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The Most Important Games for the Gators That They Aren’t Playing In

By Will Thomas

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: A detail view of the Florida Gators logo before the start of a game between the Florida Gators and the Samford Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: A detail view of the Florida Gators logo before the start of a game between the Florida Gators and the Samford Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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When fans and analysts look at the upcoming season for the Florida Gators, they usually look at the big games on UF’s schedule as defining wins or losses.

What’s just as important, however, are a few games that the Gators aren’t a part of. The teams around Florida can have a huge impact on the Gators’ season, whether they boost UF’s strength of schedule, or are more/less competitive in the SEC East.

Here are some important 2022 games for the Florida Gators that they aren’t playing in.

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh – 9/10

As much as it pains most Gator fans, myself included, to cheer for the Vols to win in anything, it may be worth UT winning this game when they visit the reigning ACC champions.

Why? Obviously nobody wants to hear Rocky Top played and media hyping up Tennessee, but a win up in Pittsburgh could help the Gators down the road. We all know that UF will beat Tennessee, it’s tradition. With a Vols win in week 2, they’ll become a more formidable opponent, making a Gators’ win in Knoxville much more impressive.

UGA @ Kentucky – 11/19

This game up in Lexington could have major SEC East implications. With UGA being the big favorite to win the division, and Kentucky a good bet to have a solid squad, this could be a big game late in the year.

The most realistic way that this game has any value to UF fans is if they need a UGA loss to make it to Atlanta. This is the Bulldog’s final SEC game of the year, and is no easy hurdle for them to clear.

If the Gators lose in Jacksonville and are in need of help to make it to the SEC title game, that help just may come out of Lexington.

FSU vs. LSU – 9/4

As much as I hate writing this, UF fans should be happy if FSU wins this game.

Here’s why.

First off, a loss to the Noles could ruin LSU’s season. With this being Brian Kelly‘s first year at the helm, and a bad year last year, this is an early season loss that could doom them, making the Gators’ contest with them a little easier.

Second, it will make the annual pounding of FSU look even better. With a win over an SEC team, regardless of how good they end up being, a win over FSU could be a big resume boost.

Keep up with Florida Gators football here.

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