There isn’t much alligator activity in Gainesville these days.
With four losing seasons in the past five years, this represents the most challenging period for Florida football since the 1940s.
It is now the responsibility of new head coach Jon Sumrall to bring about those changes.
The 2020 Florida Gators began the season with an 8-1 record, suffered a close loss to LSU, and ultimately lost a high-scoring SEC Championship game, 52-46, to Alabama, who went on to become the national champion.
Since that LSU game, Florida has compiled a 29-37 record, undergoing coaching changes involving two full-time head coaches and two interim coaches. Over the past five years, the program has not been a significant contender within the SEC.
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There have always been notable moments, such as last season’s victory over Texas and impressive performances like the close loss to Georgia, demonstrating the potential and promise of the Gators.
Although Florida did not pursue Lane Kiffin, Sumrall achieved significant success over four years—two at Troy and two at Tulane—winning three conference championships, qualifying for another, and leading the Green Wave team to the College Football Playoff last year.
From the outset of his tenure, Sumrall emphasized that Florida has a stronger offensive performance.
This process may take some time, but the attack should improve under former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, whose teams emphasized a strong ground game rather than a predominantly pass-oriented approach.
Florida struggled on third downs, converting only 34% of the time and achieving a total of 227 first downs. In comparison, the Yellow Jackets under Coach Faulkner last year ranked 23rd nationally in third-down conversions at 46% and totaled 305 first downs.
There are many positive aspects at the running back position. Jadan Baugh led the team with 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging over five yards per carry. Additionally, Evan Pryor, a talented veteran transfer from Cincinnati, contributed 940 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons.
My forecast for the Gators this season 7-5
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