2011 Florida Football Predictions


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Even though the Florida Gators had just 11 starters back for the 2010 season, many believed this team was the clear favorite to win the SEC East. Florida ended up going just 8-5 overall and just 4-4 in conference play. That 4-4 mark still landed them a second place finish in the SEC East. This year the Gators will not only have to deal with just 10 starters back, but they will have adjust to life without head coach Urban Meyer, who stepped down because of health concerns. Florida has replaced Meyer with Texas assistant Phil Muschamp. They also bring in Charlie Weis as the new offensive coordinator, which will have Florida running a more pro-style offense than the spread we have seen the Gators run under Meyer.

Here is a closer look at what the Gators will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they will finish the year in the SEC East.

Offense:

One of the Gators six returning starters on the offensive side of the ball is senior quarterback John Brantley, who had the difficult job of replacing Tim Tebow. Brantley didn’t ever really get going in the Gator’s spread attack. He threw for 2,061 yards with just nine touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The addition of Weis and the switch to a pro-style should lead to better numbers this season.

Florida was hit hard with injuries at the running back position last year, and if they are going to compete for the SEC East title they have to get more out of this position. Senior Jeff Demps is back after a injury plagued season. Demps still led the team with 551 yards and also added 3 touchdowns. Last year Florida put in Tyler Burton at quarterback when they wanted to use more of a wildcat formation, and it resulted in Burton rushing for 349 yards and 11 scores. This year Burton is going to strictly be used as a running back behind Demps, which should give the Gators a solid 1-2 punch.

Another reason why we think Brantley will have a much better year in 2011, is the fact that the Gators return three starters at wide receiver. Senior Deonte Thompson and Chris Rainey  are expected to take on a much bigger role in the passing game this season. Thompson led the Gators with 38 catches for 570 yards, but had just one touchdown on the season. Rainey led the team with three receiving touchdowns, but had just 25 catches on year.

The biggest concern for the Gators heading into the 2011 season is the starting five on the offensive line. The only starter back is junior left tackle Xavier Nixon. The lack of experience up front will only make it harder for this team to make a smooth transition to a new style of offense. Sophomore Jonotthan Harrison is the leading candidate to take over at center for the departed Mike Pouncey. Fellow sophomore Jon Halapio and senior James Wilson appear to have the early edge at the two guard spots, while redshirt freshman Chaz Green is the frontrunner to step in at right tackle.

‘Defense:

The Gators have just four starters back on the defensive side of the ball, but with the way this school recruits there doesn’t figure to be a huge drop off in production.

One of the four starters back is senior defensive tackle Jaye Howard, who is considered to be one of the best tackle prospects in the country. Howard had three sacks and was third on the team with 9 tackles for loss. Joining Howard in the middle will be sophomore Sharrif Floyd, who started two games as a freshman last year. Floyd finished with 8 tackles for loss, and should could really shine playing alongside Howard all season. Sophomore Ronald Powell will also make his way to the starting lineup after a fine freshman season. Powell is expected to start at defensive end opposite of senior William Green.

The Gators strength on this side of the ball comes at the linebacker position where they return two of the top linebackers in the conference in junior middle linebacker Jonathan Bostic and sophomore weak-side linebacker Jelani Jenkins. Added to the mix will be junior strong-side linebacker Lerentee McCray.

After losing corner Janoris Jenkins and safeties Ahmad Black and Will Hill you have to expect a drop off in production from the secondary. The only starter back is junior corner Jeremy Brown, who finished tied for second on the team with three interceptions. Sophomore Cody Riggs will likely take over at the other corner spot, while junior Josh Evans and sophomore Matt Elam step in at the two safety positions.

SEC Prediction: 3rd SEC East – There is a lot that has me thinking the Gators will struggle to top their 8 win mark of 2010. Not only do they have to deal with the change at head coach and new systems on both sides of the ball, but this is a young team with just eight seniors expected to be in the starting lineup. They also have a brutal schedule in 2011. Florida has just three home games in the SEC. They have to go on the road to face my top two teams out of the East in South Carolina and Georgia and have to play both LSU and Alabama out of the SEC West (SC and Georgia avoid playing both LSU and Alabama).

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