Florida Gators: Predicting Every Regular Season Game in 2023
![Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) passes during drills. The University of Florida Football team held their 2023 Football Spring Practice Tuesday afternoon, April 4, 2023 at Sanders Football Practice Field at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023 tFlgai 040623 Uf Spring Fb 0019 De](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F4fa1a6a664162f2a37ea5b9c0ca5b6841e5df199c0507222cee6ad4d15753141.jpg "Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) passes during drills. The University of Florida Football team held their 2023 Football Spring Practice Tuesday afternoon, April 4, 2023 at Sanders Football Practice Field at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023 tFlgai 040623 Uf Spring Fb 0019 De")
In 2022 Florida Football went 6-7 while losing to every single one of their rivals and Vanderbilt. While Anthony Richardson had the talent to be a great QB, he was widely inconsistent and was drafted #4 overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Taking his place will most likely be former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz. While Mertz hasn’t done anything to light the world on fire, he is a solid passer and should see an upgrade in his receiving targets at UF. UF also has one of the best running-back duos in the country with Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne, which should help take the load off of Mertz.
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s no secret that UF has not been up to their normal standard the past few years. In 2022, the Gators finished 87th in the country in scoring defense, giving up nearly 29 points per game. The defense in 2023 will look a lot different. Freshman corners Sharif Denson and Ja’Keem Jackson should see plenty of playing even if they aren’t starting to begin the 2023 season. Florida also brings back a top-ten edge rusher in Princely Unamielen. The defense probably won’t be great in 2023, but there is reason to believe that Florida’s defense should improve.