Florida (The State of) Football

Florida Gators 2022 Record: 6-7 2023 FPI Projection: 7-5 2023 Over/Under Total: 5.5 BIGGEST GAME: Tennessee (September 16) There's a general belief that the Gators are heading toward a losing season. The schedule is brutally hard and the quarterback situation is questionable. But things can change one the live bullets are flying and if there is a game that can turn the Gators fortunes it might be hosting Tennessee at the Swamp. It's been a long time since Tennessee has won in Gainesville -- 2003 to be exact and the Gators have won 16 of the past 18 games against the Volunteers. Right now Tennessee is the hot team and the program that looks most equipped to challenge Georgia. But the Volunteers lost a lot of talent from last year's team, so we'll see if Joe Milton is up for the challenge of winning in the Swamp.  TRAP GAME: Arkansas (November 4) Arkansas has always seemed to play Florida tough, especially in the Swamp. I think it's because they can run the ball ...

FIU Golden Panthers 2022 Record: 4-8 2023 FPI Projection: 4-8  2023 Over/Under Total: 3.5 BIGGEST GAME: at Middle Tennessee (November 11) This spot would normally be reserved for Florida Atlantic, but the Shula Bowl isn't happening this year. FIU had some ugly losses in 2022, but they played Middle Tennessee hard and fell short 33-28. By this point in the season FIU should be more comfortable with what they have and what they can do. The Raiders probably won't be at the top of Conference USA, but they are going to be competing for a bowl game, which is where FIU wants to be. A win here during what will likely be a lost season would show that FIU has rebuild the roster up enough that 2024 should have a much improved record.  TRAP GAME: Maine (September 2) Should be a walkover in a tough season for the Golden Panthers right? Maine is an FCS opponent coming off of a 2-9 season. The trap comes in when you look a little deeper. The Black Bears were in their first season under ...

USF Bulls 2022 Record: 1-11 2023 FPI Projection: 5-7 2023 Over/Under Total: 4 BIGGEST GAME: at Western Kentucky (September 2) Well you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. And for head coach Alex Golesh, this is the opportunity to show fans what USF football will look like under his leadership. It's a tough road opener against a team that puts a lot of pressure on opponents with their quick passing game. USF fans need hope and optimism, two things that were quickly lacking as the Bulls piled up the losses under Jeff Scott. A win to open the season would be amazing and likely lead to a 2-0 start when Alabama comes to town, but just some competitive fight on both sides of the ball will go a long way.  TRAP GAME: Rice (September 23) Rice and Charlotte have the lowest projected win totals in the restructure American Conference. This SHOULD be an USF win, but timing is everything and this game is coming a week after Alabama. Do I think USF is going to beat Alab...

Miami Hurricanes 2022 Record: 5-7 2023 FPI Projection: 8-4 2023 Over/Under Total: 7.5 BIGGEST GAME: Texas A&M (September 9) This is a big game for both programs in what could be nice bounce back seasons. Last year Miami suffered a 17-9 loss to the Aggies as the Hurricanes struggled in the red zone. This is going to be a great test for what Miami wants to do on offense this year. Texas A&M has taken a lot of hits in the media, but the Aggies still have a good roster and they are going to be stout up front. Miami doesn't have to win this game to meet its projection, but getting a big home win against an SEC opponent would be a great way to put 2022 behind them. TRAP GAME: Virginia (October 28) I hate where this game is located on the schedule for Miami -- at the end of the month and right after consecutive games against North Carolina and Clemson. The past five games between the Cavaliers and Hurricanes have been decided by eight points or less. Virginia has a way of suc...

UCF Knights 2022 Record: 9-5 2023 FPI Projection: 8-4 2023 Over/Under Total: 6.5 BIGGEST GAME: at Oklahoma (October 21) If there was ever a chance for UCF to make a real statement in their first year in the Big XII it's getting a win at Oklahoma. The Sooners are coming off of a 6-7 season and will be making their final run through the Big XII before heading to the SEC. They struggled in Brent Venables first season as head coach, losing to West Virginia, Texas Tech and Baylor among others. Oklahoma will be tough on offense with Jeff Lebby stepping in to run the offense and the Sooners always among the biggest teams in the nation. The defense is concerning. Oklahoma lacks size up front and that could play into UCF's hands. Venables is rebuilding the defense and might have to play quite a few freshmen from his top five recruiting class. Oklahoma SHOULD win, but this is the biggest game on UCF's schedule. TRAP GAME: West Virginia (October 28) In a new conference where all ...