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Florida football: Can the Gators beat Alabama in 2021?

By Jeremy Klump

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Nick Saban, running back Najee Harris #22 and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Alabama Crimson Tide hold up the SEC Championship trophy at the conclusion of the game against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Nick Saban, running back Najee Harris #22 and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Alabama Crimson Tide hold up the SEC Championship trophy at the conclusion of the game against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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The Alabama Crimson Tide had their spring football game today, and fans got a glimpse of what the 2020 National Champions will bring this season. Florida football fans were indeed not feeling great after watching the scrimmage that was televised on ESPN.

Alabama’s big question mark was whether their true sophomore quarterback and former No. 1 dual-threat quarterback recruit (according to 247 Sports) Bryce Young would be able to live up to the hype.

Well, Young answered the questions quickly and ended up winning MVP of the spring game.

The Florida Gators played well against Alabama last year in the SEC Championship, but Florida just did not have the defense to beat the Crimson Tide. However, a lot of fans are hopeful for another successful season in Gainesville in 2021.

Florida will be tested early, as the Gators will host Alabama at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 18, 2021. So that poses a big question:

Will Florida football fans watch their Gators beat Alabama in 2021?

After watching Alabama’s spring game, I will be the first to admit I am a little concerned. Alabama just cycles through the best players in the country, and when they lose one top recruit to the first round of the NFL Draft, another top recruit fills his spot. Their cycle of elite players is incredible, and honestly, Alabama head coach Nick Saban deserves a ton of credit.

The big question will be whether the Gators’ defense will be improved and ready to go. It looks as if the Alabama offense will be just as good or even better. That is after losing six potential first-round picks, just on offense, which is insane to think about.

Luckily for the Gators fans, Florida’s offense should be just as good or even better as well. They may have lost the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft Kyle Pitts. They also lost potential first-round receiver Kadarius Toney, receiver Trevon Grimes, offensive tackle Stone Forsythe, and Heisman Trophy finalist Kyle Trask.

Though, the Gators will have a different dynamic in 2021. Head Coach Dan Mullen is an offensive mastermind, and he will have the Gators ready to go.

Former five-star running back and Clemson transfer Demarkcus Bowman should become a household name this season for the Gators. Florida has needed an elite running back for a very long time, and I believe Bowman will be a star in Florida.

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Pairing Bowman with dual-threat quarterback Emory Jones could potentially be a deadly combo for the Gators. Jones shined when he was on the field for the Gators the last two seasons, so it will be fun to watch him getting all of the snaps this season. I expect Jones to have a monster year for the Gators, and his elite running ability at the quarterback position will be hard for Alabama to defend.

The Gators will need wide receiver Jacob Copeland to be the man in 2021, but I think he is up for the challenge. Pairing Copeland with former five-star recruit and Penn State transfer Justin Shorter will be a great combination this season. Florida’s tight end room is stacked as well, so I do expect the Gators’ offense to be special this season.

Even with all that being said, it is hard to feel great about Florida beating Alabama. They have not beaten Alabama since December 6, 2008, in the SEC Championship game. Florida has lost seven games in a row, and a loss to Alabama in 2021 would tie the Gators’ longest losing streak against Alabama at eight.

However, do not fear Gators fans. I believe that 2021 is the year Florida knocks off Alabama and does now allow their losing streak to get to eight games. Jones will be the difference-maker in the game, and I think he will shine brighter than Young. It may be April, but I am going with an early prediction here and saying the Gators, with The Swamp packed, knock off Alabama 31-20.

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