If there’s one thing I know about the University of Florida, it’s that every person is here because they want to be a winner. Think about it: the majority of our athletic programs do exceptionally well every season, and academically we are ranked 14th in the nation for public universities.
I know that personally, I pride myself on being a Gator because that means not only is my education superior to many other college students (cough, cough FSU) but that my football team is superior as well.
So it doesn’t come as a surprise that when our team loses to Vanderbilt for the first time since 1988, people start freaking out. The typical social media rants were nothing out of the ordinary, and usually I tend to agree. But when “Fire Muschamp” signs start dawning our own campus, I get a little upset.
Yes, I do think something should be done about our team and coaching staff. But having gator fans down their own coach is the last thing we need right now. FSU’s sudden rise and our sudden downfall lights a fire underneath me, but if I lose school spirit along with my pride, then I’m giving all of my rivals the opportunity to bash me and my beloved Gators just as well.
In addition, why are we so quick to give him the outs? Everyone seemed content with his work last season, where we ended 11-2 and figured we were just “recovering from a hiccup” that was the 2011 season. But it’s more than just the coach. It’s the lack of quarterback depth, the plague of injuries to the offensive line, the inconsistent offensive coaching staff. These problems won’t be solved overnight. And our athletic director Jeremy Foley seems to back up Will Muschamp through their nightmare of a season, so why can’t we?
The thought of a 5-7 season sends shivers down my back, but all we can do for the time being is pray. Even if it is disheartening that the prayer is to beat Georgia Southern. Oh, and if you think for a second that I’m not praying that we miraculously beat FSU, then you’re wrong. As a Gator fan, I firmly believe that is exactly what I should do. So please, before you lose all hope and start making “fire Muschamp” signs, at least wait until the end of the season.
Photo courtesy of: TampaBay
