SEC Football - 2021 Florida Gators Preview
Our Florida Gators preview 2021 notes that last year this team topped the SEC East with an 8-2 record. Overall, the Gators were 8-4. One of those losses came at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide when the two teams met in the SEC title game. The tide took down the Gators 52-46. Another of those losses occurred when Florida met Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl Classic. The final score in that game was 55-20. The strength of this team last season was its offense, which averaged 39.8 PPG (2nd SEC, 13th Nationally). However, Florida’s defense allowed 30.8 PPG (8th SEC, 74th Nationally). Their passing defense was especially problematic, as they allowed 257.5 YPG, ranking eighth in the conference and 100th in the country.
Florida Offense
After three years at Florida, quarterback Emory Jones gets the chance to start. He’s replacing Heisman finalist and Florida record-setter Kyle Trask who tossed 43 TD passes and just eight picks last season. Jones, a dual threat, has a strong arm and quick legs. On this side of the ball, he’ll shake things up. The team’s three top receivers from last season are gone. Returning are wideouts Jacob Copeland and Justin Shorter. In 2020, they each had three TD catches.
The ground unit is deep. Senior Dameon Pierce leads the way. Last season, he averaged 4.7 YPA, gaining 503 yards on 106 carries and scoring four times. Malik Davis, who also averaged 4.7 YPA, is right behind Pierce. Davis ran the ball 66 times last season for 310 yards. On this side of the ball the O-line is the biggest question mark. Three solid starters return from last season, including center Stewart Reese. The guard spots are both a concern.
Florida Gators Preview 2021 - Defense
There’s talent on this side of the ball, but to get the job done, they are going to have to step up individually and as a group. Defensive end Zachary Carter, who notched 36 tackles, five sacks, 4.5 TFL, and 12 QBH, is a premium player. At Buck, Brenton Cox Jr. harasses quarterbacks and rushers. In 2020, Cox recorded 41 tackles, four sacks, 5.5 TFL, two PBU, and 18 QBH. Returning senior LB Ventrell Miller is prime. Last year, he led the team in tackles with 88 while recording 3.5 sacks, four TFL, and three PBU. There are young potential stars as well as upgrades upfront with transfers Antonio Shelton from Penn State and Daquan Newkirk from Auburn.
Last season, the secondary was porous allowing 28 passing touchdowns, the most of any SEC team. The good news is a major foundation element, All-SEC corner Kaiir Elam, returns. Last season, Elam grabbed two picks while defending 11 passes. Freshman Jason Marshall Jr. was impressive this spring and will likely start at the other corner. Trey Dean and Rashad Torrence return to the safety spots. Both need to upgrade their games from last season.
Specialists
Our Florida Gators preview 2021 observes that Jace Christmann, formerly with Mississippi State, comes to the Gators to take over the placekicking duties. With the Bulldogs, he was 32-of-40 on field goals. Freshman Jeremy Crawshaw, an Australian, comes in to punt. Wright will bring back punts as well as kicks. Copeland will also run back kickoffs.
Florida Gators Preview 2021 - Projection
Florida’s schedule is fairly light. That will help them this season to some degree. However, our Florida Gators preview 2021 notes that they must play both Alabama and Georgia. The offense is revamped, while the defense comes to the field with many question marks. Nine conference wins are possible.
SEC Football - Florida Gators 2021 — Predictions:
Second Place - SEC East
Peach Bowl vs North Carolina