Quote:Sorry, this isn't a post about the draft, it's a post about college football !


Months back, a couple of UK-based fans (one of them being me) were asking this forum for help in picking a college football team to follow. I don't know what conclusions the others came to, but I've just about decided (after a bit of light reading) to go with the "local" team - the Gators.


But, is there anything I need to know that might put me off ? Or for that matter, what are the compelling reasons for picking them as my team ?

 

I don't understand the desire to "force" a choice in picking a college football team, or any team for that matter. My opinion...watch some games of these teams. At some point, you'll find yourself gravitating towards one naturally, or none of them at all. But from a standpoint of a neutral observer (I'm not a fan of any of these programs)

 

Miami is Miami..everyone including overseas knows where Miami is. They ask you where FSU/UF are, and they won't know where those schools are located. And if you really do want to make a trip, there's more tourist stuff to do in Miami than Gainesville or Tallahassee. In a way, UCF would apply if this is what you're looking for with Orlando/Disney. They're not as prestigious as those three teams historically, but they seem to be in an upswing. They have a nice facility, good location for students, so its possible they can sustain success if they find it.

 

FSU has had the most recent success, but with Winston gone, they're probably done being a top contender until they find their next quarterback. If you didn't want your team to be not "too good", FSU probably falls in line with this now until their younger guys develop. If you like the running game, I have to say I was impressed with FSU's young RB last season (can't remember his name now sorry, but he was huge all season long until his meltdown vs. Oregon). They will probably be underdogs this season and next season, if you like the underdog type of teams.

 

UF is similar. They do have a new coaching staff, so you can jump in fresh. Since you're already a Jaguars fan, it might be cool to follow Kelvin Taylor, RB for the Gators who is Fred Taylor's son. Runs like Freddy too, just without his dad's top end speed. Similar style with the cut-backs though.

 

But as I said initially, just watch some of the games and see which team/style gravitates to you the most. I've watched CFB for awhile now, but don't have any allegiance to any team. For me, unless you attended a college, its difficult to get "attached" unless you just happen to jump in at the right time and something "clicks". Players are usually gone after 3-4 years, and you probably won't even know the player until his soph or junior year when he starts getting meaningful minutes. 

 

I liked UF when they had Danny Wuerffel as their QB, but also liked FSU with Warrick Dunn. I watched MIchigan when they had Charles Woodson, Louisville when they had Teddy. Also went pro-UF when they had Tebow vs. OU and Bama. Those were probably the teams that I supported over the years. The other years, I just watched for the sake of watching prospects for the Jaguars lol.

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