Tampa, Florida					Thursday, September 09, 2010

Here We Go Again, Ron Zook
Thursday, January 1, 2004
TAMPA—Here we will go again? Sure to surface these days ahead will be the continuing question of whether or not Ron Zook is the right man to be the head coach at the talent-rich University of Florida. The query began when he, Zook, with no head coaching experience, was chosen personally by Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley to succeed the departing popular Steve Spurrier, who was a sensational coach and innovator. Spurrier surprised all, including Foley, when after an Orange Bowl win on January First 2002, accepted a five year deal for $25 million to become the Don Snyder head coach of the Washington Redskins. Florida AD Foley immediately signed his old pal Zook to be the head coach to succeed Spurrier. Tough job at Florida anytime, but tougher as successor to the popular Spurrier. In his rookie year, Zook endured a so-so 8-5 season in 2003, including a loss to Michigan right here in the Outback Bowl, the game lost after a late-game trick, play, approved by Zook, went awry. Spurrier did no better in his first pro season at Washington, 2002, nor did he this past season, and flat quit Monday morning, but not suggesting he wanted to return to Florida, now. He does not. Bet here is he will take a year off. Zook and Foley were as surprised as the rest of us at the Spurrier decision, on the eve of the second straight Gator trip to the now bigtime Outback Bowl, played here New Year’s Morning. Iowa was the Big Ten opponent, and Florida and the Zookmen were favored to beat Iowa this year. It was a sellout and a nice matchup, the world, ESPN, Outbackers, Iowans and Gator partisans all liked. The speed and depth of the Gators at 8-4 made Zook’s second team favorites over the bigger, 12-ranked Hawkeyes. Why not? It also was virtually a home game, Zook had turned a season that began 3-3 into 8-4 with startling wins over Georgia, Arkansas and Louisiana State. Moreover, the Gators had the SEC freshmen of the year in quarterback Chris Leak and linebacker Channing Crowder. And, Zook needed the win. A solid victory would quit the doubters for a while anyway. Give him another season to recruit as some say only he can. Sure he could beat Iowa and finish 9-4, a win better than his rookie coaching season. Zook thought he’d win, too. Said that. Most of us thought he would too. Afterwards, most of us though he should have, too. The Iowans went home with the two things they wanted most—a win and a sunburn. And, one more thing. With the Raymond James Stadium full on New Year’s, the beautiful day broke on the perfect football	setting. The Iowans sunburning in the 70ish weather, Gator quarterback hit Kevin Kight on a breakaway 70-yard first quarter score for the 7-0 lead. It was an Outback Bowl record for TD pass length. And, already Zook was making new friends, chilling foes who this time last year had started a Web Site Titled: Fire Ron Zook. But, optimism of the Zookers did not last long this New Year’s morning. Iowa, behind underrated quarterback Nathan Chandler, (l TD passing, 1 running) the running of Fred Russell (150 yards, 1 TD), three field goals by Nate Kaeding, very big people up front, the wily coaching of Kirk Ferentz, and an obvious want-to attitude, won this game 37-17 and overall it wasn’t that close. A blocked Florida punt by Matt Melloy led to another touchdown as well. But, a key call, so common to Florida this past season, was vital. An apparent touchdown pass of Leak’s to tall Dallas Walker would have closed the margin to 27-17 in the third period and lifted the Gators, but was taken off the board by officials who called offensive pass interference. Iowa jumped on that opportunity and scored to run the margin to 34-10. That was it. It was part of the day’s package that saw the Hawkeyes clearly better prepared and working harder in preparation. Iowa had not won a bowl game in 45 years. Now the Hawkeyes have and earned it. And now, the anti-Zook talk can resume, and it will, though nothing will come of it, through this next season. Zook apologized to Gator fans after this embarrassment many Gator loyalists called it. He said, “It is my responsibility to get this team ready to play and we weren’t ready to play.’’ Right. Zook added: “I felt like we were prepared. I felt like we had great practices, but we did not play like it. That’s my responsibility. There were times when we showed spurts. We just couldn’t sustain anything.’’ Iowa Coach Ferentz, who will be pursued widely by other football opportunists, said he felt like this was “another step toward respectability.’’ But, not for Florida, nor Zook, nor rookie quarterback Leak, though he is considered a sure bet for the biggest of times. “Not one of his better days,’’ said Zook. But, once again, give the credit to Iowa.’’ That will be the avowed line, but rest assured an uncomplimentary web side involving Zooker is sure to show up today. And Spurrier is nearby, golfing, in Gainesville and Jacksonville, word is. ##
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