two Bits always wore the same clothes - a yellow shirt, orange and blue tie, and a pair of white and blue striped seersucker pants - to stand out in the crowd.
You can see a clip of Mr. Two-Bits at [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gcLt0GfHc"]Gators Mr. 2 Bits (UF vs. LSU, 10/7/06) - YouTube[/ame].
At the end of the third quarter, the band strikes up "We Are the Boys from Old Florida," a tribute to UF formerly being an all-boys school, and all Gator fans stand together and sway left and right, arm-in-arm, while singing this traditional tune.
We are the boys from old Florida, F-L-O-R-I-D-A
Where the girls are the fairest, the boys are the squarest of any old state down our way
We are all strong for old Florida down where the old Gators play
In all kinds of weather we'll all stick together for F-L-O-R-I-D-A.
Where the girls are the fairest, the boys are the squarest of any old state down our way
We are all strong for old Florida down where the old Gators play
In all kinds of weather we'll all stick together for F-L-O-R-I-D-A.
At Homecoming each year, current Gator students and staff members, Gator alumni and fans from all over converge on Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field for an evening of entertainment and pep rallies. Gator Growl, as this 80-year-old event is so popularly known, is regarded as the World's Largest Student-Run Pep Rally, packing nearly 70,000 fans in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field each year.
The Gators have a number of rivalries, most notably the in-state Florida State University (for the Governor's Cup) and University of Miami, and the SEC competitors University of Tennessee and University of Georgia.
Since 1933, the Florida/Georgia game is played in Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium and is dubbed the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. It is usually on the last Saturday in October. Following the 2011 season, Georgia held a 48-40-2 advantage in the all-time series. There is a slight disagreement with regards the overall series record. University of Florida records indicate the series record with Georgia stands at 47-40-2 in UGA's favor. Georgia's records indicate a 48-40-2 lead, which includes a 52-0 Bulldog win in a game played in Macon, Ga., in 1904. However, Florida did not field an official team until 1906.
The majority of the tailgating takes place on riverfront plaza called "The Jacksonville Landing," facing the St. Johns River. The Landing is packed with thousands of drunk revelers each year, making it a great but crowded nightspot. Due to sensitivity about consumption of alcohol by college students, the match is officially known as the Georgia-Florida/Florida-Georgia game (depending on which team is the home team in a given year). Additionally, in May 2006, the Southeastern Conference asked the three networks which broadcast SEC football games not to refer to the game by the moniker "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," as it conveys a message regarding consumption of alcohol that the schools do not desire.
The University of Florida Fightin' Gator Marching Band, the "Pride of the Sunshine" was established in 1914 by director "Pug" Hamilton with the motto "We play anything, anytime, anywhere." The band consists of a group of 300 students.
Everything might be bigger in Texas, but "The Biggest Boom in Dixie" is the Gator Band Bass Drum.
One of the band's newest traditions was started by former head coach Urban Meyer in 2005. After every game the team walks over and the team, band, and fans sing the UF Alma Mater and Fight Song together.
University of Florida
Football 1st Season: 1906
Stadium: Ben Griffin Stadium at Florida Field (The Swamp)
Constructed: 1930
Seating Capacity: 88,548
Playing Surface: Bermuda Grass
Conference: Southeastern Conference since 1933, 1906-1911 - Independent, 1912-1921 - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, 1922-1932 - Southern Conference, 1943 - No Team
Colors: Orange & Blue
Mascots: (Alli)Gator (Albert & Alberta)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 8 SEC Titles, plus 3 Division Titles: 1991, 1992*, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999*, 2000, 2006, 2008, 2009* (* Denotes East Division Champs only)
Consensus All-Americans: 31 (29 different players as of 2011)
College Hall-of-Famers: 10
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 2 - Jack Youngblood, Emmitt Smith
Award Winners: 3 - Davey O'Brien Awards, 3 - Draddy/Campbell Awards (Academic Heisman), 3 - Heisman Trophies, 1 - Johnny Unitas Award, 1 - Lou Groza Award, 3 - Maxwell Awards, 1 - Walter Camp POY, 2 - Sammy Baugh Trophies, 1 - Thorpe Award, 1 Ray Guy Award, 1- Rimington Award, 1 - Mackey Award, 1 - Manning Award, 1 - Wuerffel Award
National Championships: 3 Recognized Championships (1996, 2006, 2008)
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-28 years, Coaches-30 years
RecordsStadium: Ben Griffin Stadium at Florida Field (The Swamp)
Constructed: 1930
Seating Capacity: 88,548
Playing Surface: Bermuda Grass
Conference: Southeastern Conference since 1933, 1906-1911 - Independent, 1912-1921 - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, 1922-1932 - Southern Conference, 1943 - No Team
Colors: Orange & Blue
Mascots: (Alli)Gator (Albert & Alberta)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 8 SEC Titles, plus 3 Division Titles: 1991, 1992*, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999*, 2000, 2006, 2008, 2009* (* Denotes East Division Champs only)
Consensus All-Americans: 31 (29 different players as of 2011)
College Hall-of-Famers: 10
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 2 - Jack Youngblood, Emmitt Smith
Award Winners: 3 - Davey O'Brien Awards, 3 - Draddy/Campbell Awards (Academic Heisman), 3 - Heisman Trophies, 1 - Johnny Unitas Award, 1 - Lou Groza Award, 3 - Maxwell Awards, 1 - Walter Camp POY, 2 - Sammy Baugh Trophies, 1 - Thorpe Award, 1 Ray Guy Award, 1- Rimington Award, 1 - Mackey Award, 1 - Manning Award, 1 - Wuerffel Award
National Championships: 3 Recognized Championships (1996, 2006, 2008)
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-28 years, Coaches-30 years
All Time: 668-385-40 (.629)
Bowl Games: 19-19-0 (.500), most recently a 37-24 win over Penn State in the 2011 Outback Bowl
All Time vs the B1G: 10-7 (.588)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 1-0, a 41-14 win in the BCS Title game following the 2006 season
Coach's Record: Will Muschamp, 1st Season, 6-6 (.500)
2011 Season: 6-6-0 (.500)
Sep 03 - W vs Florida Atlantic, 41-3
Sep 10 - W vs UAB, 39-0
Sep 17 - W vs Tennessee, 33-23
Sep 24 - W at Kentucky, 48-10
Oct 01 - L vs Alabama, 10-38
Oct 08 - L at LSU, 11-41
Oct 15 - L at Auburn, 6-17
Oct 22 - Bye
Oct 29 - L vs Georgia (at Jax), 20-24
Nov 05 - W vs Vanderbilt, 26-21
Nov 12 - L at S Carolina, 12-17
Nov 19 - W vs Furman, 54-32
Nov 26 - L vs Florida State, 7-21
2010 Schedule: 8-5 (.615)
Sep 04 - W vs Miami OH, 34-12
Sep 11 - W vs South Florida 38-14
Sep 18 - W at Tennessee, 31-17
Sep 25 - W vs Kentucky, 48-14
Oct 02 - L at Alabama, 6-31
Oct 09 - L vs LSU, 29-33
Oct 16 - L vs Mississippi State, 7-10
Oct 23 - Bye
Oct 30 - W vs Georgia (at Jax), 34-31
Nov 06 - W at Vanderbilt, 55-14
Nov 13 - L vs S Carolina, 14-36
Nov 20 - W vs Appalachian St, 48-10
Nov 27 - L at Florida State, 7-31
Jan 01 - W vs Penn State, 37-24 (Outback Bowl)
LinksBowl Games: 19-19-0 (.500), most recently a 37-24 win over Penn State in the 2011 Outback Bowl
All Time vs the B1G: 10-7 (.588)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 1-0, a 41-14 win in the BCS Title game following the 2006 season
Coach's Record: Will Muschamp, 1st Season, 6-6 (.500)
2011 Season: 6-6-0 (.500)
Sep 03 - W vs Florida Atlantic, 41-3
Sep 10 - W vs UAB, 39-0
Sep 17 - W vs Tennessee, 33-23
Sep 24 - W at Kentucky, 48-10
Oct 01 - L vs Alabama, 10-38
Oct 08 - L at LSU, 11-41
Oct 15 - L at Auburn, 6-17
Oct 22 - Bye
Oct 29 - L vs Georgia (at Jax), 20-24
Nov 05 - W vs Vanderbilt, 26-21
Nov 12 - L at S Carolina, 12-17
Nov 19 - W vs Furman, 54-32
Nov 26 - L vs Florida State, 7-21
2010 Schedule: 8-5 (.615)
Sep 04 - W vs Miami OH, 34-12
Sep 11 - W vs South Florida 38-14
Sep 18 - W at Tennessee, 31-17
Sep 25 - W vs Kentucky, 48-14
Oct 02 - L at Alabama, 6-31
Oct 09 - L vs LSU, 29-33
Oct 16 - L vs Mississippi State, 7-10
Oct 23 - Bye
Oct 30 - W vs Georgia (at Jax), 34-31
Nov 06 - W at Vanderbilt, 55-14
Nov 13 - L vs S Carolina, 14-36
Nov 20 - W vs Appalachian St, 48-10
Nov 27 - L at Florida State, 7-31
Jan 01 - W vs Penn State, 37-24 (Outback Bowl)
Official Sites:
Official School Site - University of Florida
Student Newspaper - The Independent Florida Alligator Online
Official Athletics Site - Gator Zone
Official Conference Site - Southeastern Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Gator Country (Scout)
Message Boards - Gator Bait (Rivals)
Message Boards - Gator Nation
Message Boards - Mud Lizard (Independent)
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN/Scout
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Blog - Every Day Should Be Saturday
Blog - Boys of Old Florida
Blog - Fire Ron Zook The Blog (yes, still going)
Blog - GatorSports
Blog - GatorSportsNation
Blog - Alligator Army
Blog - FanBlogs
Blog - Swamp Things
Local News Sources:
Gainesville Sun - Local News
Miami Herald - Local News
Orlando Sentinel - Local News
Tampa Bay Times - Local News
Florida Times Union - Local News
Gator Bowl Previews:
Gator Bowl - ESPN
Gator Bowl - GreatSeats.com
Gator Bowl - AllPro.com
Gator Bowl - SI
Gator Bowl - KOArticles
Florida Gators info:
Media Guide (PDF) - Gator Zone
2011 Roster - Gator Zone
2011 Schedule - Gator Zone
2011 Statistics - Gator Zone
2011 Coaches Bios - Gator Zone
Florida Gators History - Gator Zone
Travel & Event Information:
Fan Guide - Yahoo!
Gator Bowl - Official Site
Fan Guide - Official Site
Everbank Field - Jaguars.com
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:Student Newspaper - The Independent Florida Alligator Online
Official Athletics Site - Gator Zone
Official Conference Site - Southeastern Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Gator Country (Scout)
Message Boards - Gator Bait (Rivals)
Message Boards - Gator Nation
Message Boards - Mud Lizard (Independent)
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN/Scout
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Blog - Every Day Should Be Saturday
Blog - Boys of Old Florida
Blog - Fire Ron Zook The Blog (yes, still going)
Blog - GatorSports
Blog - GatorSportsNation
Blog - Alligator Army
Blog - FanBlogs
Blog - Swamp Things
Local News Sources:
Gainesville Sun - Local News
Miami Herald - Local News
Orlando Sentinel - Local News
Tampa Bay Times - Local News
Florida Times Union - Local News
Gator Bowl Previews:
Gator Bowl - ESPN
Gator Bowl - GreatSeats.com
Gator Bowl - AllPro.com
Gator Bowl - SI
Gator Bowl - KOArticles
Florida Gators info:
Media Guide (PDF) - Gator Zone
2011 Roster - Gator Zone
2011 Schedule - Gator Zone
2011 Statistics - Gator Zone
2011 Coaches Bios - Gator Zone
Florida Gators History - Gator Zone
Travel & Event Information:
Fan Guide - Yahoo!
Gator Bowl - Official Site
Fan Guide - Official Site
Everbank Field - Jaguars.com
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data