- Sep 8, 2014
- 489
- 1,298
Just saw this article on ESPN. Thoughts?
https://insider.espn.com/college-fo...ida-gators-miami-hurricanes-stanford-cardinal
Here is what he says about the Gators:
https://insider.espn.com/college-fo...ida-gators-miami-hurricanes-stanford-cardinal
Here is what he says about the Gators:
1. Florida Gators
Florida has made the last two SEC title games despite losing their QB to injury both years and, overall, having a below-average offense. This year, whoever starts at QB will be surrounded by talent at running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. The Gators have three possible quarterbacks. Luke Del Rio looked good to start last year but then got hurt. Felipe Franks is 6-foot-6 and 219 pounds and has a rocket arm -- he just needs some experience. And I picked the Gators as my No. 1 surprise team even before Malik Zaire announced he was transferring to Gainesville. Last year, the defense was hit hard by injuries in the second half of the year, which forced some young players into action. A player like defensive end Jabari Zuniga will benefit from that, and Florida will have its usual top-10 defense. In addition, the Gators have my No. 3 special-teams group in the country. Florida lost out last year when its home game versus LSU was moved, but that will benefit the Gators this year as they have only three true road games (Kentucky, South Carolina, Vanderbilt). They face Michigan in the opener, but the Wolverines are one of the nation's least-experienced teams and Florida is their first game. The Gators can afford one loss, and if they are in the SEC title game, they're still just one win away from the playoff. I predict they will find a QB and an offense and match it up with a strong defense and special-teams unit. With a favorable schedule, this likely preseason non-top 10 team has a shot at winning it all.
Florida has made the last two SEC title games despite losing their QB to injury both years and, overall, having a below-average offense. This year, whoever starts at QB will be surrounded by talent at running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. The Gators have three possible quarterbacks. Luke Del Rio looked good to start last year but then got hurt. Felipe Franks is 6-foot-6 and 219 pounds and has a rocket arm -- he just needs some experience. And I picked the Gators as my No. 1 surprise team even before Malik Zaire announced he was transferring to Gainesville. Last year, the defense was hit hard by injuries in the second half of the year, which forced some young players into action. A player like defensive end Jabari Zuniga will benefit from that, and Florida will have its usual top-10 defense. In addition, the Gators have my No. 3 special-teams group in the country. Florida lost out last year when its home game versus LSU was moved, but that will benefit the Gators this year as they have only three true road games (Kentucky, South Carolina, Vanderbilt). They face Michigan in the opener, but the Wolverines are one of the nation's least-experienced teams and Florida is their first game. The Gators can afford one loss, and if they are in the SEC title game, they're still just one win away from the playoff. I predict they will find a QB and an offense and match it up with a strong defense and special-teams unit. With a favorable schedule, this likely preseason non-top 10 team has a shot at winning it all.