Florida Football: Gators Are SEC's Biggest Overachievers of 2015

While the suspension of Will Grier will eternally cause Florida football fans to wonder what could have been, the Gators are undoubtedly the biggest overachievers of 2015.

Did the media get it wrong when it came to SEC football this season or what? Before we delve any deeper, let’s take a look at the media’s SEC preseason predicted order of finish (taken from CBS Sports). Next to their predicted order of finish, we’ll also list where they actually finished in their division.

SEC East

1. Georgia (3rd)

2. Tennessee (2nd)

3. Missouri (6th)

4. South Carolina (7th)

5. Florida (1st)

6. Kentucky (5th)

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7. Vanderbilt (4th)

SEC West

1. Alabama (1st)

2. Auburn (7th)

3. LSU (4th)

4. Arkansas (3rd)

5. Ole Miss (2nd)

6. Texas A&M (5th)

7. Mississippi State (6th)

While Ole Miss had the biggest jump between projected and actual finish in the SEC West, their rise does not begin to compare to the Gator’s. While Mississippi was predicted to finish 5th, they were also tied with the 5th most votes to win the entire SEC. It’s not like the Rebels finishing 2nd in the SEC West and 3rd overall is a huge surprise to anyone based on preseason expectations. The rise of Florida, however, is another story entirely.

Speaking of comparing Florida and Ole Miss — they did play this season. Florida put to rest any conversation of who was better (at least when the Gators had Grier) when they throttled the Rebels to the tune of 38-10. Mississippi had a great season with two rivalry wins against LSU and Mississippi State, but the Gators are no doubt the biggest overachievers of 2015.

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Florida began their season with a blowout of New Mexico State, demolishing them 61-13. People who overreacted to the offensive output (even Muschamp’s Gators destroyed similar competition) had their expectations tempered the next few weeks. Florida squeaked out victories against East Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee by 7, 5 and 1 points, respectively. Many Gator fans prepped for a letdown after the 4-0 start.

Then the Gators threw college football for a spin, dominating the aforementioned and then #3 Mississippi Rebels. They were able to follow that performance with a convincing 21-3 victory against Missouri. Things were looking mighty fine in the world of Florida football. At 6-0 with a signature win, it looked like the Gators would be legitimate contenders for the College Football Playoff.

Three days later, however, things began looking much worse. Will Grier was suspended for one year after a positive PED test and the Gators would have to survive with Treon Harris at quarterback.

Oct 10, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier (7) throws a pass during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Florida won 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It did not appear like it would be too much of a problem, however, as Harris led the Gators to 28 points against LSU in Baton Rouge and only lost because of a Mad Hatter fake field goal. Surely with a bye week (read adequate time to prepare Harris for his new role), the Gators would win out against lesser competition and finish the season 11-1. It initially appeared, no matter how briefly, that would be exactly what happened as the Gators dominated one of their biggest rivals (Georgia) 27-3. The warning signs were there, though.

Florida’s offense was beginning to look inept. A last minute 9-7 victory against Vanderbilt — at home no less — caused Gator nation to worry. Had they beaten South Carolina 24-14 like they did the next week at the beginning of the season, it would have been considered a quality win. South Carolina had long been exposed, however. The biggest warning sign came when Florida needed overtime to defeat a 2 win Florida Atlantic team. Things were no longer swell in the land of Florida football.

Fans held out hope that the defense would shine at home and they could help spring a victory against Florida State. The defense played well but the Gators fell in embarrassing fashion — 27-2. They now await their own massacre in Atlanta at the hands of Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.

Sure, people will spin it that the Gator’s defense gives them a puncher’s chance. No, that is not actually the case.

Let’s be fair, though. Florida was expected to finish no better than 4th and Gator nation would have quickly gobbled up the promise of an 8-4 season in McElwain’s first year. Instead, the Florida Gators are SEC East Champions at 10-2 and still have a shot at the Sugar Bowl.

Like it or not, the Florida Gators are SEC Football’s biggest overachievers of 2015. In no way is that an insult. Instead, it is a tip of the hat to McElwain and his resilient crew.

Next: SEC Football: Best and Worst of Week 13

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Florida Football: Gators Are SEC’s Biggest Overachievers of 2015

By John Richardson | Dec 2, 2015

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