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Head Coach: Billy Napier, 2nd year: 6-7, 5th year overall: 46-19
2023 Florida Gators Football Preview
The Florida Gators are entering the 2023 season with a lot of uncertainty. After a disappointing 6-7 record in 2022, head coach Billy Napier will be looking to turn things around in his second year at the helm.
One of the biggest questions for the Gators is who will be the starting quarterback. Anthony Richardson, who was expected to be the starter in 2022, declared for the NFL Draft. That leaves Graham Mertz, who transferred from Wisconsin, and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson as the leading contenders for the job.
Mertz is a dual-threat quarterback who threw for 2,140 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021. Del Rio-Wilson is a more traditional pocket passer who threw for 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022.
The Gators also have a number of talented running backs, led by Dameon Pierce. Pierce rushed for 1,061 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. He is joined by Nay'Quan Wright, who rushed for 674 yards and four touchdowns last season.
The Gators' receiving corps is also experienced, led by Justin Shorter. Shorter caught 64 passes for 888 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He is joined by Xzavier Henderson, who caught 49 passes for 590 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Gators will need to improve after allowing an average of 30.5 points per game in 2022. The team's leading tackler last season was Ventrell Miller, who had 103 tackles. Other key defensive players include Kaiir Elam, who had four interceptions, and Gervon Dexter, who had 7.5 sacks.
The Gators have a challenging schedule in 2023, with games against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. However, if they can improve their quarterback play and get some production from their defense, they should be able to win at least seven games.
Key Players
- Graham Mertz, QB
- Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, QB
- Dameon Pierce, RB
- Nay'Quan Wright, RB
- Justin Shorter, WR
- Xzavier Henderson, WR
- Ventrell Miller, LB
- Kaiir Elam, CB
- Gervon Dexter, DE
Team Statistics
- Overall record: 6-7
- Scoring offense: 26.8 points per game
- Scoring defense: 30.5 points per game
- Total offense: 419.2 yards per game
- Total defense: 422.8 yards per game
Prediction
The Gators have a lot of potential in 2023, but they will need to improve their quarterback play and get some production from their defense. If they can do that, they should be able to win at least seven games.