The Florida Gators have won the SEC East two years in a row, but have fallen short to Alabama each year. This season, Florida is determined not to let that happen again - and we think they'll finally be able to get over that hump. Here are three reasons why the Gators are guaranteed to win the SEC this season:
1) Most underrated offense in the country
Offense has been a problem for Florida ever since Tim Tebow graduated but that could change this year. Notre Dame graduate transfer quarterback Malik Zaire is expected to take over the starting job, and he was an excellent dual-threat for the Fighting Irish when healthy (which wasn't very often). Finding a quarterback has been Florida's biggest problem, and now that they have one, they should be able to get the most out of all their offensive weapons.
Three running backs from their four-man rotation are back (starter Jordan Scarlett, Lamical Perine, Mark Thompson), and they may have the best wide receiver duo in the conference in Antonio Callaway and Tyrie Cleveland. All of that adds up to an extremely potent offensive attack.
2) Talent to replace lost defensive starters
Florida did lost eight defensive starters to graduation or the NFL, but this group will still be one of the best units in the country. All 11 projected starters next season started at last one game in 2016 due to the rash of injuries suffered by the group, meaning these "inexperienced" players actually have some experience. There are concerns about depth, particularly in the secondary, but Florida has recruited well enough to know that they have talent everywhere.
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3) Favorable schedule
In terms of SEC play, Florida could not have asked for a better schedule. They get Tennessee, LSU and Texas A&M all at home (the Gators are 11-1 at home under head coach Jim McElwain), making their toughest road game against a South Carolina team that finished last season with a losing record. McElwain also owns Georgia, beating them three times in a row.
Non-conference wise, Florida's schedule sets up well, too. Florida State also has to come to The Swamp and that season opener against Michigan doesn't look so bad considering the Wolverines are returning just three total starters from last year's team. Simply put, Florida's schedule sets up extremely well for them in 2017.
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