The Florida Gators will enter the 2010 CFB season as the #5 ranked team according to the Sporting News. Even though they lost Tim Tebow, and has some off season drama on whether or not Urban Meyer would return as coach it seems that Florida might do better as the expectations have surely shrunk. I think the offensive will be better behind a experienced backfield, a season offensive line, and a crew of young talent play makers. Sure they might struggle until the find new leadership this team, but they might do well this year.
The key date on their schedule has to be October 2nd when they travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium to play Alabama. In 2005 the last time Meyer took his Gators there they got a 31-3 beat down. This team would love to put a dent in the resume of the defending national champions. They do have a tough schedule including a date with Georgia in Jacksonville on October 30th. They also have South Florida in their non conference schedule.
The big concern in my mind lies with the defense. They are essentially last year’s role players left to make the big impact this team will need to compete. Really we can say that about most of this team, they are last year’s backups. Sure that is basically true of every school but the Gators lost nine players to the NFL. Three on offense and six on defense. That certainly leaves big holes to fill.
The next big thing for this team is Junior QB John Brantley. His era of this team begins now, and he has a big arm. As Tebow’s backup he has completed 36 of 48 passes for 410 yards and seven TD’s. Better than that he has yet to throw an INT in his collegiate career.
Related Links:
- The Business of College Football
- MTR College Sports
