5 Bold Predictions for UF’s Football Season

With about 2.5 months left in the college football off season, teams are starting to set their depth charts and prepare for their games. The expectations in Gainesville vary, as people aren’t quite sure what new head coach Billy Napier will be able to do in one offseason.

Here are 5 bold predictions for Florida football this year.

The Gators Win 9 Games This Season

Expectations for the Gators are all over the place, but the general consensus is that they’ll win 6-7 games, maybe even getting to 8. But when you’re looking at the roster and schedule, there isn’t much reason that UF can’t get to at least 9 wins.

The only true road games this year are Tennessee, A&M, Vandy, and FSU, the hardest of those seeming to be in College Station. While UT is on the rise, the Gators handled them easily at home, and should be favored again this year.

With the road slate not being too difficult, and the home field advantage of The Swamp being very reliable all season, the Gators should be competitive in just about every game, with a good shot to win them.

Anthony Richardson is a Heisman Finalist

Now that it’s AR’s time to be the premier QB for Florida, expect him to put the country on notice. There’s no aspect of his physical abilities that can be questioned. He can run, throw, hurdle, spin, all of it.

The only real question mark is his decision making, but with a full spring of practice and no road test until week 4, he’ll have plenty of time to settle in and improve on his ability to make good reads.

When Richardson puts it all together, there aren’t many QB’s who can do what he can.

Marcus Burke Becomes A Top 5 SEC Receiver

This may be the boldest of the bold takes on this list, but it isn’t impossible. Burke has great size out wide, at 6’4”-187.

He didn’t get much action last year, with his only appearance coming in Florida’s blowout loss to South Carolina. In that game, he had 2 catches for 73 yards, one of which was a 61 yard gain.

Burke has all the physical tools needed to be a great receiver. With more reps and targets, he’ll quickly establish himself as an elite pass catcher.

The Defense is Top 15 in the Country

UF fans aren’t accustomed to seeing poor defense in The Swamp, but that’s what they’ve gotten the past two years. It ranked 51st in total defense last season, and 74th in 2020.

This is in part due to the past coaching staff. Players who are still on the team have spoken to how the new staff has lots more energy, and how past coaches had mailed the season in and didn’t have great chemistry.

The defense is loaded with talent, with guys like Gervon Dexter and Brenton Cox on the D-line, Ventrell Miller returning from injury at LB, and Jason Marshall Jr. paired with Trey Dean in the secondary.

Gators Win 2 Between Utah-UGA-A&M

Florida is a name you expect to be playing in, and winning big games. That standard will return this season. With Utah coming to Gainesville opening week, a revenge game in College Station, and the eternal rivalry in Jacksonville, the Gators are in a great spot to wreak some havoc this year.

If I had to guess right now, Florida knocks off Utah and the Aggies. Only time will tell how capable the Gators are of winning these big games.

Keep up with Gator football here.