Is there a QB controversy brewing at Florida? Unlikely, but it's complicated
After spending most of the past decade searching for answers at the quarterback position, Florida enters the new decade with a proven commodity in senior Kyle Trask.
By now, even if you only follow college football casually, you’ve heard Trask’s incredible story.
A career backup, first to the uber-talented D’Eriq King at Manvel High School in Texas and then to Feleipe Franks at Florida, Trask hadn’t started a football game since freshmen ball in southeast Texas.
Heck, Trask only ended up at Florida when Randy Shannon caught a practice and some game film of Trask in high school mop-up duty and convinced Jim McElwain to offer him a scholarship. For 4 years, Trask labored as a backup, battling injuries, weathering coaching changes and resisting the urge to transfer to a smaller program where, finally, after all those years and practices, he might get the chance to play.
As a sophomore, he nearly earned his chance after Franks had a pair of poor late-season performances but was injured and lost for the season when Mullen reopened the quarterback competition.
But when Franks was unfortunately lost for the season at Kentucky in the season’s 3rd game, Trask finally got his chance. And wow was he ready.
In a season that included only 10 starts, Trask threw for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and finished 15th in the country in passing efficiency rating, good for 3rd-best in the SEC behind only Heisman winner Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa.
More important than the numbers, Trask stabilized the position and the football team after the loss of Franks, leading the Gators to an 11-win campaign that included an Orange Bowl victory. Even in Florida’s defeats, Trask played admirably, standing toe to toe with Burrow and throwing for 300+ yards in a closer-than-the-score 42-28 loss at national champion LSU in October and throwing for 257 yards and 2 touchdowns while coming up just short in a furious rally against Georgia at the Cocktail Party.
“We aren’t here without him,” senior Van Jefferson said during Orange Bowl week. “If you ever want to know what happens when hard work meets opportunity, Kyle’s story is like a movie version of that.”
After 2 seasons and change with the rocket-armed, magnetic, talented but inconsistent Franks, Trask’s ability to consistently execute at a high level was a refreshing change in Gainesville — and part of the reason Trask put together the best season for any Florida quarterback since the Tim Tebow roamed the sidelines of The Swamp.
That Trask accomplished as much as he did is all the more remarkable given how one-dimensional Florida was offensively the bulk of the season. Playing behind an erratic, young offensive line whose pass blocking ability was miles ahead of its ability to get leverage and a push in the run game, Florida finished 107th nationally in rushing offense.
Late in the season, Florida didn’t even pretend they were going to try to run the ball.
“We’re going to do what we’re good at doing,” Dan Mullen said candidly ahead of Florida’s road game at Missouri. “That’s letting Kyle do his thing and letting our playmakers and receivers make plays.”
All of that makes it tempting to wonder if Trask, in Year 2 as Florida’s starter, could take a big leap and become the league’s next superstar quarterback. For a 2-star recruit who was a backup high school quarterback, it’s a wild thing to think about, but it’s the type of offseason narrative that builds when you play as well as Trask did.
At most programs, that type of offseason attention and hype would make a guy like Kyle Trask a BMOC and preseason awards campaign type figure.
Florida, of course, isn’t most programs.
Especially at the quarterback position. All you have to do is take a walk on a sunny spring day outside The Swamp and see the statues of Heisman winners past — Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Rex Grossman (OK, OK, wishful thinking) and Tim Tebow — to understand what I mean.
And so, despite Trask’s ability to deliver Gators fans from quarterback purgatory, there are loud whispers around the Florida program about a quarterback competition this spring.
Is it possible Trask, the highest-rated returning passer in the SEC, could lose his job to redshirt sophomore Emory Jones, the much-ballyhooed recruit who fits Mullen’s traditionally run-dominant spread offense like a glove?
The answer is complicated.
Mullen won’t say the job is wide open, but he did emphasize that Jones was a big part of Orange Bowl prep, upping his reps and working on expanding and growing his game. It certainly sounds like at a minimum, Mullen fully intends to use both quarterbacks in 2020.
“I think one of the things as it comes to Emory, I think Emory really learns from looking at a guy like Kyle and looking at how he prepared and how he continued to grow and how he continued to develop to be ready for this stage to go play at an extremely high level,” Mullen told the media Orange Bowl week. “They bring very different skill-sets to the table, and because of that, it allows us to play both of them within the game plan, to do different things.”
But what about winning or seizing the job from Trask outright?
Program insiders who spoke to SDS for this story wouldn’t rule it out.
One assistant told me that Florida’s growth in the run game will be a significant factor. Trask is a willing runner, but not terribly effective. Can an offensive line that appeared to grow up a bit in the Orange Bowl get a consistent push in the run game and in turn, offer Florida more balance offensively? That would likely favor Trask, and open up some of Mullen’s more vintage play-action concepts Florida didn’t get to use much last season because defenses simply didn’t believe the Gators would run the football. If the Gators have more balance in 2020, the assistant said, you can bet Kyle will be the primary guy, with packages reserved for Jones.
Attrition at wide receiver is another reason there is curiosity around Jones.
One reason Florida got away with being one-dimensional in 2019 was the Gators had one of the nation’s deepest and most versatile wide receiver corps, as well as a versatile, all-purpose running back in Lamical Perine. There isn’t a running back on Florida’s roster who profiles like Perine in the passing game in 2020, and while Florida has recruited very well at tight end, and All-American Kyle Pitts returns, Florida will miss the senior receiver quartet of Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Tyrie Cleveland and Joshua Hammond more than most Gators fans are willing to admit.
It isn’t a 2019 Georgia situation, where 5 of the top 6 passing game production pieces are gone, but Florida only returns 2 of those pieces (Pitts and senior wide receiver Trevon Grimes). Everywhere else, there’s talent, but not much in the way of proven production.
Could that limit Florida’s ability to create explosive plays in the passing game? Possibly. And that’s where Jones is an intriguing piece.
“The thing about Emory is everyone in the league knew he was probably going to run when he came into games last season and he still had the vision and ability to get them 6 yards a carry,” an SEC assistant who played Florida in 2019 told me. “Part of that is he’s a gifted runner — like Jalen Hurts a bit. Part of it is everyone respects that kid’s arm — that’s why everyone recruited him. He has both.”
It’s the “he has both” element that makes Jones so intriguing to Florida fans.
Mullen’s best quarterbacks — Tebow, Dak Prescott, Alex Smith — were able to threaten defenses with their legs and make big time plays with their arm.
Against Auburn, when Trask left briefly with a knee injury, it was Jones’s arm that helped Florida grab an essential field goal on a long drive. In other games, Florida used Jones purposefully as a runner to create just enough of a change of pace and run game threat to keep defenses honest. It didn’t always work, but Jones certainly had his moments.
Further, the idea that Jones isn’t a capable passer is undercut by any basis statistical analysis. According to Stats Solutions, Jones NFL passer rating of 112.5 is 5 points higher than Trask, albeit on significantly fewer dropbacks. He only attempted 38 passes. The biggest difference? Jones’ ability to avoid pressure — as Jones took 0 sacks and had only 1 “scramble” on a dropback all season, per Stats Solutions. Jones ability to threaten with his legs and arm changes the way teams defend Florida, something that may prove too valuable to keep off the field next season.
Then again, there’s the common-sense idea that for all the bluster about a quarterback competition, not much will change.
Trask might have played too well last season to lose the job altogether in 2020, and Florida’s staff has shown a willingness to game plan and deploy Jones in ways that complement Trask and put Jones in a position to succeed.
If last season proved anything, it was more evidence that Mullen isn’t a servant to any ideological system. Just as he adjusted his offense around the unique passing talent of Chris Leak and the 2-way talent of Tebow in 2006, he’s going to find a way to make his players successful using the versatile and differing skill-sets of Jones and Trask.
As tempting as it might be for Florida fans to pick camps (Trask hive vs. Jones hive), Mullen’s only concern is the Gator hive: What formations, personnel groupings and quarterback give Florida the chance to win downs and win the day on any given Saturday. A safe bet is that’s what Mullen will do again in 2020.
But it’s a testament to the talent of Florida’s 2 quarterbacks that we’re having a serious conversation about it in January.
I wasn’t impressed with Jones during the limited time I watched him play. Trask did an excellent job overall for the Gators. If Jones gets significant playing time this upcoming season, I trust it would be because he has taken a serious step up.
It’s the same reason people weren’t impressed with Justin Fields in his freshman season at UGA. It’s hard to see much from someone who can’t get into much of a rhythm because he’s on and off of the field so much.
Field’s problem was the same problem that Eason had the year before – Kirby put them in for mop-up duty and all they were allowed to do was hand the ball off to walk-on RB’s up the middle.
If you recall when Fields went in against UMass, Kirby and Chaney alllowed Fields to run full/real offense and Fields was lights out; he looked better than Fromm.
Agree. Jones will impress people when it’s his turn.
Disagree…the most meaningful snaps Jones ever had was when Trask went down vs Auburn and Jones led UF to a FG on the drive including a key third down throw. The only other PT was largely wildcat runs. He also had a TD toss vs LSU…surprised you didn’t remember that. I don’t understand how you could be “unimpressed”. I get “too early to tell” but unimpressed means you saw things that you didn’t like which is just untrue.
You really can’t tell me my opinion. He was unimpressive. You are entitled to your own opinion.
And for the record, he was 1 for 3 for one yard with a TD against LSU. Also had 9 carries for 36 yards. Yes, unimpressive.
If he was playing QB for an entire game those numbers would be unimpressive but if you look at how that would scale out over an entire game…
Something like 40 carries for 160 yards, 4/13 for 4 yards and 4 tds. Truly remarkable!
Did you just copy and paste from one of Lynn Bowden’s games?
What was unimpressive was UF’s line…but I guess that doesn’t count. All on the second year QB. Too funny.
Hahaha it sure looks like it KS!
When he had the whole playbook at his disposal I thought he was impressive (Auburn/Vandy). But yes, I agree, the situational stuff was nothing special. Sending him out for a 3rd & 2, and he gets 4 doesn’t seem like much but gets the job done. I just think it’s Dan trying to use all his bullets in the gun.
Yea while also saying study the play and play situational ball so you won’t transfer. He’ll get a shot based on mobility on its own. Might be his job to loose if they let the qb’s rip it in practice
Just as a quick/easy comparison, since they were in the same class. Fields, 5-star, left 1 season. Jones, 4-star, has stuck around going on 3 years now. I would take a less talented player that sticks around as a backup and then starts JR/SR year.
whoops, wrong spot
Not having to rush Jones into service is huge. He’s been able to grow into the role and this will serve everyone well. Behind an improved and more experienced O line with the prospect of a running game this season, the QBs will benefit greatly. I think both Trask and Jones will both get lots of opportunities. Looking forward to it.
I wonder if this is one benefit of not getting a roster of 5 stars. They’re more likely to stick around and develop even if they don’t start by their fresh/soph year.
There’s 5stars that are willing to sit. If the position group is good and competition the smart ones will wait their turn. Especially with the redshirt change
Just as a quick/easy comparison, since they were in the same class. Fields, 5-star, left 1 season. Jones, 4-star, has stuck around going on 3 years now. I would take a less talented player that sticks around as a backup and then starts JR/SR year.
Jones didn’t impress me at all in his limited action. Mullen didn’t trust his ability to properly read a defense and make the right reads, which is why he only dropped back 38 times the entire season.
Trask is unequivocally the best quarterback returning to the SEC in 2020. He could have thrown for 30+ TDs had he been the starter going into the Miami game. I don’t understand the ‘quarterback battle brewing in Gainesville’ narrative when you have as proven of a commodity returning.
Thought the same thing about Mac Jones.
Mac Jones would beat Emory Jones in a quarterback battle without a doubt. Mac put on a clinic against Michigan. Emory Jones would be about 4th on the depth chart at Bama.
I know you Florida fans are clamoring for one of Mullen’s deadly dual-threat quarterbacks like Nick Fitzgerald, sub 60% completion percentage and all, but Kyle Trask is easily your best option going into 2020.
Only thing Mac can beat Emory in is the blood alcohol level.
My grandmother could put on a “clinic” against Michigan if the game had any meaningful value.
clin·ic /ˈklinik/
noun: clinic; plural noun: clinics
1. Felipe Frank’s performance vs the vaunted Michigan defense in 2018 Peach Bowl/
2. an establishment or hospital department where outpatients are given medical treatment or advice, especially of a specialist nature.
Oh well – when Mac leads us to an SEC Championship next season, I suppose he’ll get the respect he deserves, but until then he’ll continue to be undervalued by other fanbases.
Our QB room is loaded, so no offense to Emory who does have talent, but he wouldn’t come close to starting with Bryce, Taulia, and Mac all competing for the same spot.
Alabama has nothing to worry about with regards to the QB position. Najee and Devonta coming back pretty much assures they’ll still have a backbreaking offense. All they need to do is re-elevate their defense, and the class they just signed did a lot towards addressing those needs.
Bryce: incoming talented freshman who hasn’t payed a down = unknown
Taulia: 2nd year guy who has barely played a down = unknown
Jones: played in the last 3 games & did OK = serviceable and with potential but still unknown
Trask: best returning SEC QB
Jones: has been in the system for 2 years and has had plenty of real playing time
Richardson: incoming talented freshman
No contest
Bryce: unknown
Tualia: Unknown
Mac: unknown
Richardson: Very talented
LOL at least try and be objective.
Bryce: #2 overall prospect in the country, effectively a clone mix of Tua and Kyler.
Mac: threw for like 300 yards against Michigan’s “vaunted” defense
Tualia: has been in the system a year to learn the system.
So Bryce and Taulia lots of potential and Jones did great in 1 or 2 games. OK
It’s simply amazing given the facade of mullet’s offensive genius and his ability to coach up QB’s
that mullet and the mighty gators can’t sign a Blue-Chip QB.
I can’t tell when you guys just don’t know what you’re talking about and when you’re trolling. Emory was a blue chip recruit as is Anthony Richards who is rated higher than Beck currently.
Never listen to someone who spells dog with an A and a W. Anyone can search google to see Richards is ranked above Beck. They just can’t find it because they keep typing gawawgle.com in the search bar.
Haha gawawd one!
LOL
You may have to explain that to the folks in Athens though
We get it. It isn’t that hard to figure out.
I know you think you’re funny but don’t quit your day job just yet. Wait a few more weeks and you’re boss, who is a UGA grad, will can your a$$ and you’ll be able to pick up the unemployment checks. LMAO.
“your” boss……
I see that UGA diploma carries a lot of weight. lol
Well this specific Moron is both a troll and doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Special breed
Rated higher where. 247 Sport and Maxprep don’t even have Richardson in the Top 10. No doubt he is very good, but he is not rated higher than Beck.
Richardson is 12th and Beck is 17th on 247. You’re probably getting confused between pro and dual threat but overall Richardson is higher.
If you’re going to run your mouth, at least know what you’re talking about, otherwise you just look like an idiot. Clearly you’re clueless about what a blue-chip player is, cause both Jones and Richardson are.
Come on Joe, we all know he doesn’t look like an idiot, he is an idiot
Very true.
I thought I got rid of TDOW yesterday; didn’t I tell you to go cry in the corner?
Are you the dimwitted weirdo that was posting “gay in the mouth”?
Seriously, where did you learn that term/phrase from?
Did you immigrate from Bulgaria?
I learned it from watching you as the saying goes.
Speaking of weird terms…didn’t you coin the term “gayturd”?
I guess that’s what you see on the end of your dinkeydo after a night hanging out with your UGA buddies.
Now go cry in the corner, troll.
There’s got to be something going on with Jones at practice or behind the scenes. When Uf recruited this kid I thought “oh $hit Mullet got his prototypical QB” but for what ever reason he hasn’t been used nearly as much as I thought he would be. Don’t know why that is but as a UGA fan I am way more afraid of Jones if he puts it all together than I am of Trask.
I just think it’s a case of Mullen not believing he’s ready. He’s well known for not throwing young QBs in the fire until he thinks they are, or unless he absolutely has to. So far he hasn’t had to, so he’s going to continue developing him as much as he can before handing him the keys.
How patient will he (Jones) be though. In todays CFB world these kids want to play. I don’t think he’s going to hang around to “maybe” be able to start as a senior.
I think he’ll stick around and start as a redshirt Junior. If he were to transfer this spring, he’d most likely have to sit out next year so it wouldn’t make sense to sit out somewhere else when he’s penned as the 2021 starter for UF.
Is he “penned” though? I thought y’all just signed a hot shot QB recruit this year. How long will he wait. It’s hard to keep reliable backups these days.
I probably should have said penciled instead of penned. He should be the starter, but I guess there is a scenario where Anthony Richardson beats him out. Mullen typically likes to start QBs with experience so I feel like the succession plan would be Trask to Emory Jones to Anthony Richardson
78, Jones’ dad commented recently about talk of Emory transferring after Trask was named the starter. He said Trask was on campus for 2 years before him so of course he had the upper hand and acknowledged that Emory still hadn’t grasped the whole playbook. He even said Mullen’s a quarterback developer who would never place a qb in a position of failure even with the skillset of Emory. He pointed out what happened to Franks in that same situation. He said Emory’s time is coming, there’s no need to force the issue of him beating out Trask and that Trask is the man right now. He finished it with the future is bright with Emory and Richardson leading us to a natty. Doesn’t sound like a family that is too concerned with him not starting right now. I would imagine if Richardson beats him out, then he’ll for sure transfer.
@joe that’s good for you guys. I can tell you from experience it’s stressful knowing your season can come to an abrupt halt if your QB goes down due to no good option at backup QB. This day of transfer portal it’s rare to have a good QB stick around on the bench. Just as an outsider looking in I would think he would be getting ancy. I really expected him to be used more. It reminds me of how Cheney & Kirby used Fields. Coming in for 1 or 2 plays never lets him get into the rhythm of the game.
Trask doesn’t scare anyone. Jones does. His ability to move so well makes him a different beast than Trask.
I have a lot of respect for Mullen, the offensive system he installs, and how he calls plays in-game. However, I still don’t understand why he started 2019 with FF and not Trask. As above comments pointed out, Trask did an excellent job as a starter and is the best returning QB in the SEC.
Sometimes you never know how someone will play until you put them in. (See Tom Brady coming in for Bledsoe) Maybe FF was impressing at practice. He finished 2018 pretty strong. We’ll really never know what kind of season FF might have had. I know Mullet likes his QBs to run so that was probably the deciding factor and the reason I can’t figure out why Jones hasn’t seen more playing time.
I think most believed that Franks had a higher ceiling for his talent as compared to Trask. Also, Franks was a better fit with Mullen’s system. I think Franks still had issues with stress and the pressure of the moment that is holding him back from reaching his potential. Trask also had issues in the beginning with holding onto the ball too long. Trask’s first 2 or 3 games he fumbled quite a bit because he wasn’t willing to throw it away or take off running either. He has gotten better and time has proved he is the better QB of the two for sure, but as UGADAWG78 said “Sometimes you never know how someone will play until you put them in.”
Well because none of us were at those early practices we don’t really know why FF was named the early starter. Maybe at practice FF was slinging it 70 yds. down field and Trask was his typical laid-back self. Some players look better in practice than in games, others the opposite. Easy to question when history is behind you. Who thought Burrow would turnout the way he did ? I sure didn’t see that coming.
I think there were probably multiple reasons; practices, ability to run, upside. But I think it also came down to how this season played out. To bench Franks was to lose a QB. He had enough ups and downs that a permanent benching would have led to a transfer. You can’t make that move until you’re sure you’re ready to lose Franks, I.E. the losses start mounting. There was no danger in losing Trask.
There are literally hundreds of columns, interview and podcasts that discuss the decision behind this. Mullen said it was broken team with no confidence, without any leaders. He challenged them and Franks just ran away with it. He had everyone’s ear, was one of the first guys to buy in and he is incredibly vocal. He has a magnetic personality, where Trask is more of a quiet, stoic personality.
It’s not like it didn’t work. Franks did have some brain farts but he wasn’t chopped liver either. He was a big reason behind the turnaround in 2018. Having said that, Trask took advantage of his opportunity and exceeded what many thought of him.
I’ve seen similar comments about the starting FF over Trask.
Trask is very good at making anticipation throws, but in practices against UF defense he threw quite a few interceptions. You can see evidence of this in the last two years spring games as well, including some taken to the house. Of course, it stands to reason that UF defense would be better at jumping these routes since they practiced together constantly. However, there were still shades of this in gameplay throughout the year. See the pick he through in the LSU game for an example.
Franks was erratic at times, but with a bigger arm and much better running ability, something Mullen prizes. Also, Franks was well liked by team and the incumbent. We saw how an inexperience Trask held the ball too long and lacked pocket awareness in several games due to inexperience. Luckily, those hiccups like the 2 strip sacks by Auburn did not cost Florida the game.
Also have to consider, the strengths of the O-line were more suited to what Trask could do than Felipe, at least this year.
Like many competitions, the tie goes to the champion and Franks held his position.
It’s worth noting that Mullen changed their entire offensive scheme to work around their O-line and to Trask’s strengths. When they were competing for the starting spot, it would’ve been running a more balanced offense that Frank’s arm and athleticism were more suited to.
Lol stupid article
Trask averaged 300 pass ypg 25 td to 6 int with 67% completion rate
The only quarterback controversy is whether Jones might consider transferring after spring if he doesn’t have a legitimate shot at starting in the fall.
It’s going to be interesting the next few years as elite dual threat guys start stacking up like cord wood in the quarterback room. Emory Jones. Anthony Richardson. Carlos Del Rio. Every one of these guys is rated higher than all of Mullen’s quarterbacks at Mississippi State, including Dak. Florida is tied with FSU for most Heisman quarterbacks at three, since ND with four in the 1940s-60s, and the three statutes outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium are both magnets and pressure cookers. Florida could be the leader in quarterback transfers out of the program:
Feleipe Franks
Jalon Jones (was likely asked to leave)
Will Grier (wasn’t asked to stay)
Jeff Driskel
Jacoby Brissett
Tyler Murphy
Treon Harris
Cam Newton (was about to be kicked out of school)
Eric Kresser
Five of the guys above made it to the NFL after they transferred (Murphy as a wide receiver). Newton at Auburn won what would have been a fourth QB Heisman for Florida, but for a stolen laptop. And the list above doesn’t even include third string guys like Nick Sproles and Skyler Mornhinweg.
John Brantley said something along the lines of, “if you can’t take the pressure of being the quarterback at Florida, don’t come here.”
Good advice. But I’m guessing they’ll keep coming anyway.
Correction. Six played in the NFL after transferring to another school. Eric Kresser was with the Bengals for three years.
Jalon, Grier, and Newton didn’t transfer because of depth issues, though, so I see no need to add them to that list.
Grier could have stayed and fought for the job, which he almost certainly would have won after his one year PEDs penalty. But McElwain wouldn’t make any promises to him, which he and his dad apparently sought. In fairness to Grier, he has a different version of what happened.
Don’t forget skyler. I think the last QB to finish college at UF was Appleby and the last one recruited and finished was Brantley.
D-E-L-U-S-I-O-N-A-L
In that arena, UF is the perennial SECE champion.
You’ve won 3 years in a row
1 a gimme the team quit already
2 bouncing back from 4 wins and Frank’s basically throwing the game away with garbage play
3 you won by a touchdown and act like this streak has gone on for a decade with the same coach lol
Yep you are delusional if muschamp can beat u can get got
I agree with your comments about Jones. In this age of the transfer portal and relatively easy eligibility, blue-chip QBs are less likely to sit and wait their turn. Jones is cut in the Kyler Murray/D’Eriq King mold, and could start for a lot of CFB offenses. Spring ball will be intriguing.
CDM has consistently held his qb’s back in they’re first 2 years (Tebow being exception). Jones is right where he needs to be. The offensive lines issues have been key factor in CDM’s decisions on Jones. In my opinion, Jones is the future of the Gators qb’s profile. CDM’s choices have been solid and produced 2 of the best turnaround seasons I’ve seen in my lifetime.
Remember this, we were 21 points away from an undefeated season with no running game to LSU and Georgia.
All of this within 2 years of the sharkhumper’s debacle. If you look back
at the coaches poll throughout the season it should validate the coaching job CDM and his staff accomplished
Nice article. Kinda hard not to like Trask after reading this. Sounds like a good dude.
Having a quarterback controversy like Florida and Alabama is never a good thing… sure glad down here on the bayou we have a proven stud ready to take the reins! Brennan 4 heisman! LSU back 2 back!
LOL
Myles has waited half a decade for his turn lol Emory is next up
If Kyle doesn’t perform well he gets the job if he does he gets it next yr where’s the controversy
Better to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.
LOL
Where did this guy come from? I don’t remember seeing that name before LSU won the title. All I know is he’s quickly climbing the ladder as the most delusional poster on SDS.
I live on the border of Ga and SC. I see lots of LSU “fans” popping up all over. It never fails after a championship run. They come out of the woodwork.
Yep. Casual bandwagon types.
I expect Florida’s running game to improve, so I doubt Mullen starts Jones over Trask unless the former clear outdistances himself this offseason. If Jones hasn’t done that by now I doubt he ever will. I’m not sure why he hasn’t progressed into a starter under Mullen’s tutelage. When they first signed him I was of the opinion that the best move for Mullen would be to throw him in the fire early in 2018, since that offense wasn’t going to be a earth-scorcher anyway, and ride him for the next 4 years since Feleipe appeared to be too inconsistent.
Mullen will never throw a quarterback into the fire too early unless he has no other alternative. As for the running game next year, it almost has to be better. It certainly can’t be any worse.
Don’t you put that evil on me Ricky Bobby
Gators will do much of the same… at least 2 losses and a 2nd place finish in the east, regardless if its the 2 star qb playing or the converted wr.
They actually took a step forward last yr
Close loss to Georgia and a endzone pick away from scoring 35 in your house
Much better then losses to Kentucky and Mizzou
Secondary and DL should finally have proper depth
Mullen has greatly improved the roster since taking over at literally every position
This will be his most talented team yet
LSU losing so much coaches and players plus we always play em close I like our chances at home this yr
You don’t go 15 and 0 in the SEC without having depth. LSU returns a lot more than the hallwalkers are giving us credit for… Brennan to Racey McMath is unstoppable… just watch Brennans 2019 highlights. McMath is what wr 4 or 5 in the fleet? Brennan to Chase? Peeeeeewwwww wee!!!
LSU will win the SEC… in another 8 or 9 years.
Georgia will win it in another 20 or 30 years.
Joe Burrow ain’t walking through that door and neither Joe Brady. You disrespect their greatness by not understanding that it will be impossible to compete at that same level again next year.
QB controversy or not, you don’t win many games against superior teams when you can only muster 21 yds rushing. Might want to start there if you have any delusions of winning the division. And pray…. A LOT… 102-41 and counting.
You’re not wrong
I think they can use Jones effectively in the wildcat or even a series or two in the first half calling prescribed plays. I like Trask better for the balance of the QB work, but if you make the defense prepare for two guys, it can be an advantage.
First 2 years finish 8th and 6th in ap with 2 ny6 bowl wins
Why so crazy to think a sec title is possible this year
The sec hasn’t been so wide open with multiple teams having a chance to win the conference in idk how long
Fla is undeniably one of those teams
Your prediction is definitely plausible.
It’s definitely possible but the chance of it is probably less than 50%. Of course anything can happen and usually teams don’t end up looking anything like what you think they will as the season wears on. But at this point, going into next year, UGA is the better team still so the betting money should be on UGA to win the east again. UGA could disappoint, Florida may do as well as advertised, or maybe Tennessee makes a huge jump and leaps them both. Nobody knows what will happen but we know what SHOULD happen. And what SHOULD happen is a 4th straight UGA SEC East championship.
I think you need to change that statement from UGA is still the better team to UGA still has more talent, albeit unproven. Defensively, yeah UGA may still be the better team, but there’s far too many unknowns on offense to make that claim as an overall statement.
May be unknown to you but for the most part, every position across the board will have players who have seen plenty of action. QB is going to be fine, plenty of game experience from Newman. RB isn’t a position where experience is necessary but UGA has lots there. WR is gonna be fine with Pickens and Blaylock. TE is good with Fitz playing plenty and McKitty also having game experience. The only Real question is OL where LG, C, RG, and RT are all players who have logged starts for UGA along with significant playing time.
Only problem uga has is the same as LSU a couple yrs ago. It’s whoever the hell is calling the offense
The main difference between Fla and Ga is depth of talent. Fla is closing the gap for sure but until then, injuries are going to expose that lack of depth and cost the Gators a game or two late. If they get lucky like Ga last year with few injuries, they for sure could win east and play for the SEC title and a playoff berth. Their schedule is relatively easy so that helps.
1,000%
Don’t let LeghumperU see that comment.
It remains to be seen how the loss of four starters and their highly respected Coach to Arkansas will affect UGAs O-line. No doubt your young receivers with a year under their belt will perform better, especially getting the ball from a proven transfer QB. However, the second question mark is whether bringing in a new OC will finally fix that sluggish offense.
UGA still has the talent edge, but it’s way too early to be calling it.
RE: the talent gap: 247 composite Team talent rankings:
2016: UGA 6 – Florida 16
2017: UGA 4 – Florida 17
2018: UGA 3 – Florida 12
2019: UGA 3 – Florida 15
The 2020 rankings won’t come out just yet, but I’ve been hearing that the talent gap is closing since 2017.
I believe that Mullen proved his QB whisperer status with Trask last year and got the absolute most out of an average QB. IMO we have seen Tradk ceiling so I expect Jones to play and maybe be the starter by the Cocktail Party
Trask did sit for years waiting his chance and has done an excellent job given the opportunity. He also showed he wasn’t pouting about his role and continued to learn what the coaches were teaching. Emory seems to have that too. He has flashed a lot of talent and does have the tools to suit Coach Mullens game. I don’t think his lack of reps last year had anything to do with talent. It was more that he was still learning the fine details of the game. Expect to see more of him this year assuming the OL has grown up and is ready to let us run a balanced offense. We had the skill tools last year not less a OL. There will be a competition and Jones could win but Trask has a year of operating under his belt. Barring injury we have the QB’s to take us the distance.
There is no controversy, what there is, is the best QB room in the SEC by far. Two guys who could start and shine. The best returning QB in the conference with the best “ backup “ who has plenty of game experience. Heck you could borrow a line from the Georgia Morons and say our backup QB could start for most SEC teams next season. Including them stinking pups
Put down the pipe son. You’re completely delusional.
Ok, it’s fair to say that Trask is the best returning QB and is in a position to be the best after next season, but to say we have the best QB room is stretching it. Alabama has the best QB room.
How much experience does Taulia have? Bryce? Mac Jones?
They may have the most potential but we have the most experience therefore better QB room
If you’re saying experience trumps potential then you have no basis for ever criticizing Kirby’s Fromm-over-Fields decision.
I haven’t
But experience matters when the experienced player performs at a high level like Trask has done
LOL….no
OK you are the best with Newman coming in and winning a Heisman guaranteed
Never said that either. Bama probably has the best QB room in the SEC
You’re a natural born prick you know that? Always so snarky. You said Uf has “best QB room in the SEC by far” and how dare anyone question it.
Stop the name calling
And we do have the bestQB room
After reading all of these comments from gator and bulldog fans I realize that LSU will not be any good until Arch Manning arrives on campus. I apologize for thinking that LSU has the best wrs and dbs in the country. How silly of me to assume that LSU will compete for a national championship the year after winning the national championship. Obviously LSU is a 1 hit wonder that only has 3 nattys this millennium, more than all of the east combined. Luckily for us it is now basketball season where we are undefeated in SEC play, and baseball season is right around the corner.
Myles Brennan is hot garbage. The purple reign is over. He only threw for 3,982 yards and 48 touchdowns as a senior at St. Stanislaus High School in Mississippi, and broke all of Archie’s records. We all need to sleep on the young man as he is not good, and the skilled players around him are terrible. We would much rather have a 3 star mac jones, or a wake forest transfer, maybe even a kid who sat the bench throughout high school running the show. Woe is me for LSU fans.
LOL if Brennan was as good as LSU fans think, he would have started over Burrow in 2018. Must take some real mental gymnastics to think your RS/Junior first year starter will make you all a shoe in for the Playoff.
Do you hear yourself? If he was any good he would have started over the greatest college football player of all time? Lmfao
There was a battle for the starting job, and Brennan lost out to the best player you have ever seen.(closer than you realize)
Now really think about that… this guy battled the joe burrow for pt… his confidence is sky high and the skilled players will be better this year. Add in an experienced offensive line that will have more nfl talent on it than this years championship winning line and it’s not hard to connect the dots… Brennan is heading to new york.
HEYYYYYYY OOOOOOOOO ooooooo STTDB!
LOL I forgot Burrow set records in 2018 before Brady arrived. Brennen had 3 years to win the job before burrow ever even got there and didn’t. Now really think about that…..
Could say the same for Jones and all the other Florida qbs that left and actually did better haha
You really are a “Fantasy” god. Try to enjoy this past year because Saban will be back on top of the west and stepping on your coon-arse head
Lol kinda like Kirby has the East? Y’all will be lucky to beat Kentucky next year.
@ LSUorbust
Congrats you sound just like Corch or DumbsOfWar. Can you be an LSU Moron?
There’s mountains of evidence to show that high school stats don’t translate to success at the college level. It can be predictive to an extent, but it’s not causal.
Ha just like how the Bama guy was arguing over players that never played a meaningful down. Neither translates to success
Nobody said LSU wouldn’t be good. We’re just saying your prediction of back to back undefeated NC seasons seems a little bit of a stretch. See the difference.
And also, please don’t start posting like the only other “tard” that gets on here and makes every other word/letter capitalized. Just push the little buttons on the keyboard like everyone else, please.
I’m assuming this reply isn’t for me lol
You are a good assumer
You saying Fantasy is the LSU version of Negan? LSUorbust sounds like DumbsOfWar. Georgia is getting some real competition this year for most Morons
And you still stand alone as king douche. Congratulations
Instead of dbu should it just be talentu? At this rate LSU is going for the sweep in championships. Surely 2/3. Got baseball on lock
UF will win the natty in baseball this year.
During the Florida games that I watched…when Emory came on the field, the Defense knew it was a run & defensed it accordingly. His running style seemed kinda jerky, trying to fake 2-3 times per carry. He may have all the talent but as a QB you still have to translate that talent into game-time-action.
No. There’s not. Are there two potentially great QBs? Yes. Mullen has proven he will adjust system to skillset of players. Unfortunately, Franks injury and Oline caused Mullen to adjust offense mid season. Wasn’t til after UGA game when Mullen and staff got comfortable calling plays with Trask and forsaking run game. Next year will have a better understanding of what Trask can do, improved Oline and if Trask were to go down they would be more prepared to switch to Jones or Richardson.
Why Trask sat behind D’eriq King instead or transferring I’ll never understand. He obviously could of gotten plenty of power 5 offers. Going into last year he was completely getting his degree until he actually got a chance
That’s crazy to me. Just got his chance he’s far more consistent
Kentucky was an L until he stepped in and showed some real consistency that hopefully gets more consistent
“Mullen won’t say the job is wide open, but he did emphasize that Jones was a big part of Orange Bowl prep, upping his reps and working on expanding and growing his game.”
If he was such a big part of the Orange Bowl prep, how come Jones wasn’t allowed to throw a single pass? That’s right, he threw zero. When he went in on a first down in Virginia territory and ran for a couple and then ran for a couple more on second down, it was third and 5 or so, an obvious passing situation for us, in a tight game. I thought, “Good, we get to see Jones throw on a critical series in a tight game. Nope. Trask came in to pass for the first down and the Gators scored a few plays later. It’s clear to me that Mullen doesn’t trust Jones to throw in critical situations. Something’s wrong.