New games add colorful storylines, but Florida's 2020 season is still all about the Cocktail Party
Friday night, after a week-long wait, the SEC released the additional 2 opponents for each program in the 10-game, conference-only slate the league adopted last week. Florida’s added opponents? Arkansas and Texas A&M, with the Razorbacks slated to visit The Swamp and the Gators headed to Kyle Field for the first time since 2012.
A look around the league shows the league did the best it could with the hand it was dealt. Sure, there will be complaints in CoMo, where Eli Drinkwitz added LSU and Alabama and there will be conspiracy theorists that wonder how Kirby Smart managed to add only a rebuilding Arkansas and Miss State.
But the reality, as Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin noted in a statement Friday night, is that the league office worked tirelessly to provide the safest option that was the most fair to all programs involved.
#Gators AD Scott Stricklin: pic.twitter.com/pmb5Bdn9IX
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) August 7, 2020
As for Florida’s 2 additional opponents, there shouldn’t be much griping in Gainesville.
For one thing, both new opponents offer compelling storylines.
Arkansas will visit Florida with Feleipe Franks as its starting quarterback. That means Franks gets a curtain call in the stadium and against the program he started at for 3 seasons, where he was cheered, booed and ultimately only replaced when he was injured early last season at Kentucky. That he’ll start against his longtime backup, Kyle Trask, who became a program cult hero in guiding Florida to 11 wins and an Orange Bowl victory last season, is an SEC football writer’s dream.
Texas A&M is also an intriguing game with plenty of things for a wordsmith to wax poetic about. The Gators visit Kyle Field for the first time since spoiling Johnny Manziel’s college debut in 2012. That means Kyle Trask, the unheralded 2-star recruit who now figures to be the 1st-team All-SEC quarterback, gets to start a game in his home state in a stadium named for a guy named Kyle. That alone is fun, and that’s before you toss in the Jimbo Fisher factor.
Fisher, as you may recall, is a familiar foil to Gators fans, having fathered Florida for most of a decade while the head coach at Florida State. Fisher lost to Florida only once in 8 seasons in Tallahassee, and for the most part, none of the games were close, with 6 of Fisher’s 7 wins over the Gators coming by 2 touchdowns or more. Will Fisher’s ownership of Florida continue in College Station, or is Dan Mullen and a steady QB — something Florida didn’t have during Fisher’s tenure in Tallahassee — enough to turn the tide? We’ll find out, and it will be fun to write about.
But for all the color and compelling stories those games will provide, the truth is they don’t change Florida’s outlook or bottom-line reality in 2020.
Florida’s season still comes down to the Cocktail Party, and anyone who tries to tell you anything different is blowing smoke.
If Florida wants to play in Atlanta, have a chance at a College Football Playoff, prove its turned the corner and climbed back into the thick of the national conversation under Dan Mullen — the Gators have to beat Georgia.
Florida’s fans know it. Georgia’s fans know it and are quick to remind Florida fans about it.
Kirby Smart knows it. As a Georgia player, he lived it, going 1-3 against Florida. As a coach, he’s made it his defining game — he’s 3-1 so far and twice winning in decisive fashion.
“In almost any season, all of our goals as a football team are ahead of us when we arrive in Jacksonville. There’s a privilege to that, and we take that very seriously at Georgia,” Smart said before last year’s game. His record proves it.
Steve Spurrier has known it for decades, matter-of-factly declaring that “the road to Atlanta goes through Jacksonville” back in the 1990s, a statement that has proven prophetic in the SEC East.
Florida or Georgia have represented the SEC East in 20 of the league’s 28 SEC Championship games. More telling, the loser of the Florida-Georgia game has gone to Atlanta just 3 times: 2002, 2003 and 2005. Florida has never gone to Atlanta in a season when it lost to Georgia. I’ll repeat that: Florida has never gone to Atlanta without beating Georgia.
In a 10-game conference slate, it’s almost certain Florida and Georgia will falter somewhere along the way. Maybe for the Gators, it’s in College Station, where a senior quarterback and an old coach they haven’t defeated in almost a decade awaits. Maybe for Georgia, it’s Alabama, a game everyone has had circled for a year.
But the likelihood is no matter how the schedule looks next week, all roads in the SEC East lead to Jacksonville.
What happens there will define Florida in 2020.
LOL. Just admit it, Neal. Floriduh and Bama spent all week giving Greg Sankey the business, and to protect those two teams, Mizzou and Arkansas got absolutely corkscrewed. And you’re 100% good with that.
Honesty is always the best look.
So who was UGA giving the business to draw Arky and MSU?
Georgia already had the most difficult SEC schedule.
And all we did is pick up the next two SEC games on our schedule. That’s what was supposed to happen for everyone until Bama and Floriduh threw a hissy fit.
The SEC never said that was going to happen… Again you’re talking out your a$$…
UGA doesn’t have the most difficult schedule…
And the addition of Texas A&M and Georgia not adding any top 25 type teams fairly much makes Florida’s schedule just as tough as Georgia’s. Florida did not improve its schedule with the two additions, but Georgia certainly did. And I have no issue with it because I know no one sitting in the scheduling room “threw a hissy fit.” But all worked hard to make the SEC stay the best conference in the country with this scheduling. So go troll elsewhere with your nonsense.
Uga had Bama and AU already on Sched. UF had LSU and Ole Miss. Your upset cause UF didn’t add BAMA and aTm? That would give UF the 3 top west teams vs UGA play 1 plus the 4th best. UGA could have added LSU. But face it, LSU and UGA still came out with the best draw adding the 6th and 7th cross division teams
Georgia Troll (if that is what you are). Who did Georgia and LSU give the business to in order to get two easy additional wins? You HONESTY sound like an idiot. Of course, the SEC is going to give Bama, LSU, Georgia, Florida and other top of the league teams the best possible path to the playoffs (just like the Big Ten did for Ohio State). And unfortunately for Arkansas and a few other SEC teams, they became sacrificial lambs this year because their teams were not and are not going to compete for titles. And I can tell you that Florida did not work to set up Arkansas on the schedule because they would not want to do that to Feleipe Franks. They have too much respect for him. But I doubt you have much respect on here with such nonsense.
BC in NC. You folks in Georgia and North Carolina enjoy calling real news fake and fake news real. And yes, it has been three years since Florida beat Georgia. Time for the Gators to change that narrative this year.
And by the way. 247Sports has the two biggest winners of the additional scheduling as Alabama and Georgia, in that order, followed by LSU and Florida. So Georgia must have been “hissy fitting” a lot more than Florida but not as much as Alabama.
Poodles and kirby dumb will be dominated by Nana and get their ass properly kicked by the mighty Gators. The fact is, a can never win a national championship.
What would the complaint about UGA be? They already had #3 Bama, #9 Florida, and #10 Auburn. Florida had #4 LSU, #5 Georgia, and added #13 Texas A&M. Seems pretty even.
Tell that to Corch
Absolutely correct, sir. The new scheduling took away the excuse that Florida had an easier schedule if Florida were to win the East. But I think Georgia is #4 and LSU is #5. And Florida plays at A&M, which is a really tough place to play. Which evens up again with Georgia having to play at Bama. Which all points to a BIGGER game in Jacksonville if the season is played. Still a big if right now.
Hopefully will be easier to play there this year without the 12th man.
nothing wrong with this article.
everything goes through Jacksonville.
as a 30yr old gator fan, most of my life has been dominating georgia and winning 3 nattys..
unfortunately, until the gators can get past the new georgia (new to me) nothing really matters.
I don’t know if its the UGA commenters on SDS or the 3 game skid, but I don’t even care about FSU anymore.
1-9 with a win against uga would make me as happy as 9-1 with a loss to uga this year
I hate that I care this much about georgia lol
Rivalries! Lol.
I couldn’t agree more Itg8rGreat! Only in reverse, lol…
Oh my gosh. There is not a team in the world whereas a victory over them would make up for nine other losses. Even during the losing streak to Bama, no way would I have traded a win for all of that aggravation. SC beat UGA. Their season still blew. A 9-1 record means UF is most likely in the SECCG. I don’t care about a loss to any team if it means we get a shot at the title. My love for my team is much greater than my disdain for any other. Three years ago, Bama lost to Auburn but still won the NC. You think Bama fans really care when Auburn fans try and talk trash? The goal was to win the NC. Mission accomplished.
To answer your question…absolutely many Alabama fans care they lost to Auburn. If not for the National Coddling Alabama Association it would gave cost any other SEC team a CFP ticket.
As for last years SC victory…it can save a coaching job, yes? Ask gus about that.
IF (big if, because in reality I certainly wouldn’t wish to have to choose between 1-9 and beating UF) but if we only won one game in a season I most certainly would prefer a win over UF than any other team in the SEC, yes even vs LSU or Bama even though they have owned us recently.
You think the NCAA selects the teams for the FBS playoff?
LMAO..
You’re like the gift that keeps on giving, sunshine…still talking to me eh? Bless your heart
I enjoy taking the time to point out a stupid comment from trash like you…
As old as you say you are you would think you might know a little about CFB but obviously you don’t….
Dumba$$ trash…
BTW specifically to your ignopointed question: do I think the National Coddling Alabama Association selects the teams for the playoffs?
Let’s see, an autonomous entity formed to replace the BCS approved by a committee of NCAA university presidents…imo indirectly…how about you?
Wow, still talking to me. Does that mean what I think it does? I like you too BT, in a manly kind if way. Speaking of trash, should I ask the million dollar question?
FF leading Arkansas’ offense in the Swamp is going to be both weird and fascinating to see.
Florida playing A&M is also another compelling game. I very much look forward to watching both.
Agreed, some fun story lines for Florida’s added games this year. The game against Arky with Franks should be super interesting. Thankfully, that means it likely gets a TV broadcast just based on that odd storyline alone. I imagine the UGA/Arky game will be the same due to the Pittman storyline.
I feel bad for Feleipe. I know one of the reasons he picked Arkansas was so he would not have to play Florida this year. Now he does, and I know he is not happy about it. But with Arkansas’ schedule, they may go through a bunch of QBs this season.
He will be well-received in Gainesville. Gator Nation felt horrible that his career there ended the way it did.
Why should gator nation feel horrible? It was Franks who was afraid of competition and transferred out…
Felipe has issues while at Florida. He also did some things that were immature.
However, I felt he corrected those things and became a leader on the team. He’s going to be received well when he comes in. He’s a great kid and is a heck of a competitive student athlete.
He needs to have something go right for him.. I wish him well.
I hope he is well-received in gainesville, but I think gator fans are kidding themselves if they would have been cheering for him by the end of 2019. With product seen against UM and UK prior to his injury, the writing was on the wall that he wasn’t up to snuff.
As opposed to 2 losses, the gators were likely staring at 4 to 5 losses (UK, Aub and maybe SC…in addition to LSU & UGA) had he maintained the starting job. no hating….just props to trask and how much better he was than franks.
Feleipe Franks seemed like he had the intangibles…size, arm, running ability…but his immaturity overshadowed all of that. I understand that he was respected by the team members, especially for his competitive nature. While watching that Miami vs, Florida game in 2019 I saw a lot of me/me/me in his antics…running around the stadium,etc.. I hope he has a good season at Arky.
“Kyle Trask, the unheralded 2-star recruit who now figures to be the 1st-team All-SEC quarterback”
Say what? Do all the other QBs have the COVID already?
Mattmd2. You make sure, either way, you come back on here when the season ends. But I doubt you will because Trask has as much chance to be first team All-SEC as any other QB in the SEC, and that includes the two greatest ever QBs that transferred into your school.
Why do people keep calling Trask a 2-star quarterback? Where was he rated that?
Trask started as a 2 star in the first service to rate him– Rivals. He became a composite 3 only after committing to Florida. He referenced this story late last season after the South Carolina game.
Guess I definitely need to get out more.
Regardless, trask is a great story and teaching moment for all 2nd string hs qbs out there…..and other position players. keep pushing….you’ll maybe get that lucky break.
The numbers of ******* concerning Kyle Trask are immaterial. He came in and did a great job for the Gators. He gave the offense some stability & maturity.
Florida’s season is all about the cocktail party — and so is Georgia’s. Most likely, the winner of that game will advance to Atlanta as a legit playoff contender. Has it really only been 3 years since McElwain was romancing the shark? My, how time flies.
BC in NC. You folks in Georgia and North Carolina enjoy calling real news fake and fake news real. And yes, it has been three years since Florida beat Georgia. Time for the Gators to change that narrative this year.
My real news comes from NPR, the New New York Times, the BBC, The Economist, etc. I don’t like any cable TV news — be it MSNBC, CNN or Fox.
Beating Fla. 4 years running will be a heavy lift, but I think UGA’s up to the challenge. It’ll be an epic game.
Wishful thinking little puppy. You are already a relic. You poodles and kirby dumb can’t develop your so called 5 stars to win a national championship.
@poopy kicker Is it better to have talent and not develop it or just not have talent? What is funny is looking at the rankings and thinking you are closing the talent gap when in fact there is an ocean of difference between the #3 ranked class and the #9 ranked class. Also, it was a lot more than 7 points.
@natepup
An ocean of difference that Kirby hasn’t been able to maximize and take advantage of
@ BC
Getting your news from the NYT, an outfit that has several liberal editors and reporters leave because of the one sided reporting and agenda driven stories that have no tolerance for anything that doesn’t jive with said agenda, very smart. No wonder you are so well informed
Well, the SEC followed the Big 10’s lead and tried to protect its CFP contenders, to the extent that it could given the preexisting schedules. Frankly, if this were a seeded tournament, this is about how the added games would be distributed.
^^^^agree
Gonna beat that florida arse like we own it. Oh wait, we do own it.
Tdow, the only thing you own is the stupid crown. Own UF? Yeah sure moron.
I
Out American Florida Gator will devour your British puppy. You British puppies had your chances. Kirby Dumb can’t develop players. Will all the talent you guys recruiter, you should have already won a natty. Your arse is grass!
Uga, “Less w more” as cojones says.
Right on.
Also where 5 stars go to underperform or to the transfer portal
It is nice to see how much the pressure of Jacksonville has evened out. If UGA can win this year, it might start to get between the gator ears like Spurrier did when he lived rent free in UGA heads. I love this game (been every year since 1997!)
Gators worried about UGA but shouldn’t until the game actually arrives. I got UF with 3 L’s by end of season.Tenn,Texas a&m,and UGA not getting to Atlanta sorry guys.I’ll be back in December to remind you of this psychic reading I gave you guys
Just what we needed, another Nostradumba$$
UF doesn’t have the talent to beat Georgia,the defense will smother UF offense and the Georgia new look offense will have its way with UF.I will not be surprised if A&M and Tennessee give UF a loss.
I wonder how their talent compares to SC… LMAO..
We know how it compares to Auburn…
L. M. A. O.
You gotta be talking about Southern Cal…right ? It is surely not the one in Colombia S.C.
Curtis, you’re just a “ tad outside”
For Florida…the pathway to greatness has always run thru the “cocktail party” in Jax.
Yeah yeah we’ve all seen this movie before, UGA is the most talented team ever, UGA has the best O line ever(2019), UGA gas the best defense ever(2020), Kirby is recruiting national champion 3 years in a row & has a 5 star 5 deep. And yet, lose to Texas & LSU one year, lose to SC the next, and of course…..1980