Post by hifigator on Aug 28, 2006 14:20:16 GMT -5
I have heard your criticisms of both Meyer and Leak and I agree that there are concerns. I too think that this year will answer most of them, one way or another. I guess one of the real encouragements from my view is the 2nd year track record which Meyer has. Presumably most successful coaches improve from their first year to the next as the athletes become more familiar with the system and as the staff has an extra year to both target as well as coach their players. Still though, it has been dramatic under Meyer. Here are a couple of quotes and stats:
"There are no surprises this year," Meyer said. "We know our players and what they can do. And they know what we expect from them."
This has basically been Meyer's formula -- a slightly tentative but winning first season, followed by a big second season.
That's the way it played out at Bowling Green and Utah, where Meyer's teams went from good to very good between the first and second seasons."
At Bowling Green the offensive production went up by 65 yards and ten points per game, while at Utah the Utes averaged 125 yards more per game and scored 16 points more per contest. Overall Meyers second year at Bowling Green finished 9th Nationally in total offense and 3rd in scoring offense. His second year at Utah was even more impressive. The Utes were 2nd in both total and scoring offense.
"Leak seems pleased with what the Gators are trying to do on offense.
'The coaches have done a great job of tweaking things to my strengths adn teh strengths of our receivers,' Leak said. 'That's the mark of great coaching, being able to change things based on what their players do best and putting their players inposition to be successful.'"
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Before you even say it, yes I know a lot of that is typical "coach speak" and you certainly can doubt the honesty. I mean in many cases you wouldn't expect them to say anything any different now would you? But still, the weapons are in place and if history is any indication .....
"There are no surprises this year," Meyer said. "We know our players and what they can do. And they know what we expect from them."
This has basically been Meyer's formula -- a slightly tentative but winning first season, followed by a big second season.
That's the way it played out at Bowling Green and Utah, where Meyer's teams went from good to very good between the first and second seasons."
At Bowling Green the offensive production went up by 65 yards and ten points per game, while at Utah the Utes averaged 125 yards more per game and scored 16 points more per contest. Overall Meyers second year at Bowling Green finished 9th Nationally in total offense and 3rd in scoring offense. His second year at Utah was even more impressive. The Utes were 2nd in both total and scoring offense.
"Leak seems pleased with what the Gators are trying to do on offense.
'The coaches have done a great job of tweaking things to my strengths adn teh strengths of our receivers,' Leak said. 'That's the mark of great coaching, being able to change things based on what their players do best and putting their players inposition to be successful.'"
=========================================
Before you even say it, yes I know a lot of that is typical "coach speak" and you certainly can doubt the honesty. I mean in many cases you wouldn't expect them to say anything any different now would you? But still, the weapons are in place and if history is any indication .....
