Disappointment is defined as the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.
If that is what this word really means, how could any fan be disappointed by what they saw Saturday at the Orange and Blue Debut? In order to feel this horrible emotion, Florida actually has to perform at a level below your expectations.
Really, the only thing you should be disappointed about is the fact that Tim Tebow’s newly unveiled bronze statue doesn’t feature his patented stiff arm.
Now that’s failing to meet expectations.
But if you foresaw something better than Saturday’s subpar performance on the field, I must ask, do you also predict world peace by the end of 2011?
Optimism does have its limits.
It would be absurd to expect anything more than what the Gators displayed in their spring scrimmage. This is basically the same team that lost five games last season, including a 31-7 beatdown at the hands of Florida State.
John Brantley is back at quarterback, UF’s wide receivers haven’t changed, and the offensive and defensive lines have grown younger.
The glaring difference is that this year’s squad doesn’t have All-American Mike Pouncey calling the shots on the offensive line or Ahmad Black saving big play after big play on the defensive side of the ball.
So, that would actually make this year’s version of the Gators even worse than the dismal team everybody saw in 2010. And that’s exactly what fans witnessed Saturday.
Don’t believe my assessment on this team? Let’s ask coach Will Muschamp.
What do you think of your group of wide receivers, Will?
“We have to continue to develop more depth at that position and more reliable guys,” he said.
I dare you to name a wide receiver on this season’s team that could have even cracked the rotation when the Gators were winning national championships under Urban Meyer.
But this is Florida — playmakers must be at a premium, right?
“We need that list to grow as far as guys we know we can count on and rely on in the fall,” Muschamp said.
Running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps are the only ones I see.
As for the offensive line, UF’s first-year coach characterized it as “thin to begin with” after the Orange and Blue Debut.
Muschamp is probably right. Jonotthan Harrison, who made the move from guard this spring, is expected to be the team’s starting center next season. It’s going to be hard for him to step right in and replace the Pouncey twins.
None of this sounds too encouraging.
But Florida fans have to get used to it. Last season wasn’t an aberration; it was a reality that will continue for the next few years.
I keep hearing that nine wins is the benchmark for this team. If the Gators find a way to pull that one off, I expect to see students climbing up the light poles on University.
The bottom line is that things aren’t getting better anytime soon, and as meaningless as scrimmages can be, this one should have at least tempered expectations.
The feeling that should have washed over you Saturday as you walked out of The Swamp would be characterized as carrying an accepting and unresisting attitude.
That’s called resignation.
This is what you are going to have to deal with in the fall. You might as well embrace it.
