Florida Football: Game-by-Game Breakdown of the 2012 Schedule

The Florida Gators didn't exactly have the season they had hoped for last year, as they finished with a 7-6 record. But they did experience a new head coach and offensive coordinator and struggled throughout the year to find any consistency at the quarterback position.

This season, they once again have a new offensive coordinator as Brent Pease comes over from Boise State. They are a team that returns 18 starters and are hoping for a much better season as they make that climb back to the top of the college football world.

Last year's football season may have just ended, but it's never too early to make predictions.

Here are predictions for Florida's schedule next year.

Vs. Bowling Green 09/01

A team that finished 5-7 in the MAC last season couldn't beat an SEC team's backups. This game really needs no further explanation.

Expect the Gators to roll over the Falcons and start off the year with an easy victory.

Gators win: 46-6

At Texas A&M 09/08

This will be the first test of the season for both teams, and the first SEC game for the Aggies. I think it's going to be a dog fight for both teams, but Florida has the edge considering they are used to playing against top competition.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Aggies pull it out at home, but it may take Texas A&M a while before they get use to the brutal SEC schedule.

Gators win: 27-21

At Tennessee 09/15

Tennessee is a young team that's returning majority of their starters from a year ago. Much like Florida, they are very talented, but it's hard not to pick the home team in this game.

The Gators have won the last seven games in this meeting, but I think that will change with a minor upset. The Volunteers only lost by 10 points in last year's meeting and that game was in Florida and with Justin Hunter getting hurt.

Tennessee wins: 24-21

Vs. Kentucky 09/22

Florida has won the last 25 meetings. That means the last time the Wildcats beat the Gators, many of us weren't even alive.

Don't expect this streak to come to an end, as Florida has way more talent than Kentucky does.

Florida wins: 38-14

Vs. LSU 10/06

You can call this an upset or whatever you like, but I believe the Gators will beat the Tigers in this year's matchup. LSU has a lot of question marks and at this point have no quarterback as both starters from last year have left.

Florida returns nine starters, which should be able to slow down the Tigers' running game.

Florida wins: 17-10

At Vanderbilt 10/13

James Franklin is working miracles with Vanderbilt, but I'm not sure his team is talented enough to knock off the Gators just yet. After all, Florida has won the last 21 meetings against the Commodores. That has to count for something.

Florida wins: 35-17

Vs. South Carolina 10/20

Connor Shaw showed enough at the quarterback position last season that he has what it takes to lead the Gamecocks this year. That was also without running back Marcus Lattimore, who should be completely healed from his season-ending injury.

This game may be in the swamp, but I think South Carolina has too much firepower for the Gators to match right now.

South Carolina wins: 34-21

Vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville) 10/27

Georgia may be my favorite to win the SEC this year. Yes, I expect them to be that good. We're talking about a team that's returning majority of their starters, including their quarterback and have a stacked recruiting class coming in.

I'm not sure there's a quarterback in the SEC that can go toe-to-toe with Aaron Murray and if there is, he isn't on the Gators roster.

Georgia wins: 34-24

Vs. Missouri 11/03

Dorial Green-Beckham is coming to town; that alone makes this a must-watch game. He and quarterback James Franklin should really be fun to watch next season.

Nonetheless, I'm not sure the Tigers have what it takes to knock off a team like Florida in their first season in the SEC.

Florida wins: 24-17

Vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 11/10

This is one of those games that you just don't even think twice about—although Florida did struggle last year against Furman, so you never know.

Regardless, I'll go out on a limb and pick Florida to win big in this one.

Florida wins: 53-3

Vs. Jacksonville State 11/17

You're going to see a lot of backups in this game because it may be over by halftime. Once again, the Gators will win big as they prepare for the big rivalry game next weekend.

Florida wins: 57-0

At Florida State 11/24

Florida State returns 16 starters, including their quarterback and the game is being played in Tallahassee. Florida is really on the rise as far as becoming a national powerhouse once again, but I think it's safe to say that the Seminoles are a couple of steps ahead of them.

That's why I have to go with Florida State to win this game.

Florida State wins: 35-28

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].