Georgia Opponent Offseason Q&A: Florida Gators
We’re taking another look at Georgia’s schedule for 2023. The Bulldogs play nine game against Power Five competition: eight in the SEC plus Georgia Tech. As we continue along with our second week, we come to one of Georgia’s biggest rivals: the Florida Gators.
For more on Florida, be sure to check out our site in the On3 network, GatorsOnline, and the great work that the guys over there do. Special thanks to Zach Abolverdi for the help here.
Also, we’ve got a DawgsHQ deep dive into each of Georgia’s opponents for 2023. Here’s the earlier offseason overview on Florida. And for access to all of the offseason overviews plus the previous Q&As, click here.
Q: It’s year two for Billy Napier, and it hasn’t been all smooth sailing in Gainesville. What is it that you think Napier and the Gators must do to keep fans happy in 2023?
A: After going winless against Florida’s rivals in his inaugural season, it’s critical for Napier to notch a win against one of those four teams this season. It’s also important to improve the Gators’ W-L record, win in The Swamp and hang onto his top-five class for 2024.
Q: Anthony Richardson is obviously gone leaning Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz as the favorite for the job competing against former Ohio State Buckeye Jack Miller. What would you consider to be a successful season for Florida quarterbacks this fall?
A: The starter will be Graham Mertz, who set career highs last year with 2,136 passing yards and 19 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. A successful season for him personally would be improving those numbers in the SEC. Some statistical goals would be surpassing 2,500 yards with 20-plus touchdowns and single-digit picks.
Q: Florida has its two leading rushers back from last season, but the offensive line has a bit of an overhaul. We mentioned the quarterbacks already, and the Gators could be without four of their top five pass catchers from last season. What do you expect the identity of this offensive unit to be?
A: I definitely expect Florida to field one of the nation’s best rushing attacks this season and be even more productive than last year. Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne should both eclipse 800 yards rushing as Graham run less than Richardson did. Ricky Pearsall will be their best offensive player and he should provide enough big plays in the passing game along with some of the freshmen receivers.
Q: It appears to be a similar storyline on defense with all five of the team’s top tacklers gone. Who are the names we should be keeping an eye on on that side of the ball?
A: A lot of new faces in the starting lineup on defense. Some names to know will be defensive linemen Cam Jackson and Caleb Banks, linebackers Shemar James and Teradja Mitchell and safety RJ Moten. Four of those five projected starters are transfers and will be among Florida’s leading tacklers in 2023.
Q: Fill in the Blank: Florida’s biggest storyline this offseason is (______). How do you expect that to be addressed this fall?
A: With Mertz as the clear favorite, I would say the biggest storyline is whether Florida’s defense will improve with a new coordinator and several starters to replace on that side of the ball. I think the unit is going to be much better this season with Austin Armstrong calling plays and some impact transfers.
Q: What do you consider to be Florida’s biggest strength entering the season? Biggest weakness?
A: Florida’s biggest strength is its rushing offense and front-seven on defense. The biggest weaknesses would be the lack of proven depth at wide receiver and tight end along with the youth at safety.
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