The Florida Gators football team has a vast history of being an SEC football powerhouse. From the days of Steve Spurrier’s playing quarter back, to the days he coached them. One thing was always certain: the Gators would be in contention. All that changed, it seemed, the day Tim Tebow left. Since 2010 they are 70-44 with only 4 years where they finished in the rankings. They have had 4 coaches and 2 more that filled in over that time.
In 2018 the Gators entered the season with a new man in charge, the fourth coach since 2010,
Dan Mullen. He led them to a 10-3 record and they finished with a number seven ranking. But it was not just the wins, it was the way they played. The swagger was back, the Gator bounce that made them so good, it was the culture. In the three losses you could even see a difference, DBU was high and the chomp roared loud. Mullen understands the culture of Florida football and from the beginning he has done what has been needed to grow it.
Is The Resurrection Real?
Mullen came in and took back Gator culture and had a great year, but so did others. Will Muschamp came in and his second year went 11-2, and had all of Gator Nation smiling. The next year it falls apart and they go 4-8. Jim McElwain, on the other hand, was just in way over his head. He was not a real disciplinarian and sort of let the guys run themselves. But in his first year he went 10-4, not bad but then the culture went south and so did the record.
As a fan it has been difficult, but it just seems different this time. Even with the recent off field problems, Mullen has handled it with the skill of a leader. It is his understanding of the position he has at an institution that expects the best that guides him. The recent Spring game was a good indicator of what the offense has to offer this year as UF set a record with 95 points. That is no slap at the defense, as they possess a unit that has potential to be one of the best in the country.
The Gators were able to land a top 10 recruiting class this year, with the likes of Khris Bogle, Mohamoud Diabate and Lloyd Summerall. But it is not just the new guys coming in, as the returning players are a solid bunch: Trevon Grimes, Freddie Swain, Kadarius Toney and Tyrie Cleveland. This group has experience, depth, and talent. With the return of Jabari Zuniga, who led the team in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (6.5), this is a team ready to contend.
Gators will win SEC East
With a great recruiting class and a great group of returning players, the team’s in a position to win. They have been competitive and showed signs a year ago that they can play with anyone. The big question is can Mullen revive a program to greatness on a yearly basis? That starts this year, and if they can take care of the big road games at LSU and Kentucky, it will help put them in a good position in the East. Last year, they struggled at home with all three losses coming at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. I believe that they will run the table this year with a hiccup possibly at LSU. But in the end they will win the East and yes, they will beat Bama for the SEC crown. Florida Gator football is back and thriving.
