Dan Mullen is on the eve of his second season with the Florida Gators. After a few pretty mediocre years, it didn’t seem like expectations were too high for the Gators. But when you have talent going for you, no rebuild ever takes too long, especially when you have the right guy calling the shots.
The Gators went 10-3 with some of the highest highs and the lowest of lows. Florida finished the season with blowout wins over in-state rival Florida State and a Michigan team that wanted no part of the Peach Bowl. However, surprise losses to Kentucky and Missouri probably left Florida fans wondering what could have been.
Prestige Ranking
Five Stars. This is an elite program. Since Steve Spurrier took over in 1990, the Florida Gators has been a constant winner in the SEC. Since Spurrier, they’ve had one future hall of famer (Urban Meyer) and three duds (Ron Zook, Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain). Dan Mullen could be their next great coach. If they win another national title (or at least make the playoff) in the next five years, they’re right back at six. I only have four six-star teams; Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma. Florida could be right back in there.
2018 Record: 10-3 (5-3)
Like I said, some good wins and some bad losses. Kentucky and Missouri were pretty solid last fall, but when you’re Florida, you expect to win those games. A 19-Point loss to Georgia hurts, but I don’t expect that to be the norm moving forward.
The wins were fun! The Gators crushed LSU, Florida State and Michigan. That’s a great start for a new head coach. Clean up the bad losses and you’ve really got something special.
Returning Offensive Starters: 5
WR Van Jefferson, WR Tyrie Cleveland, WR Josh Hammond, C Nick Buchanan, QB Feleipe Franks
Quarterback Feleipe Franks was a revelation last year. He went from nine TDs and eight INTs in 2017 to 24/6 last season. Senior tailback Lamical Perine is back after splitting duties last year. He brings back 996 yards from scrimmage in 2018.
The group that I’m most excited for is the receivers. They bring back an abundance of experience and talent. Franks will have plenty of weapons.
If the offensive line can mesh early, the Gators will have an offense they haven’t had in a decade. This could be a huge year for not only Franks, but the entire unit.
Returning Defensive Starters: 7
DE Jabari Zuniga, DT Adam Shuler, DT Kyree Campbell, LB David Reese II, CB CJ Henderson, STAR Trey Dean III, S Donavan Stiner
Todd Grantham’s importance to this program cannot be understated. When it comes to assistants, continuity is often a good thing. The 3-4 that he runs so well will stay in Gainesville for the time being.
CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson team up for one of the best CB duos in the SEC.
Aside from the seven starters, several key reserves are back and appear ready for bigger roles. If they figure out the depth for linebacker, they shouldn’t miss a beat from 2018.
In essence, this is an aggressive unit that will get after you and force mistakes. Retaining Grantham is huge for them.
The Specialists
Kicker Evan McPherson was 17-19 last year. Tommy Townsend is one of the SEC’s better punters. Tyrie Cleveland figures to handle return duties.
Key Losses
Jachai Polite was a big loss. There’s a lot to replace in the trenches on both sides, but the talent is certainly there to do it, especially as Mullen’s players flood the roster in the next few seasons.
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson had a spectacular season after registering 71 tackles and four interceptions. He departed early for the NFL.
Key Newcomer
Chris Steele was a steal out of Los Angeles. He could be the next great Florida cornerback. But the rising star right now is linebacker Amari Burney. His athleticism will be put to use all over the place. He’s just a sophomore but he could emerge as a leader in that front-7. They need playmakers there.
Wins the SEC if…
They avoid losing winnable games. Tennessee and Mississippi State will be tricky.
They’re on the road against LSU and play Georgia a few weeks later. They absolutely have to win at least one of those.
Getting to Atlanta is one thing. Getting there and beating Alabama is another.
Circle This Game on the Calender
October 12th, @ LSU
This is the game that’ll set the tone for the rest of their season. If they go on the road and beat a very good LSU team, they should march into The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party undefeated.
2019 Outlook: 10-2
Vs Miami (Orlando) W
Tennessee Martin W
@ Kentucky W
Tennessee W
Towson W
Auburn W
@ LSU L
@ South Carolina W
Vs Georgia (Jacksonville) L
Vanderbilt W
@ Missouri W
Florida State W