By: Kipp Branch

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Dan Mullen has led the Florida football program back into the spotlight.

Mullen coached UF to a 10-3 record in 2018 and a drilling of Michigan in a bowl game. The Gators have 8 starters returning on defense led by C. J. Henderson, who is the best defensive back in college football. This defense can get after the QB.

The Gators are loaded at WR maybe only second to Alabama in the SEC. Depth is a huge concern on the offensive line where UF cannot afford any injuries.

QB Feleipe Franks is the straw that will stir the Gators drink on offense in 2019. Could Franks end up being the best dual threat QB in the SEC this fall, or will he struggle in the big games like he has against UGA over the past two seasons?

Florida schedule and my predictions:

Aug. 24 vs. Miami: The U isn’t ready for UF this season.

This game is being played in Orlando and Gator Nation will take the place over. When you see how many Gator fans arrive in Orlando, you’ll understand why UCF is hiding from the Gators.

Miami looks to be starting a freshman at QB and C. J. Henderson and company will be salivating at the thought of that.

Miami gets pretty much dominated in this one and the Gators roll to a 34-13 whipping of the Canes.

Sept. 7 vs. UT Martin: UT Martin wilts quickly in the Florida heat. UF rolls 55-10

Sept. 14 at Kentucky: An angry bunch of Gators take a business trip to Lexington and get revenge on a Kentucky team that ended the streak last year in Gainesville.

UF starts another long winning streak against Kentucky and wins this contest 34-17. Gators go to 3-0 on the season and move into the top 6 teams in the country.

Sept. 21 vs. Tennessee: Tennessee gets drilled in Gainesville. The Vols won’t be able to block that Gator defensive front and fall by three TD’s. Let’s say 34-10. The Swamp is never too kind to Tennessee. Gators go to 4-0.

Sept. 28 vs. Towson: Who the hell scheduled this game? Florida 62-3. Gators roll to 5-0.

Oct. 5 vs. Auburn: Are the Gators ready for the spotlight yet? LSU looming and with an Auburn team fighting to keep Gus employed.

The history books show that Auburn has had some success in the Swamp even during the Spurrier years. This one will be a tough contest and Florida wins with a late field goal. 27-24 to go to 6-0 on the season.

Oct. 12 at LSU: The entire nation will be tuned into this one as two top five teams meet in Death Valley. LSU will be a 10-12 win team in 2019. I think the Cajuns eat Gator tail before, during, and after this contest. Florida falls in a tough environment 28-21 to fall to 6-1 on the season.

Oct. 19 at South Carolina: Will there be an LSU hangover? There will be for a half and then some way the Gators rise from the ashes and make a fourth quarter comeback and beat Carolina in Columbia 28-24 t go to 7-1 and set up the game of their season.

Nov. 2 vs. Georgia: The Cocktail Party in Jacksonville is always a great setting for rivals that absolutely hate each other.

Florida has pointed to this game all talking season. Brenton Cox entered the transfer portal and landed at UF after leaving UGA about two weeks ago.

The Gators are raving about the things Cox is doing in practice elevating him to rock star status in Gainesville. In their excitement they are overlooking the fact that Cox fell to third string at his position on the depth chart in Athens before he jumped into the portal.

Florida falls to a UGA team that is more talented and has a better game manager at QB 38-24. Gators fall to 7-2 on the season.

Nov. 9 vs. Vanderbilt: Vandy gets drilled 41-17 in Gainesville. Gators go to 8-2.

Nov. 16 at Missouri: A month ago I picked Mizzou in this game. The closer the season gets I know Mizzou can’t out athlete Florida.

Florida finds a way to win this game the secure a spot in a NY6 Bowl. Florida goes to 9-2 with a 35-30 win.

Nov. 30 vs. Florida State: The Willie T era comes to an end for FSU in The Swamp. Florida gets to 10 wins with a statement 45-17 win over FSU to go to 10-2 on the season.

Florida is back to being Florida again.