After a predicted 5-2 start for the Gators, they will face the late part of their schedule. The key to this stretch will be the health of this roster. So far this offseason, this team has been dealing with a multitude of small nagging injuries. Facing a tough schedule, any serious injuries could derail this entire season. Head Coach Billy Napier knows that this is a make-or-break year for his tenure. After the hot finish last year, Florida is a team many believe could crash the college football playoffs. The SEC is loaded with talent, and the Gators will have to conquer the late part of their schedule to stand a chance. Getting the chance in November to make another statement, Florida takes on three ranked opponents. As Billy Napier stated, this team isn’t afraid of competition, coining the phrase “spot the ball”. Let’s look at some predictions for the Gators for the second half of the season.
Playoffs Still in Reach?
Second Bye Week
At this point in our Gators predictions, Florida enters the November slate with a 5-2 record. With both losses taking place against presumed top 10 teams, the playoffs would still be in reach. Although the Gators have a week off, this is not the time to ease up and relax. Rather, this week could be the most important one of the season. Seven games into the year, players will be banged up and drained. The team must utilize this week to their advantage both mentally and physically. Preparing for the late stretch of the season, the Gators cannot afford to lose focus. After the time off, they will face off with a hated but talented rival.
Hated Rivals
Ever since the infamous 2020 season, the Gators have been unable to get the best of the Georgia Bulldogs. However, for the first time in years, the Gators are trending in the right direction as a program. After getting thumped the last few seasons, Florida more than held their own during last year’s clash. Despite quarterback DJ Lagway going down with an injury, the Gators pushed Georgia to the brink. This year, the Bulldogs are entering a period of relative uncertainty. There is no doubt that Georgia will be a playoff contender, as head coach Kirby Smart has built his program to last. However, there is plenty of young talent that will leave fans a bit more cautious. Quarterback Gunner Stockton started last year’s playoff loss, looking a bit overwhelmed in the process. Now entering his first full offseason as the starter, he will dictate just how far this team goes.
Back to Domination?
After beating Kentucky a whopping 31 straight times, Florida began to struggle. Over the last seven matchups, the Gators hold a surprising 3-4 record. After three straight losses, Florida got back on the right track, dismantling the Wildcats by four scores. Despite Kentucky no longer being an SEC basement dweller, this season does not offer the highest of hopes. Kentucky is set to start Zach Calzada at quarterback. The 24-year-old signal caller has six years of college experience at both the FBS and FCS levels. Best known for leading Texas A&M to a shocking upset vs Alabama in 2021, he knows what it takes to win. Unfortunately, in a talented SEC, it feels like Kentucky is a considerable step below the top couple of levels. College football is known for its unpredictability and chaos, but the Wildcats are trending towards a tough season.
Weary of Vengeance?
Florida spoiled the fun for the Ole Miss Rebels last season, sending them crashing out of playoff contention. A shocking result, there is no doubt that the Rebels will be looking for a bit of payback. This year’s squad will look much different for head coach Lane Kiffin. Losing multiple starters to the NFL (including quarterback Jaxson Dart), this season is a bit of an unknown. The Rebels start the year at number 21 on the AP poll. Ole Miss will have to break in a new quarterback, Austin Simmons. Experts are split on what fans should expect from this team. Not in the upper echelon of the SEC, they could still be a playoff contender late into the season. With this game taking place in Oxford, the environment should be hostile for the visiting Gators. This late in the season, neither the Gators nor the Rebels can afford to drop this contest.
Gators Predictions:
As stated earlier, the Gators have been predicted to own a 5-2 record entering their late-season stretch. With three pivotal games in the first part of November, this will define the entire season. Starting with the Georgia Bulldogs, this could be the game of the week in college football. Both teams will still be deep in playoff contention. As long as both sides remain healthy, we expect this to be a gritty back-and-forth affair. Unfortunately, Georgia has proven to be the more trustworthy side as of late. Look for Georgia to squeeze out a one-score victory in a highly heated matchup. Reeling from the defeat, the Gators will not be able to sustain another loss if they want to remain in the playoff mix. Taking on the Kentucky Wildcats, the Gators should have an outlet for their anger.
Kentucky is expected by many to be at the bottom of the SEC, and confidence in this team is not high. The Gators should have no real trouble earning the victory. Now, this game against the Rebels will be an elimination game for both sides. Despite the aspirations of revenge, the Gators have a more well-rounded experienced squad. With the game taking place in Oxford, the hostile environment will take an early toll on Florida. Eventually, they should pull away, essentially eliminating Ole Miss from playoff contention in back-to-back years.
Record: 7-3
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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