Athlon Ranks Us No. 5

I heard Mitch Light on a local talk radio show talk about the upcoming season. It seems Athlon has the gators as preseason favorites and has our Dawgs ranked 5.
I frequently talk to him on this program and asked him why. He says primarily it's the strength of our schedule. He seems to think Florida will have a much improved defense, etc.
I thanked him for not ranking us 2, as that was the kiss of death for Lardo's team a couple years ago when they went 5-6. Athlon also ranked Iowa second in the not too distant past.
It's all speculation of course and he doesn't hate on the Dawgs. All we can do is go out on the ball field and focus on the moment, one game at a time.
I honestly believe this is our time to make history. Man, am I excited.
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I heard that a couple of weeks ago down here. Also, Lindy (Linde?)(sp?) came out and put us #1.

I've come to realize that the higher the preseason and week #1 ranking is, the better it is for a team. In the past I always thought it better to be ranked a little lower at first, and then come on strong at the end.

That tends to be self-defeating. Now, I think it's great to be ranked in the top 5 early and critical to be ranked in the top ten by midseason. Then, a loss does not NECESSARILY sink all hopes for a chance at the MNC.

I bought the Athlon mag today. Looks like questions around the offensive line gelling and a leader stepping up there is a big factor to the ranking along with the schedule of course. The Dawgs also have not answered the questions around the PK position either. I think we all know that Walsh is the man, but opening it up for walk-ons to come out and challenge for the position always has the media wondering. I'll take 5 over the cursed #2 ranking any day. Athlon puts an emphasis on the showdon in Jacksonville and it not only determining who is control of the east, but also that game paving the way to Miami. Just proves how tough this conference and the SEC East is!

Funny how we are slowly falling in everyone's polls, everybody had us #1 a month ago and now we are falling and their only reason is we have a tough schedule..... It's not like our schedule has changed, Athlon always loves Florida every season.

Actually I would prefer we didn't have the no. 1 preseason ranking, gives us a little attitude.
It's all gonna be in the games we win. One at a time. This is our time.