Urban Meyer is entering the stretch run of his worst season as Florida’s football coach, but he already has promised to be back.
So no resigning and returning like last December.
“I’m going to do the best I can to get this thing back to the elite level for which we all expect,” Meyer said this week. “There are some great young players here who have promise.”
The Gators are 6-4 heading into Saturday’s game against Appalachian State, suffering more losses this year than the 2006 season and the ’08-09 seasons combined, when they went 39-3 and won two national titles. Florida finished 4-4 in SEC games for the second time since the league adopted divisional play in 1992 and the first time without Ron Zook as coach.
If Meyer is back, what about second-year offensive coordinator Steve Addazio and redshirt junior quarterback John Brantley? Meyer was asked this week if Addazio would return as coordinator and said he would, but that doesn’t guarantee he will call the plays.
Brantley is the starter for now, but Meyer admits he lacks the option threat his offense needs. This season isn’t over, but Florida’s 2011 spring practice could be the most intriguing in the SEC.
“The option is just not my kind of thing,” Brantley said.
Pasquali’s Pix:
Georgia State at Alabama: How much would it take for you to enter Bryant-Denny Stadium tonight wearing an “I love Cam Newton” T-shirt? Crimson Tide 59, Panthers 0.
Troy at South Carolina: Steve Spurrier has won an SEC East title with the Gamecocks before winning eight games in a regular season. Gamecocks 31, Trojans 24.
Appalachian State at Florida: The Gators and Mountaineers have combined for five of the past 10 FBS and FCS national championships. Gators 26, Mountaineers 13.
Duke at Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets can clinch a 14th consecutive bowl, which would be a feat topped nationally by only Florida State, Florida and Virginia Tech. Jackets 24, Blue Devils 17.
UTC at Wofford: Will good news Saturday afternoon lead to great news Sunday morning? Mocs 28, Terriers 26.
Ole Miss at LSU: Things have been going very well for Les Miles lately, but don’t lose a fourth straight to Houston Nutt. Tigers 27, Rebels 24.
Arkansas at Mississippi State: The pass-happy Razorbacks have averaged more than 200 rushing yards in their past four games. Hogs 35, Bullies 21.
Tennessee at Vanderbilt: If the Heisman Trophy only took November games into account, Vols quarterback Tyler Bray would be right there. Vols 30, Commodores 13.
Last week:
Winners…………………21
Saban spankings…….4
Pasquali is 219-56 overall (79.6 percent) this season.
OTHER PICKS
N. Carolina 23, N.C. State 20
Boston College 16, Virginia 13
Clemson 30, Wake Forest 7
Virginia Tech 27, Miami 22
Florida State 31, Maryland 14
MTSU 24, Western Kentucky 9
Notre Dame 28, Army 21
Boise St. 47, Fresno St. 15
Wisconsin 27, Michigan 20
Stanford 22, California 21
Ohio State 19, Iowa 16
Nebraska 28, Texas A&M 23
Michigan State 30, Purdue 12
Oklahoma State 35, Kansas 18
Missouri 39, Iowa State 24
Oklahoma 34, Baylor 31
Nevada 41, N. Mexico St. 7