All eyes will be on the Florida Gators when they take on the Miami Hurricanes one month from now. After compiling back-to-back losing seasons under Billy Napier, fans are getting anxious. With one of the hardest schedules in the nation, many are expecting another losing season. However, Napier has said that his team is bought in, and they know that the past results are unacceptable. What better way to start off the season than against an in-state rival? This matchup pairs two storied programs against each other, with the winner well on their way to a successful season. This will be an interesting game as both teams come in with plenty of questions surrounding their teams. For Florida, the Gators’ biggest questions surround the lack of experience and physicality. Bringing back talent, they will certainly have some questions to answer, and it all starts in week one.
No More Inexperience?
This past season, the Gators were forced to start some true freshmen due to a lack of veteran talent. As expected, the freshmen struggled out of the gate, having a hard time adjusting to SEC speed. Now, the Gators emphasized the transfer portal, especially on the defensive side of the football. Adding veterans such as safety Asa Turner from Washington and defensive lineman Joey Slackman from Pennsylvania will go a long way. Despite the brutal schedule, Gator fans shouldn’t be too weary. Out of their seven losses last season, it could be argued that only two were blowouts. The Gators simply couldn’t close out big games, which could be attributed to their lack of experience. With a revamped defense and an underrated offense, this could be a sneaky squad. With many players now being acclimated to SEC play, expect the Gators to be more conditioned in the fourth quarter.
Who Will Step Up?
Last season, despite the record, quarterback Graham Mertz had a successful season. Rarely putting the ball in harm’s way, he was able to avoid turnovers, which had plagued him during his career. Now looked upon as a leader, fans will be intrigued by which other players command the locker room. With Ricky Pearsall off to the NFL, fans have placed high expectations on rising sophomore receiver Tre Wilson. One of the better freshmen in the SEC last season, he should be due for a breakout season. Defensively, of course, many will turn to senior cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. However, players such as Shemar James and Jordan Castell are also experienced. Veteran transfers should also play a role in this locker room, as they have been in the college game for years. Starting against the Hurricanes, if the Gators want to compete, someone will need to be the voice of action.
Secondary Taking Steps?
It is no secret that the Gators’ secondary has been struggling for quite some time. Often making key lapses in judgment, they had a hard time getting off the field. As evidenced time and time again, receivers would magically appear wide open. After moving on from secondary coach Corey Raymond, the Gators opted to bring in Will Harris. An experienced coach, Harris has shown that he has an emphasis on physicality. Despite the struggles in coverage, many would argue that the run support was even worse. Many defensive backs would make subpar tackling attempts, getting embarrassed as a result. With a revamped secondary, Gator fans are more hopeful about this unit’s tackling ability. Attacking the transfer portal, this entire position group is now filled with proven veterans. Hoping to turn the struggling group into a bright spot, Coach Harris has his work cut out for him.
Physicality Back in Gainesville?
Repeated time and time as one of the Gators’ biggest questions, the physicality of this team as a whole was completely unacceptable. With a new Director of Strength and Conditioning (Tyler Miles), it would appear that the Gators are making progress. With the Florida social media team posting clips from weight training, it is evident that this group is beginning to lock in. Often being bullied in the trenches, both lines must improve physically speaking. If Florida wants any chance of having a successful season, the line must protect Mertz. For the secondary and linebackers, tackling has been an issue. With physicality and lack of experience being the two biggest issues in Gainesville, it is no surprise that they have been focal points this offseason. The Gators must bring the energy to the Hurricanes in week one.
Conclusions?
Everyone in the college football landscape knows that this is a make-or-break year for this program. There are plenty of questions that this team must answer if they wish to compete for anything meaningful. With what has seemed like a plethora of bone-headed mistakes each week, fans are at their wit’s end. Napier has this season to show that he is the man for the job, and unfortunately, the schedule is brutal. Questions will continue to be asked throughout the season, despite the Gators’ record. For Florida, the players know that they must prove themselves this season, as they have plenty of doubters. It will all center around their physicality and their veteran leadership. If the new transfers can mesh in well, the Gators’ biggest questions could be answered. However, if they revert to old habits, it could be a long season in Gainesville.
