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There is no coach in America who is sitting on a hotter seat this fall than Florida’s Billy Napier. The Gators have collapsed in the final stretch of 2023, losing their last five games to finish 5-7. This is completely unacceptable from Florida, whose fans are spoiled and used to winning big.

It feels like Napier needs to lead the Gators to 6 wins and a bowl game to keep his job in his 3rd season. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. This schedule is MURDER, but there are still reasons for optimism.

Let’s analyze the key questions facing the Gators.

1) Can the offense lead them to the playoffs?

There is a lot more to like here than most people on the outside think. Everyone (myself included) laughed when QB Graham Mertz moved from Wisconsin to Florida. He responded by making huge strides in his first year in Gainesville by throwing for 20 TD’s. Florida somehow scored 104 points in Mertz’s last 3 starts vs. LSU, Ark & Mizzou AND WENT 0-3?!?!?!!

Mertz should feel even more comfortable in this offense in Year 2. The Gators’ offensive line looks improved and should be solid. There are weapons all over the field, highlighted by RB Montrel Johnson and RB/WR Eugene Wilson who brings back fond memories of Gator superstar Percy Harvin.

This attack is going to be pretty good.

2) Will the defense show any signs of life?

There is no doubt that this is the biggest question of the season. The Gators have allowed an ABSURD 227 points in their last 6 games and that’s with Florida St missing star QB Jordan Travis in the finale. PATHETIC. Florida also lost their best pass rusher in the transfer portal to Ole Miss (HOTTY TODDY!).

The Gators responded by hiring new DL & DB coaches to stem the bleeding. They also entered the transfer portal to add some depth. Will that be enough? They can’t be that bad again, can they?

There are still more questions than answers on this side of the table, which is cause for concern.

3) How do the Gators survive the toughest schedule in college football?

This is a bloodbath!

Florida opens as a 2.5 point home favorite Draft Kings (#DKPartner) against Miami in a total must win for Napier. I think Florida will beat Miami in a heated Swamp because there is no team I trust less than the visiting U.

If Florida beats Miami, they will start off strong with 4 of their first 5 games at home and a winnable away game in Starkville. After that, things get really tough….

Their last 7 games are against top 25 teams?!?!?! I have NEVER seen anything like this. It’s bloody murder!

The Gators play Kentucky, LSU and Ole Miss at home with road trips to Tennessee, Texas and arch-rival Florida State. And don’t forget the annual neutral site game against top-ranked Georgia in not the world’s largest cocktail in Jacksonville! HOT DAMN!

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Design Kings has their win total at a measly 4.5 wins. I NEVER thought I would see the day where expectations were so low in Gainesville. I like the Over, but (-155) is a terrible price.

Despite the toughest schedule in college football, I believe the Gators can get off to a good start with home wins over Miami, UCF, Kentucky and LSU to go bowl at 6-6. This offense will be just good enough for Billy Napier to survive another year in Gainesville.