I’m in the elevator at the Amway Center with some team executive.
He tells me he thought my #FAMU hoodie was Miami.
…
And then, I showed him this.
Things got quiet after that. pic.twitter.com/7vko1qVfPs
— FORTUNE (@JaeFortune) October 23, 2022
WHERE DO WE STAND
Do power rankings reserve the right to be dramatic, and disrespectful?
Yes, of course.
1. UCF
On Saturday, the best college football program in the state of Florida lost. Before traveling to Greenville, North Caroline, the Knights (5-2) were undefeated in conference play, and coming off an 70 point home victory. Unfortunately, that performance would not be repeated against East Carolina, and Gus Malzahn’s Knights would score a season-low total during their 13-34 defeat. That said, the Knights are still enjoying a successful season, especially in comparison to Florida’s other large D-1 football teams.
As the countdown to UCF’s introduction into the B12 conference continues, the Knights emerge from the last three years with a brand stronger than ever. Indeed, ‘Orlando’s Hometown Team’ is one of Florida’s only programs not in a rebuild year. More importantly, there’s much to be said about overcoming adversity. A win steak does not equal a successful team, but learning from mistakes and avoiding them later in the season, certainly does.
Last season, the Knights shocked the Mullen-less Gators, while bowling in Tampa Bay — We’ll see how they end this year. UCF’s next game is against bitter conference rival, nationally-ranked Cincinnati (6-1) in Orlando.
2. UF
Speaking of the Gators.
Since Coach Billy Napier’s celebratory arrival last November, things have gone as expected in Gainesville. A rebuilding project that will require more than an enthusiastic approach to recruiting, has Napier’s unranked Gators (4-3) at the bottom of the SEC East. Considering they compete in the toughest conference in college athletics, the Gators are still dangerously talented, and look far more competitive than last year – unfortunately, several of Florida’s traditional adversaries are contenders this season. Kentucky, Tennessee, LSU and Missouri have all taken advantage of a program that still finding itself. Even lowly USF (1-6) has threated an upset.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M and South Carolina still loom as tests that will tell us exactly how much work is still needed. Regardless, Florida has found their coach, and are taking the right steps toward reestablishing a winning culture in the Swamp.
Unfortunately, UF’s next test is a business-trip to Jacksonville, against the reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs (7-0). I don’t see that trip going very well.
3. FSU
Meanwhile in the state’s capital city, Coach Mike Norvell has an shockingly similar scenario on his plate. Much like their scaly foes to the Southwest, Florida State’s season kicked off with a electrifying, marque win, over a talented LSU team in New Orleans. Ever since that high note, however, it’s been inconsistency and loses to the likes of Louisville, Clemson and NC State.
This season’s version of Florida State football is far from a train wreck, but until the Seminoles can show an ability to close out games, and execute under pressure, my short-term expectations remain low. On a positive note, Coach Norvell has managed to consistently increase the ‘Noles win total from his first season (2-6), more than doubling it the following season.
Although, in fairness, former coach Willie Taggart’s last season in Tallahassee (6-7) continues to better than any season total during the Norvell era thus far. Next, FSU returns to regular season play against Georgia Tech at Doak Cambell Stadium.
4. FAMU
It wasn’t a pretty start for the Rattlers.
A tough pre-season loss for an undermanned FAMU in Chapel Hill, was immediately followed by a far more demoralizing loss to Jackson State in conference play, instantly setting FAMU’s post-season hopes in limbo. Fortunately, Coach Willie Simmons never ceased control of his team, or their season, leading the Rattlers to 5-2, and second place in the conference. Now, with Florida A&M finally naming an athletic director, and the Rattlers on a five game win streak heading into Classic Weekend, we can give this program the credit it’s due for saving this season.
FAMU celebrates homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 29, and welcome the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-5) to Bragg Memorial.
5. FAU
Truthfully, my biggest issue with FAU (3-5) is the fact that their head coach position is dedicated to a donor family, which just feels weird. That aside, the Owls have quietly stacked several consecutive 5+ win seasons, even in the wake of the Lane Kiffin departure to Ole Miss, and the arrival of Willie Taggart.
Coming off a stunning loss in El Paso, FAU faces a challenging UAB (4-3) team, as they attempt to regain their balance in the final stretch of the regular season.
6. FIU
Believe it or not.
Even in a rebuilding year, under a first-year coach, Florida International (3-4) might be the better of the two Miami schools on this list. At least they haven’t lost to Middle Tennessee yet. As the Panthers hunt for a fourth win on the season, FIU welcomes Louisiana Tech (2-5) to Westchester, Miami-Dade next.
7. Central Senior High School (Miami)
Am I facetious, and perhaps even disrespectful, for putting high school teams on this list? Yes.
But, a better question, is Central Senior High School (8-0) one of the best-run football programs in the country? Absolutely. Currently, the Rockets are undefeated, ranked as the number team in the State of Florida, and are the third best team in the nation, according to MaxPreps. And this is not a random good season. Central has been a perennial power for decades, and is the alma mater of Willis McGahee, Antonio Brown, Devonta Freeman, Dalvin Cook, and so many other NFL greats.
8. Apopka High School (Orlando)
While not boasting an undefeated team this year like Miami Central, or even hometown rival Edgewater, Apopka showcases a program that built to last. Even in a year that should be a rebuild (ahem), APK’s culture continues to carry the Blue Darters to wins.
This comment from a Darter following Apopka’s 21-17 upset of district frontrunner Lake Mary, explains the Blue Darter phenomena better than I ever could.
9. Miami
See my tweet above.
It’s still a slow, grueling rebuild in Coral Gables, just now without a chain. While Mario Cristobal’s arrival as the South Beach Messiah was source for jubilation in the preseason, reality has set finally in. Sitting at a beleaguered (3-4), and after enduring three consecutive losses at “home”, the Canes’ shortcomings have severely dampened the mood. Hurricane fans thought their rebuild could resemble Apopka’s orderly reloading process, but the foundation simply isn’t there yet.
So, as surprising as Miami’s faceplant versus a basketball school was, sometimes hitting rock-bottom is a necessary part of the rebuilding process. And losing to Middle Tennessee was rock-bottom, so take solace in knowing things can’t get much worse. Cristobal is better equipped for this job than most, but it’s still a job. My word of advise to that older Hurricane fan from the elevator is to be patient, and hopefully ‘the U’ can be where FAMU is in a few years time. In the meantime, focus on Virginia (3-4).
But, on a positive note for Miami fans, at least the Hurricanes beat Bethune-Cookman.
10. Bethune-Cookman
I would love to rank the Wildcats higher, but Bethune-Cookman seems hell-bent on a second consecutive losing season since entering their conference. Florida’s most popular HBCU program (after Florida A&M) has consistency underachieved and regressed since their 2015 MEAC conference championship. And it’s not a talent issue either.
HBCU football is better when BCU is competitive. Unfortunately, only the administration can make the changes necessary to move Bethune-Cookman up this list.
WHAT DID WE MISS?
Cookman and Miami fans,
We still love you guys. Make sure to include any suggestions, honorable mentions, or your angry responses in the comment section, or tweet me.
Special thanks to Dia Brown for her contributions to this piece.
