2008 Florida Gators
Written June 17, 2008 by Jason Lowry
The NCAA football season is right around the corner, and Jason Lowry is ready to make his 2008 Florida Gators football predictions. The Gators are coming off a pretty solid season behind Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, as he led the Gators to a 9-4 overall record, but the Gators were just 5-3 in conference play. While it might be a little disappointing coming off a National Championship in 2006, you have to look at the talent this team lost before last season. With 16 returning starters coming back this season, there is plenty of hopes that head coach Urban Meyer can take Florida to another National Championship. Before we go predicting anything for this team, lets take a look at exactly what this team is bringing back on both sides of the football.
Offense:
When you have a talent like Tebow at quarterback there is no question that this team has what it takes to be a big time contender in 2008. Tebow set numerous records with his over 20 rushing and 20 passing touchdowns, but you might want to hold back on picking Tebow to win another Heisman Trophy. Meyer wants to limit the amount of times he runs, in hopes to get his tailbacks a little more involved. For example the 2nd leading rusher behind Tebow was wide receiver Percy Harvin. There might be a new guy in town that solves all the problems as sophomore Emmanuel Moody could win the job after coming in as a transfer from USC, if not look for senior Kestahn Moore or sophomore Mon Williams to win the job. Tebow should have no trouble finding a guy to throw to, as he gets back his leading receiver in Percy Harvin, a solid threat in senior Louis Murphy, and a big threat at tight end in Cornelius Ingram. The offensive line returns 3 starters from last year and left tackle Phil Trautwein who missed last season with an injury. This unit is not only big they are one of the best offensive lines you will find in the SEC, as they average 6′5″ and 305lbs. Look for another big season on the ground and in the air for this team, and its all thanks to their line.
Defense:
After only returning 2 starters last year on this side of the ball, the team brings back 8 starters to a pretty solid unit that should only get better. Last year the team gave up 25.5 points per game and they hadn’t done that in years. They did lose star DE Derrick Harvey to the NFL, but the line should be improved overall as a unit in 2008. Look for big years from returning starters Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham on the defensive line Cunningham has the most sacks of any returning starter from last year, and we expect those numbers to jump way up in 2008. The team returns all 3 starters at linebacker and we think that you can expect a huge year out of junior Brandon Spikes as he led the team a year ago with 131 tackles, and 2nd leading tackler junior Dustin Doe should have another monster year as well. The team returns all but one starter in the secondary, but you can’t forget how bad they looked against Michigan in the Capital One Bowl game. The Gators are usually pretty solid here, and look for a duo of sophomores to take the corner jobs in Joe Haden and Jacques Rickerson. Another sophomore in Major Wright should hold down the free safety spot, while junior Dorian Munroe hold down the strong safety spot. The Gators have plenty of depth as they returned 6 of their top 8 players in the secondary, so don’t be shocked if something changes by the time the season rolls around.
Prediction: 1st in the SEC EAST
This was one of the toughest choices we had to make when it came down to Florida or Georgia as the top dog in the SEC, we think that Florida’s schedule is a lot easier as they get LSU at home and avoid playing Auburn. While the game against Georgia isn’t exactly at home in Gainesville, the game is still pretty close as they are playing the game in Jacksonville. This conference is the best in the country and you never know what will happen. If this team can make it out on top and win the SEC Title game then you might want to get ready for another National Title in Florida.
If you are looking to get a head start on the upcoming NCAA football season, then head over to Sportsbook.com, and get an account up and going today. Also be sure to check back as professional handicapper Jason Lowry will continue to make his team by team predictions for the 2008 season.
