SEC’s Best In-Conference Games 2016: Number 7, Georgia vs. Florida
Florida Offense vs. Georgia Defense
Like Georgia, Florida had a quarterback competition this off-season. Unlike Kirby Smart, Jim McElwain has already chosen a winner. Luke Del Rio is the man for the Gators. Del Rio was a walk-on at Alabama, then he transferred to Oregon State, and now he’s the starter in Gainesville. It has been quite the journey. Now we will all see if it pays off.
At running back the Gators lost Kelvin Taylor to the NFL. That leaves three men competing for his vacated spot. They are: Jordan Scarlett, Jordan Cronkrite, and Mark Thompson. If Scarlett can fix his ball securities issues the job is probably his. If not then it’s probably Thompson’s. Cronkrite will provide good depth.
Antonio Callaway may be a one-man show at receiver this season, but it will be a show worth watching. Callaway is incredibly explosive, averaging 17.6 yards per touch a season ago. Junior Brandon Powell is also a returning starter. He offers a reliable, albeit less flashy, second option.
At offensive line the Gators return the entire left side of the line. They’ll be looking for Fred Johnson and Tyler Jordan to step up at right tackle and right guard respectively.
Georgia’s defensive front seven was absolutely gutted after last season. They have zero returning starters at defensive line and linebacker. Sophomore Trent Thompson has all the tools to be a great defensive tackle, but as for who plays on either side of him it’s pretty much wide open.
At linebacker the Dawgs have a plethora of talented young options. These include Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy on the outside, along with Reggie Carter and Natrez Patrick on the inside. None of the Dawgs expected starters in the front seven this year are seniors. Which means that next year they will be one of the more veteran units in the league. They just have to survive some growing pains this season.
Speaking of veteran units, Georgia’s secondary certainly is that. They return all four starters including safety Dominick Sanders. Sanders will be looked to for leadership this season by the younger players in front of him.
Advantage: Even
Next: Special Teams and Coaching