NCAA Football Preview (The Citadel-Florida)
Posted: Tues September 1, 1998 at 3:55 p.m. EDT
The Citadel (0-0) at Florida (0-0) Saturday, 6 pm EDT
The season-opener between Florida and The Citadel would be
much more compelling if it were between the schools' respective
baseball teams.
On the football field this game is a pure mismatch, since
Florida has retooled and boasts one of the nation's best
defenses. In addition, the Gators passing attack far exceeds
anything the Division I-AA Bulldogs will see anytime soon,
though Florida's aerial attack should prove less formative than
in recent seasons.
This game figures to end up much like the 1953 meeting between
the schools, won 60-0 by Florida. The Gators have won all 12
meetings with the Charleston, South Carolina-based military
outfit.
The Bulldogs should be quickly intimidated by the 83,000-seat
Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, a.k.a. "The Swamp." Once they get
used to the playing field, Florida's overall team speed should
be enough to produce a lopsided affair.
To make matters worse for The Citadel, Florida will be starting
sophomore Jesse Palmer, an inexperienced quarterback who figures
to throw often, regardless of the score. Palmer gets the nod as
Doug Johnson is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery
and is not yet at full strength.
The Gators will give their reserve defensive backs a chance to
play, as free safety Teako Brown and strong safety Rod Graddy
will serve one-game suspensions for violating team and
university athletic association rules. Center Ryan Kalich's
foot injury will keep him out two or three games, while tackle
Cooper Carlisle's right shoulder makes him questionable for this
game.
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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