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Not really. Let me start by saying that I have no problem with anyone criticizing Zook or the coaches. As a fan, I get a bit upset with those who are calling for Zook to be fired at this point, and those who proclaim he can never be successful as a head coach at Florida. That said, I think it is unfair to judge him (or anyone else for that matter) by SOS standards. We dominated the SEC in a way that no other team has, or likely will. The days of routine 40+ point wins are gone, gone, gone. A 28-7 win during which we dominated the entire game and in every statistical category can not be considered a bad game. I'll take it any day vs. SEC competition. The Vandy game was a poor game, and I think you know I'm about to say that even SOS teams had games like that vs. Vandy. It is not uncommon for even the best teams to play down to their competition sometimes (see UM). We played well enough to score one in the W column. Georgia...we beat a very good team while not playing our best game. Zook and staff clearly (IMO) outcoached the UGA staff and our players made the plays we needed to win. Discount it however you wish, but we beat a then undefeated team. Again, this is not an SOS team. Auburn? We DOMINATED them for most of the game, almost gave it back, and did what it took to win.
Yes, there have been some poorly coached offensive games this year. My lasting impression of this coaching staff this year, however, will be their ability to keep the team together, focused, confident, and successful through the most adverse conditions a Gator team has faced in recent memory. THAT is the sign of good coaching. Coaching IMO is more than X's and O's, margins of victory, and calling the right plays at the right time, and these coaches have been remarkable in some areas. I am concerned with a lack of halftime adjustments. I am hopeful that that will improve with experience. But I am encouraged by their recent ability to devise game plans that allow us to win by taking what the opposition will give them. That is coaching.
I am not sure if Zaunbrecher is the answer on offense. But I am convinced, moreso than ever, that Coach Zook is a man of character, is a great molder of young men, is a motivator, and will be a SUPERIOR recruiter and will put us in the postion to compete for SEC championships and even MNCs for many years to come.
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