It’s hard to believe I’m writing these words, as it seems like just yesterday, we were watching Curt Cignetti, and his merry band of Indiana Hoosiers (Indiana!) celebrate in our backyard after winning the national title over a game Miami team in a thrilling finish. Local boy Fernando Mendoza, now property of the Las Vegas Raiders, broke the hearts of many of his hometown brethren by vanquishing U of M en route to Indiana’s first national football title in school history. Fast forward seven months, and here we are – on the cusp of another campaign filled with uncertainty, movement and unbridled greed. We’ll leave the morality of the last sentence for another time, because on this day we look forward to the fortunes of the respective major schools in our fair state, and really there is only one story – with the others to be determined.
Miami Hurricanes: Kudos to Mario Cristobal. For years, he had the rep of a guy who could recruit – and in the era of NIL buy – with the best of them, but who also could be counted on to blow at least one game, because of either dubious play calling, or some other coaching blunder. No more. After barely squeezing into the college football playoff last year, Miami took down Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss, before coming up six points short in the title game. Starting QB Carson Beck may be gone, and the same for first round draft choices defensive linemen Rueben Bain, Jr., and Akheem Mesidor. Problems, you say? Tosh. Super Mario cranked up the recruiting machine, complete with check book, and landed a first-rate QB in Duke transfer Darien Mensah. The offensive roster is stacked, with returning talent featuring RB Mark Fletcher and WR Malachi Toney. The defense will be challenged, but should have enough firepower to overcome a friendly schedule, which features only two teams ranked in the preseason. In fact, if things go right, an undefeated season is possible. It says here Miami comes up just short of that goal, but is in the title hunt: Prediction: 11-1.
Florida Gators: Normally, a team that fired its coach and finished 4-8 would not earn more than a passing glance – but this is Florida we’re talking about, where the right coach can marshal the advantages the state’s flagship school can offer and lead that squad back to national prominence (yeah, the author is a grad, so, hey, deal with it). Is new man Jon Sumrall that guy? No way to know. After all, UF is on its 5 th coach since Urban Meyer prowled the sidelines, so desperation is in the air. But recruiting went well, and Florida boasts stud RB Jadan Baugh, WRs Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson. Yes, the offensive line is a huge question mark, and the QB play is a mystery. Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo is the man – or not; or it could be returning sophomore Tramell Jones, Jr. Whichever signal caller is under center, he, and the team, will be facing a more manageable schedule. If luck holds, a return to bowl season, or better, could be in store. Prediction: 7-5.
Florida State: What’s there to say? Head coach Mike Norvell’s not on the hot seat – he’s at burning man stage. Coming off a 5-7 campaign, and on the heels of a 2-10 season, places “Microphone Mike” right at the edge of the coaching abyss. The team has some firepower, boasts star WR Duce Robinson and playmaking DB Earl Little, but questions surround QB play and the defense. A forgiving schedule offers hope, but in the end, FSU may be more FS-Who as it misses bowl season for the third straight year. Prediction: 5-7.
So that’s it, gang. May your glasses be full, your wings be hot, and your friends be close.
Let’s go!