The “Tough Schedule” Excuse for the Gators Needs to End
Every season, it seems like the Florida Gators are facing an especially tough schedule, and it’s become a popular narrative that whenever they struggle, it’s because of that schedule. However, this excuse shouldn’t be used as a justification for lack of success.
How do we know this? The media often points to the schedule as the ultimate cause for any Gators’ struggles. But in the SEC, where there are no “easy” games, blaming the schedule is simply an oversimplification. It’s unproductive and doesn’t add value to the conversation. Instead of complaining about the difficulty of the schedule, the Gators should view it as an advantage.
Postseason Preparation
A team can cruise through a weak schedule, only to get knocked out of the postseason by a team that’s been tested by a much tougher slate of games. Playing weak opponents doesn’t build the kind of strength needed for the postseason. Soft opponents may look good on paper, but they don’t contribute to building a solid resume that gets you into the College Football Playoff, or even a better bowl game. With the expanded playoff bracket, playing a tough schedule prepares teams for the battles ahead. A team that survives the gauntlet of a competitive conference like the Big 12 is already battle-tested for the postseason.
Earning Respect
How often did people question Indiana last season, despite their strong performance in the Big Ten? Sure, a team can only play the opponents on their schedule, but many athletic directors choose the easy path, opting for weaker teams instead of taking on tough opponents that could potentially lead to losses.
For Florida, yes, they have LIU on their schedule, but after that, they face mostly SEC teams, plus in-state rivals like Miami and Florida State. These games not only provide important recruiting boosts but also valuable bragging rights. Even the Miami game will help improve Florida’s strength of schedule.
Last season, DJ Lagway gained recognition for his performances against tough opponents like Tennessee and LSU. The LSU game, in particular, was a turning point for the team, boosting their confidence and proving Lagway could handle tough situations in any environment. While moral victories don’t count, his early performance in Knoxville showed his potential.
Ending the “Too Hard” Narrative
The whole “Florida’s schedule is too hard” narrative needs to end because it creates an easy excuse for anyone wanting to blame external factors for losses. If the Gators have a tough season, it’s not because of who they played. The blame lies with their execution on both offense and defense. Historically, Florida’s championships came from overcoming tough schedules, and no one used the schedule as an excuse back then.
No Comment! Be the first one.