Florida Coach: Jim McElwain, third season (41-24 overall, 19-8 at Florida).
Last year: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in the SEC (1st in the East). Defeated Iowa 30-3 in the Outback Bowl.
Best case scenario: The Gators get consistent play from their quarterback (either Feleipe Franks or Malik Zaire, or both) and McElwain’s offense finally starts becoming productive — and a team strength instead of a weakness. Put a successful offense with a strong defense and special teams and the Gators have a chance to get back to Atlanta for the third season in a row.
Worst case scenario: If the Gators do not find a way out of their offensive slump, it could lead to a disappointing season. UF has gotten to the SEC Championship Game on the strength of its defense. With the Gators losing so much talent on that side of the ball, there is a chance of drop-off there. If that happens, and the offense remains stalled, it could lead to a four or five-loss season — and no return to Atlanta.
Quotable: “We’ve talked to the whole team about different guys coming in throughout the years and different guys that are out there. Look, worry about what you do. I think sometimes in life, too many of us worry about the things around them that have nothing to do with how we control what we do. That’s really what it’s all about. Be confident in who you are, go out and do your best.” — McElwain on the conversation he had with the other quarterbacks about the addition of Malik Zaire
