Urban Meyer gave fans a little scare last winter when it looked like he might leave the program. Meyer announced that he will return as Florida head man, and that means the Gators should once again be a force to be reckoned with. Meyer has an incredible 96-18 career record, and he's 57-10 with two national championships in his five years with the Gators. Both of those national championship teams had a player named Tim Tebow on them. Tebow is now off to the NFL, and that means the Gators will have to break in a new quarterback. Still, Florida brings back more talent than any other team in the SEC East, and you can bet it will be motivated after coming up one win short of competing for a third national title in four years.
Offense - The Gators ranked No. 1 in the SEC in total offense in 2009, racking up 457.9 yards per game. They also ranked No. 2 in scoring offense, averaging 35.9 points per game. Even though Tebow is gone, there is a chance the Gators could be even more explosive in 2010. Jeff Brantley is ready to step into the starting quarterback role after waiting in the wings the past couple seasons. Unlike Tebow, Brantley is a pure passer. Getting the benefit of one of the best offensive lines in the league and a talented receiving corps, Brantley could put up huge numbers right out of the gate. Deonte Thompson figures to be his go-to receiver and Chris Rainey will be his playmaker in the slot. The running back unit is deep with Jeff Demps and Emmanuel Moody. Demps averaged a ridiculous 7.5 yards per carry in 2009. Remember clear back to Tebow's freshman season when he played alongside Chris Leak, taking the snaps in some short-yardage situations. Meyer figures to do the same in 2010. Look for Trey Burton or Jordan Reed to come in and run the quarterback draw from time to time.
Defense - Florida was one of the best defensive teams in the country in 2009. It ranked No. 4 nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 12.4 points per game, and No. 4 in total defense as well, giving up only 252.6 yards per game. The Gators lose six starters from that unit, but I don't expect much of a drop off. Florida ranked No. 1 in the SEC in pass defense last season, only allowing 152.8 yards per game through the air. With shutdown corner Janoris Jenkins and talented strong safety Ahmad Black back, the Gators should once again be one of the best in the nation at defending aerial attacks. Florida should be stout against the run as well thanks to a lot of depth at the defensive tackle spot.
Prediction - 1st SEC East - After losing 9 players to the NFL, Florida has some doubters, but I'm not one of them. Georgia and South Carolina should both be improved, but neither is ready to overtake the cream of the crop in the SEC East. Odds makers have listed Florida among the favorites at +600 to win the BCS championship. Be sure to check out my 2010 SEC football predictions to see how I have the rest of the league shaping up.
Invest in Jimmy Boyd's expert football picks in 2010 for the most consistent winners against the college football lines!
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