The final stretch of the season will be key if the Gators want to build momentum for the future. Due to the brutal schedule and young team, making the Playoffs isn’t a realistic goal. However, the Gators could be building something special in Gainesville if they pull off seven or more wins. So far in the predictions, the Gators are expected to enter the final three weeks with a 6-3 record. If this were to hold true, Florida would be teetering on the brink of an unbelievable season. If they were to finish off the last three games with victories, a Playoff berth at 9-3 could even be possible. Nevertheless, that is much easier said than done, as their last three opponents will prove to be a challenge. For Billy Napier, the key to the Gators’ final stretch is avoiding ill-advised penalties and upping the physicality to new heights.
Gators Final Three Games: Bowl Game Bound
Change the Narrative?
It has been no secret that, as of late, LSU has completely dominated the Florida Gators. The Tigers have won five in a row against the Gators, including that infamous upset back in 2020. Last season, the Tigers, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, put up an eye-popping 702 yards of offense. An absolutely dismal performance by the Florida defense, they will be eager to prove they have made improvements. For the Tigers, Daniels has now gone to the NFL along with his top two receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers. The reins have now been handed to redshirt junior Garrett Nussmeier who comes with plenty of experience. Nussmeier has appeared in 18 games for the Tigers, including starting the bowl game win against Wisconsin. Knowing how the offense operates, the Tigers shouldn’t be taking a huge step back. This will be a season-defining matchup for both teams.
Upset Special?
Coming into this season with playoff aspirations, the Ole Miss Rebels can’t afford to drop this game. Returning star quarterback Jaxson Dart, this should once again be a potent offense. Despite the loss of running back Quinshon Judkins, the Rebels return plenty of offensive talent. Tabbed by many as a playoff contender, the Rebels will be eager to build off their bowl game win over Penn State. Seemingly coming up short in their biggest game every season, the Rebels will be looking to erase that narrative. Coming into Gainesville, the Rebels’ last game will have been against the presumptive number-one team in the country, Georgia. This could work out quite favorably for the Gators, as that game will no doubt be quite a battle. The Gators will hope to catch the Rebels at a bad time, with a possible shootout incoming.
Rivalry Weekend
Florida State will be eager to prove its continued dominance in the state of Florida. With many fans and players still furious about their playoff snub, this season is all about revenge. The Seminoles have beaten the Gators the last two seasons, with Napier failing to beat his in-state rivals. Last season, the Gators held an early lead before crumbling in the second half, with backup quarterback Max Brown struggling. After an undefeated regular season, the Seminoles lost a large amount of talent to the NFL Draft. Choosing to bring in former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, experience at this position won’t be an issue. All eyes will be on the defense, as it will be tough to replicate what they accomplished last season. This will no doubt be a hard-fought game, with both teams wanting to finish off strong with a win.
Predictions
Starting with the showdown against the LSU Tigers, the Gators will be quite grateful to play this game in Gainesville. Last season did not go according to plan, as the Gators defense was exposed throughout the game. Returning key pieces from that defense as well as adding veteran transfers should provide a much tougher defensive unit. Florida’s offense will be able to put up points, as quarterback Graham Mertz now has plenty of weapons. Expect this game to be a back-and-forth affair, heading into the fourth quarter all tied up. Late in the game, I expect Tre Wilson and Montrell Johnson Jr. to make some plays, leading to the win of the season. With LSU having to replace so much offensive talent, during the pre-season I would lean toward Florida to take this one. After a key victory, the Gators again remain at home against the Ole Miss Rebels.
However, two upset wins in a row is most likely too much to ask for. The Rebels are simply stacked with talent, adding one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. The Gators will be eager for this matchup, as they lost their star edge rusher Princely Umanmielen to the Rebels. Despite a great environment in Gainesville, the Gators are not yet able to compete with a team like Ole Miss. Ole Miss will flex its muscles on offense leading to a 31-20 scoreline. Moving onto the Gators’ final matchup, both teams have a strong case. A close game last season, both starting quarterbacks were injured, leading to a battle of the backups. With all the losses for the Seminoles, I trust Graham Mertz at this moment more than I trust DJ Uiagalelei. This will be close no doubt, with perhaps a last-second field goal deciding it.
Record: 8-4
