Florida Gators Football Team Preview 2019
In this series of articles we plan to provide a solid, quick reference guide to each major college football team. This article will provide facts like returning players, evaluation of team aspects as well as betting analysis.
The ranking for each position will be rated as follows: Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent or as a “Wildcard” if there is talent and we just don’t know how well they are likely to perform.
The 2019 Florida Gators will be under the command of second year head coach Dan Mullen. He and his coaching staff saw an outstanding performance in 2018. The team went 10-3 straight up and beat Michigan in the Peach Bowl.
Offense
The Gators offense is returning five starters. QB Feleipe Franks threw for 2,457 yards and 24 TDs. He will be throwing to three returning starting WRs in Van Jefferson, Josh Hammond and Tyrie Cleveland, all seniors. Jefferson led the pack with 35 catches for 503 yards and 6 TDs.
Senior RB Lamical Perine will get the lion’s share of the carries this year. Last year he had 826 yards and 7 TDs. The line is anchored by senior Center Nick Buchanan.
Summary: The offense should explode this season and rack up some serious yardage and scoring.
Offense Verdict: Excellent
Defense
The Defense is returning 8 starters. Senior DE Jabari Zuniga is the leader on defense and registered 6.5 sacks last season. Middle LB David Reese lead the team in tackles with 77.
The secondary is loaded with fast and agile players, all of which are capable of making the big play.
Defense Verdict: Excellent
Other notes:
In 2018 Gators were 9-4 Against the Spread
In 2018 the Gators averaged over 400 yards per game on offense and scored 35 PPG
Notable 2018 wins:
- @ Miss State 13-6
- vs LSU 27-19
- vs South Carolina 35-31
- @ FSU 41-14
Conclusion:
Florida is geared up to have a great 2019. Their only problem is that they play in the SEC, which is seen by many as the best all-around football conference in the country. This season’s Florida season schedule looks a little tougher on paper for the Gators which is fine because they are a little tougher than last year.
The team total win Over Under is 9 wins. I think this may be a good Over bet. The Gators play 12 games and I cannot see them losing more than 3 of them. Game one is vs. Miami Florida on a neutral field. The Gators are currently favored at top sportsbooks -7.5 points. This may also be a solid bet to take.