Fault or Fluke: Florida's Losing Season, Quinn Ewers' Average Season, Clemson and the CFP

Author:
Mike Farrell
Publish date:
Mar 9, 2023

In an exciting new feature on the site I take a dive into whether a disappointment (player, coach, team, whatever) is FAULT or FLUKE You’ll figure it out.

1. Florida’s losing season.

FAULT

Billy Napier didn’t inherit a ton at Florida, as it was kind of a mess with Dan Mullen mailing in recruiting and some poor coaches not getting players to the next level. But with a dynamic talent like Anthony Richardson, I expected a better offensive approach. Richardson ran for more than 600 yards but I never felt his rushing ability was as big a threat as it could have been. In the games, he couldn’t get a passing rhythm, and I wanted a little more creative offensive gameplan. The defense was up and down, but in a few losses they kept the team in position to win, but the offense just became too inconsistent for my tastes.

Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Quinn Ewers' average year.

FLUKE

He was very impressive against Alabama, but a shoulder injury (even on his nonthrowing arm) hindered his development a bit. He had some good games and some awful ones, as can be expected in his first season of college football. But his low completion rate (below 60%) and average TD-to-interception rate (15 to 6) belie his abilities. He will have a monster year this season if he stays healthy.

Scroll to Continue

3. Clemson’s lack of recent playoff appearances.

FAULT

I like Dabo Swinney, and what he’s done at Clemson is remarkable. But the recent playoff drought, I have to say, is more FAULT than FLUKE. The ACC is not good, and it's easy to maneuver for a team with Clemson’s ability, and in conference losses to NC State and Pitt have hurt them. Maybe a loss to Notre Dame is acceptable, but the loss to South Carolina just can’t happen. The ACC will be tougher this season with Florida State a threat, so you wonder if we’ve seen the last of Clemson in the playoff until it gets expanded.