Florida Gators Football: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2012 Season

Last year was a pitiful year for the Florida Gators: They went 0-4 in October, got blown out by Alabama and LSU, lost to bitter rivals Georgia and Florida St. and had a narrow escape from Vanderbilt.  If it gets any worse than that, Muschamp better start fearing for his job.  He got his one year of rebuilding, and now it is time to compete in the SEC once again. 

After signing a top-five recruiting class filled with bigger and more physical players that the Gators have lacked, optimism is flowing once again.

Winning a BCS National Championship in 2012?  Not a chance, but here are some predictions that are just as bold, but less insane.

The Gators Will Run the Football!

For most teams, declaring a successful running game for the upcoming season is a bit ridiculous and definitely not bold.  It's a little different for the Florida Gators.

After an agonizing running game in 2011, it would be hard to not get better in 2012.

Now that Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are on to bigger and better things, the Gators can finally meet with success in the pro-style offense.  Mike Gillislee led all rushers in yards per carry last season and he is going to finally get his opportunity to show his talent.

After arriving in Gainesville in 2009, Gillislee has had a hard time finding playing time behind electrifying speedsters Demps and Rainey.  He has made good on the few opportunities he has gotten thus far, so 2012 will be the year of the G-Train.  He has the speed to break a big run but has a little more size than Demps or Rainey to run it up the middle.

Gillislee should win the spring battle over incoming freshman Matt Jones and Junior Mack Brown.  Whether Gillislee finally explodes or someone else steps up, a running game must be developed to help whoever is at quarterback.

Andre Debose Will Be a Lethal Deep Threat

Andre Debose finally showed he could be what Deonte Thompson was supposed to be: A deep threat.

Debose was highly touted to be the next Percy Harvin, but any Gator fan knows that's simply not possible.  He has always been an electrifying kick returner but finally developed into a go-to receiver last year, leading all Gators in receiving yards.  The key stat here is that he averaged 27 yards per reception, which was second highest in the nation.

If or when the Gators establish the run, Debose should thrive on the outside.  Providing the Gators with big play ability will balance the pro-style offense, making it much more effective.

Florida Will Lead the SEC in Takeaways

Florida only had 14 takeaways this year, which was last in the SEC. In the month of October, where the Gators had their most difficult stretch, they only managed to get one interception.

Muschamp has made takeaways a top priority since arriving in Gainesville but defensive backs seemed hesitant to take chances at the ball.  The secondary lacked the "ballhawking" trait that we have seen so often from past Florida defenses. 

2012 should be different.

Muschamp is pushing his players this offseason to increase their takeaways, and it is very possible that they will.  Florida's defense returns almost everyone notable.  The defensive line will be much improved with the incoming freshman and the continued development of Ronald Powell, Dominick Easley and Shariff Floyd.  

More importantly, the entire secondary is returning with another year of experience under their belts.  With the extra experience, these starters should feel more comfortable taking chances, thereby creating more turnover opportunities.

With 10 of 11 starters returning on defense and some highly touted defensive players arriving in the fall, there is no question the Gators' defense has potential to be one of the best in the SEC in 2012.

Florida Will Finish in the Top Ten in Sacks

In 2011, the Gators finished 38th in total sacks.  A solid statistic for sure, but the Gators could easily push their way into the elite in 2012.

The Gators lose Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard, both forces to be reckoned with on the inside.  Their departure opens the door for Ronald Powell, Dominick Easley and Shariff Floyd to come marching through if they can all fit. 

Newcomers Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler Jr. could gain a spot on the rotation instantly if they impress during the spring.

Fowler Jr. is a speed rusher, very similar to a Carlos Dunlap or Derrick Harvey and could wreak havoc along the outside.  Bullard is more of a finesse player.  His solid footwork and upper body strength will help stop the run.

Florida's first two SEC games against Texas A&M and Tennessee should provide a decent challenge for the Gators before getting into the meat of the schedule later in October where LSU, South Carolina and Georgia wait.

Stefon Diggs Will Transform the Gator Offense

Stefon Diggs is announcing his decision on February 10th.  Gator fans everywhere better be crossing their fingers and hoping Christmas comes insanely early this year.  Not quite the next Percy Harvin, but he is basically as close as you can get to the real thing.

As of right now it looks as though his choices are down to Florida, Auburn, California, Maryland and Ohio State.

Diggs' best friend has already signed a commitment letter to home-state Maryland and many thought Diggs would immediately follow.  California looks to be at the bottom of the choices, with Florida and Auburn being possibilities behind favorite Ohio State.

Urban Meyer has already promised Diggs he will be the next Percy Harvin which is why the Buckeyes are looking like the favorites.

If Diggs ignores Meyer and goes where he truly belongs (yes, I am a Gators fan) he will add an entire new dimension to the Florida offense which struggled to have any dimension in 2011.

Lining up Diggs on one side and Andre Debose on the other, the Gators will have a very talented group of receivers.  Now if only Muschamp can decide who will be throwing the ball to them...