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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
State Of The Football Team
8/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 1, 2001
Boca Raton News
Guest Commentary: Howard Schnellenberger
For the fourth year, I represented Florida Atlantic University at the Florida sports writers' annual press conference. Once again, the eleven head coaches gave their "state of the football team" reports for the upcoming season. This time, I spoke with FAU ready to take to the gridiron.
Of most interest was the ranking of the three football powers and which is most likely to reign as national champions. With the top ranking in most polls for the 2000 season and Larry Coker as the new head coach, the University of Miami was the reporters' odds on favorite. The Canes' established quarterback and wealth of returning talent make them deserving of such high marks.
The closest competitor was the University of Florida who had been mentioned as the preseason number one. Steve Spurrier pointed out that the Gator's road would be longer than most due to the added SEC championship game that must be won.
Ranked number one or two in recent memory, the Seminoles found the position of sixth to eighth to be new. Bobbie Bowden recognized the large number of seniors graduating last year to be the only reason for this lower ranking. Familiar with Florida State's recruiting, everyone anticipates the high quality underclassmen to be prepared to step into starting roles.
The State of Florida again has taken control of the college football scene. The eventual national champions will have to beat one of these three teams in the final game.
The second topic was Florida's ability to absorb eight new football programs. Can the state's high schools produce enough good athletes to stock eleven teams? There was no question among us newcomers. More than 200 prospects leave Florida every year to fill rosters of America's finest Division I teams. If 90% of this group would stay and play in their home state, most teams could rise to whatever level their determination and preparation allow.
The third issue was whether anything could have been done differently to prevent the recent deaths of three players in Florida. After 42 years of being part of conditioning and practice preparation at the college and professional levels, I've seen extraordinary improvement in preventive measures. Better physical examination and healthcare, greater supervision, more expedient emergency response, and extensive medical care are reducing injury and tragedy.
Thankfully, considerable improvement has been made. Fewer deaths result from organized football than most physical endeavors of young people whether it be work or recreation. We'll continue to advance all preventive measures that protect the hundreds of thousands of young men who begin to live their dreams on little league fields, in high school and college stadiums, and in the great professional leagues.
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