I Believe The Gators Will Go Bowling And Billy Napier Will Save His Job At Florida

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There is no coach in America on a hotter seat entering this fall than Florida's Billy Napier. The Gators collapsed down the stretch in 2023 dropping their final 5 games to finish 5-7. This is totally unacceptable at Florida whose fans are spoiled and used to winning big. 

It feels like Napier needs to lead the Gators to 6 wins and a bowl game to keep his job in his 3rd season. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. This schedule is MURDER but there are still reasons for optimism. 

Let's break down the key questions facing the Gators.

1) Can the offense carry them to the postseason?

There's way more to like here than most people on the outside think. Everyone (including myself) laughed when QB Graham Mertz transferred to Florida from Wisconsin. He responded by making huge strides in his 1st year in Gainesville throwing 20 TDs. Florida somehow scored 104 points in Mertz's final 3 starts against LSU, Ark & Mizzou AND WENT 0-3?!?!?!!

Mertz should be even more comfortable in year 2 in this offense. The Gators offensive line looks improved and should be solid. There are weapons all over the field highlighted by RB Montrel Johnson & RB/WR Eugene Wilson who brings back fond memories of Gator superstar Percy Harvin.

This offense is going to be pretty damn good.

2) Will the defense show any sign of life?

There's no doubt this is the biggest question heading into the season. The Gators allowed an ABSURD 227 points in the final 6 games and that is with Florida St missing star QB Jordan Travis in the finale. PATHETIC. Florida also lost their top pass rusher in the transfer portal to Ole Miss (HOTTY TODDY!).

The Gators responded by hiring new DL & DB coaches to stop the bleeding. They also hit the transfer portal to add some depth. Will that be enough? They can't be that bad again, right? 

There are still more questions than answers on this side of the ball which is cause for concern.

3) How do the Gators survive the hardest schedule in college football?

This thing is a blood bath!

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Florida opening against Miami in a total must win for Napier. I think Florida will beat Miami in a fired up Swamp as there's no team I trust less than the U on the road.

If Florida beats Miami, they will get off to hot start with 4 of the first 5 games at home and a winnable road game in Starkville. Then the going gets quite tough….

Their final 7 games are against top 25 teams?!?!?! I have NEVER seen anything like this stretch. It is bloody murder!

The Gators play Kentucky, LSU & Ole Miss at home with road trips to Tennessee, Texas & arch rival Florida State. And don't forget the annual neutral site game against top ranked Georgia in not the world's largest cocktail in Jacksonville! HOT DAMN!

Despite the hardest schedule in college football, I believe the Gators ride a hot start with home wins over Miami, UCF, Kentucky & LSU to go bowling at 6-6. This offense is going to be just good enough for Billy Napier to survive one more year in Gainesville.