Florida football news: What if SEC doesn’t fully return?

Florida football will be returning to their activities soon enough, but what if some teams don’t return?

As Florida begins to loosen restrictions and parts of everyday life start flooding back, what happens to teams, like Florida football, in the SEC that don’t get to come back as quickly?

Florida will have a clear advantage in team training, the timing of plays, and cohesiveness as a team; being able to get together with “the guys” and build relationships will be a huge advantage heading into the upcoming season.

Team training is a huge part of football. Nick Savage is the director of strength and conditioning at UF. Savage put together a program for Florida players to follow while being away from the facility.

Upon the players return to facilities, look for Savage and his team to be geared up and ready to prepare for the upcoming year.

Savage is not only a great name for a coach, but his intensity and drive carry over to his players and spill onto the field. Having him is a true asset for Dan Mullen, especially in times like these.

If UF is able to return to football activities sooner than other programs, their offensive and defensive units will have a jump-start in gelling together.

We all know that timing is everything, not only in life but on the gridiron. Kyle Trask being able to work with his center before Kentucky or South Carolina can even get in the weight room is a huge advantage.

Florida also needs some extra work among the receiving core. They lost four seniors in the offseason. Losing Wide receivers such as Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, and Tyrie Cleveland to the NFL can be tough in any year- but tougher in one dominated by a Pandemic.

While putting back together with some timing on the offensive side of the ball is a must, Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham and his staff will be looking to disrupt it.

Much like its offense Florida’s defense has lost its share of players to the NFL as well. Players such as CB CJ Henderson and LB Jonathan Greenard were keys to the Gators’ success a year ago are gone.

Getting back to work earlier and positioning new talent in places where seniors and NFL talent once played should speed-up the learning curve for both offense and defense.

What about Florida football opponents?

Florida’s SEC title march begins at home against Kentucky. If we can get to the game without insurmountable bumps in the road “health-wise,” it’ll be encouraging.

Traveling to Tennessee at the end of September will surely be another hurdle to overcome. As long as everyone is made aware of how to conduct themselves in locker rooms and team transport areas, the bumps will be lessened.

We must remember this isn’t just a college athlete issue, its a societal issue. Being proactive is the best way to keep enjoying.

The other SEC opponents on Florida’s schedule include South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Missouri. Dan Mullen must keep a running dialog with their coaches in order for everyone to feel safe.

Will the SEC fully return?

SEC stands for South Eastern Conference, and the south has always been a resilient part of our great country.

They, as do I, love football. Football brings everyone together whether it be wearing your favorite team color, or singing the team fight song.

I believe the SEC will fully return, with caveats; for instance tailgating has always been a pre-game ritual, but now may be the entire experience. If we can get enough big-screens in the parking lot, maybe the players will hear the roar of the crowd just outside the stadium.

There might be restrictions on how many people are allowed within a certain area.

Florida football along with the rest of the schools will experience bumps in-the-road, but they’ll play.

They’ll play, because not playing football isn’t an option.