How are the Gators going to do this year? Breaking down each and every game
Saturday: vs. Michigan (Arlington, Texas), 3:30 p.m. (ABC): The Wolverines own a 3-0 series advantage over the Gators, but the teams have never met in the regular season. That will change when the schools tussle in the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, to open the season. The Gators finished last season ranked No. 14 with a 9-4 record, and Michigan closed at No. 10 at 10-3. In this matchup of elite defenses, Florida’s quarterback — whoever it turns out to be — does just enough to get it done. Prediction: Florida 17, Michigan 14.
Saturday, Sept. 9: vs. Northern Colorado, 7:30 p.m. (SEC Network): The Bears were mediocre in FCS play last season, amassing a 6-5 record including a 21-47 loss to Jim McElwain’s former team, Colorado State. Expect the mediocrity to be magnified against Florida in what should be a tune-up game for the Gators. Prediction: Florida 48, Northern Colorado 3.
Sturday, Sept. 16: vs. Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. (CBS): After Tennessee rose from the ashes of a first-half thrashing and pulled off a comeback last season in Knoxville, the Gators will be out for vengeance. They get it against a Tennessee team breaking in a new quarterback, running back and wideouts. Prediction: Florida 24, Tennessee 17.
Saturday, Sept. 23: at Kentucky, TBA (TBA): The Gators have won 30 in a row against the Wildcats. There’s no reason to believe they won’t make it 31 this season. Prediction: Florida 30, Kentucky 13.
Saturday, Sept. 30: vs. Vanderbilt, TBA (TBA): Coach Derek Mason’s team has limited the Gators to a total of 22 points the past two years combined. But the Commodores also haven’t been able to score, and even against a weakened Florida defense, that should continue. Once again, Florida survives a squeaker against the Commodores. Prediction: Florida 17, Vanderbilt 9.
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Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. LSU, TBA (TBA): LSU and Florida have developed a heated rivalry since last year’s hurricane fiasco resulted in Florida holding on for a goal-line stand victory in Baton Rouge. Even with LSU out for revenge, the Leonard Fournette-less Tigers can’t get it done on the road. Prediction: Florida 20, LSU 17.
Saturday, Oct. 14: vs. Texas A&M, TBA (TBA): For the Aggies, this game comes a week after a showdown with Alabama. Following their likely loss, the Aggies take out their frustrations on the Gators. Prediction: Texas A&M 31, Florida 17.
Saturday, Oct. 28: vs. Georgia (Jacksonville), 3:30 p.m. (CBS): The Gators beat Georgia in a defensive slugfest a season ago. This year, the emergence of Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason propels the Bulldogs to victory. Prediction: Georgia 21, Florida 10.
Saturday, Nov. 4: at Missouri, TBA (TBA): The Tigers are a team with a new coach and one that finished last in the SEC East a season ago. Florida should be able to handle them on the road. Prediction: Florida 34, Missouri 13.
Saturday, Nov. 11, at South Carolina, TBA (TBA): Will Muschamp led the Gamecocks to a bowl game in his first season at the helm, but he couldn’t get a victory over his former team. The sheer talent gap should ensure that will continue this season. Prediction: Florida 27, South Carolina 17.
Saturday, Nov. 18: vs. UAB, TBA (TBA): Another tune-up game. Prediction: Florida 45, UAB 13.
Saturday, Nov. 25: vs. Florida State, TBA (TBA): Without Dalvin Cook on the opposing sideline, the Gators finally break through against the Seminoles for their first win since 2012. Prediction: Florida 16, Florida State 13.
This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 12:57 PM with the headline "How are the Gators going to do this year? Breaking down each and every game."