2009 Florida Gators College Football Predictions

2009 Florida Gators Predictions
2008 Record: (12-1, 7-1)
Coach: Urban Meyer, 5th year (44-9 at Florida, 83-17 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Steve Addazio (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Charlie Strong (7th year)
Returning Starters: 20 (7 offense, 11 defense, punter kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tim Tebow)

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Offense: How many teams have 20 returning starters? How many team have a former Heisman Trophy winner back at quarterback? There’s only one team and that is Florida. Senior Tim Tebow (6-3, 245) will go down as one of the great college quarterbacks of all time. Whether that translates to the next level is another story. Tebow threw for 2,746 yards last season and ran for 673 yards, compiling 42 touchdowns. The key will be his receivers, as he returns just one starters in Riley Cooper (30 catches in 37 games), though his starting tight end Aaron Hernandez (6-2, 250) is back after catching 34 receptions for 381 yards. At running back, the Gators return sophomores Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. Both are playmakers who averaged 7.8 yards per carry and are capable receivers. Up front, they return three starters as freshman center Sam Robey (6-4, 291) won the job in the spring, moving junior Maurkice Pouncey (6-5, 318) from center to left guard.

Defense: The defense returns all 11 starters from a unit that allowed just 12.9ppg (4th in the nation) and 285.3 yards per game (9th). It’s safe to say they should lead the nation in most categories and there are few if any weaknesses. Up front, the Gators are led by DE Carlos Dunlap (9 sacks), a 6-6, 290-pounder, who is not even listed as a starter. They are so deep at tackle, it’s insane. After starters Lawrence Marsh (6-4, 304) and Terron Sanders (6-2, 309), they have sophomore Omar Hunter (6-0, 308), who emerged in the spring and could use big-time freshman recruit Gary Brown (who they should redshirt). At linebacker, senior Brandon Spikes (6-3, 258) anchors a very athletic trio. Spikes, who had 93 tackles last season, is the leader of a defense that forced 34 turnovers last year. In the secondary, they have incredible talent and depth. Junior Joe Haden and sophomore Jenoris Jenkins are future pro’s, while junior SS Ahmad Black led the team with seven interceptions.

Outlook: The schedule features two gimmes to open with Charleston Southern and Troy at home. Not saying Troy is bad, but they aren’t in the same hemisphere at the Gators. Their first SEC game will be a home contest against Tennessee. Do you think Urban Meyer will run the score up against Lane Kiffin, who accused Meyer of a NCAA recruiting violation? Their toughest games will be a roadie at LSU on Oct. 10, a neutral game vs. Georgia in Jacksonville and a home game against Florida State. If they get past LSU, they should be undefeated going into the SEC Championship game.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com