Florida Gators running back Dameon Pierce (27) stretches while warming up for the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl where they played the Central Florida Knights Thursday, December 23, 2021, in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2021 Oca 122324 Ufvsucfgasbowl
The opening kickoff for Florida football’s 2024 campaign is just days away, and ahead of [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s third season in Gainesville, the final preseason predictions have been cast by members of the sports media.
The Gators face one of the most brutal regular-season schedules which has many feeling bearish on their chances of success, but surprisingly, some have forecast a postseason bowl berth for the Orange and Blue. That in itself assumes a least a .500 finish for Napier and Co. which would be a welcome event for the Gator Nation.
USA TODAY Sports writer Erick Smith submitted his preseason bowl projections and foresees Florida making it into the Gasparilla Bowl against the Duke Blue Devils. That game is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Gators in the Gasparilla Bowl
Florida played in the Gasparilla once before back in 2021 against the Central Florida Knights. Head coach [autotag]Dan Mullen[/autotag] had been dismissed a game prior, leaving Greg Knox as the skipper for the final two games including the postseason appearance.
Unfortunately, the Gators came out flat in that game and fell to UCF, 29-17. The loss cemented the first of three straight losing seasons for the Orange and Blue.
USA TODAY Sports preseason college football bowl projections
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Florida’s season opener for 2024
The Florida Gators and No. 19 Miami Hurricanes square off on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida to open their schedule for the 2024 season. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usa-today-sports-foresees-familiar-180639940.html
Author : Gators Wire
Publish date : 2024-08-27 18:06:39
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