- Shane Matthews cherishes starting the Steve Spurrier era in 1990 and praises Rex Grossman as one of Florida's best passers ever.
- Dooley laments that few seem to be thinking about younger athletes losing opportunities as colleges look to sign NFL players.
- Among NFL teams, Arizona has the worst Super Bowl odds at 500-1, while Miami is listed at 350-1.
The Front 9 comes at you after the first football weekend during which I cramped up because I’m not in football-watching shape yet. Which would be no shape at all.
1. There was a level of excitement when I woke up Saturday morning. Was I entertained? A little. I saw a lot of bad quarterback play and Bill Belichick finally smiling in a press conference; was less than impressed with FSU; and will be smart enough to hydrate this weekend. I taped what turned out to be the best game of the first Saturday (Memphis’ win at UNLV) and watched it Sunday morning. Yes, I am as much a college football nerd at 71 as I was at 11. The three TVs were all humming (golf was on one and the Braves on another). I felt whole again.
2. And now that we have our last Week 0 ever out of the way, it gets more interesting. The Swamp was closed, but alive over the weekend as Florida went through its Mock GameDay Saturday morning. Now, we will get to see if they can play a Mach Five game and bring the fun back to Florida. Gator fans have been holding up their end of the couch for 18 straight sellouts. It’s time for the program to reach down and pick up the other end.
3. FOMO game of the week
You may have heard this already, but the Gators play a real football game on Saturday. The Jon Sumrall Era begins as UF fans hope they finally have found the right guy. The Gators play Florida Atlantic, a team that went 4-8 last season and lost its final game last season 42-3 at home to East Carolina, at 7:45 p.m. Be there. Aloha.
4. Four questions with two-time SEC Player of the Year and current media star Shane Matthews
- Does the start of another football season make you think about your first start in 1990?
Matthews: It’s always an exciting time when the season starts. But to be able to start off the Steve Spurrier Era will always be one of the moments I will always cherish. - How much would you pay Jon Sumrall to run the same first play you did against Oklahoma State?
Matthews: Coach Sumrall doesn’t need my money. Ha. But it would be very cool to see them run a version of bandit trips left / blue draw / z deep cross. - Why do you think you gravitated toward roles in media (radio, podcast) after your playing career?
Matthews: I never would’ve imagined I’d be doing media. I had no background in it and not a very talkative guy. I did some pregame shows and then was asked to start my own podcast. I was very surprised when I was asked to be the color analyst. Especially since I had no experience. But it’s great working with Sean (Kelley) and it makes you feel like you’re part of the team again. - The best passing quarterback you have seen at Florida other than yourself is …?
Matthews: Florida has had so many great throwers at the QB position but since I’ve been a Gator … I’ve gotta go with Rex Grossman.
5. Five worst odds to play in the Super Bowl this season
- Arizona 500-1. What a disaster. Too many injuries, no quarterback and a brutal schedule.
- Miami 350-1. Cue music. Miami Dol-phins. Miami Dol-phins. Miami Dolphins No. 31.
- Cleveland 200-1. Fans deserve better, but ownership does not.
- New York Jets 200-1. M-E-S-S. Mess, mess, mess.
- Las Vegas 150-1. Tom Brady can only do so much.
6. This will happen this week
You will ask multiple people if they understand when you can point for a first down and when you cannot. TCU got a brutal penalty for it; dozens of other players did not. Supposedly, they are trying to tighten up the celebration rules. Only one ref got the memo.
7. Hot take of the week
Has anyone thought about the kids? The answer is a simple, “No.” I’m not talking about life, I am talking about football. All of these judges dropping injunctions like they were Walter Clayton Jr. threes and I never hear about these seventh-year players and guys on NFL rosters wanting to come back taking opportunities away from rising high school seniors. And I certainly don’t hear about Power Four teams occupying a ton of slots not in the top 40 recruiting classes for next year. I can do math. There are things that don’t add up. Talking heads pretty much avoid this topic although I give Greg McElroy credit for bringing it up during the ESPN pregame show.
8. Tweet of the week
From ESPN Radio personality Ian Fitzsimmons: “Ok – I may have been wrong about NC State.” Well, Ian, you were not alone. The Dave Doeren seat warmed up to about 7.5 on a 1-to-10 scale.
9. Remote drop of the week
It would not feel right if I didn’t offer up a salute to the late and great Dolly Parton. What a great human being. “Steel Magnolias” is an excellent movie, but my favorite will always be “9 to 5” with a great theme song and an awesome cast.