By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Florida Gators didn’t play LSU and they won’t play their scheduled game against Missouri until October 31. A COVID-19 outbreak on the team took care of that.

On Saturday, head coach Dan Mullen announced that he tested positive for COVID. Last week, athletic director Scott Stricklin met with the media and shared that 21 football players had also tested positive.

On Monday, October 19th, The University of Florida updated the results, which indicated a total of 25 positive tests since last week.

In result the Gators have paused all football activities as of October 12th. That means no practice and no in person meetings. Players are allowed to gather on their own accord and workout.

With only three games in, on a 10-game schedule consisting of all SEC teams, the Florida Gators have a lot of football to play in this crazy season!

Coming into the season there were plenty of things we thought we knew about the remainder of the schedule.

I would say that Florida has a strong passing game. Kyle Trask has thrown 14 touchdowns in the first three games. The defense has not been as expected in the preseason. On the other hand, the Gators ‘defense looks confused and soft.

Here is a look at the Gators last seven games.

October 31 vs Missouri: Eliah Drinkwitz came to Missouri with an aggressive offensive coaching style. The Tigers are currently sixth in the SEC with 335 yards per game passing which is up over 100 yard per game from a year ago.

November 7 vs Georgia:  The Bulldogs have the best defense in the SEC.

Georgia gives up just 65.5 yards per game on the ground.

On offense, Stetson Bennett’s numbers are not gaudy, he is currently eighth in the conference with 238 yards per game.

The Bulldogs offensive line are road graders and have been opening holes for a strong trio of backs. The question is who will be the starting quarterback in Jacksonville? I really don’t think it matters!

November 14 vs Arkansas:  The Hogs passing offense and defense have been a surprise so far this season.

Feleipe Franks (Florida’s starting quarterback 2018-2019 until injury took him off the field) is 61-94 for 730 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Under first year head coach Sam Pittman, the offensive line has played extremely well compared to last season. New defensive coordinator Barry Odom has the Hogs playing well on that side of the ball.

November 21 at Vanderbilt: Derek Mason has the hardest job in the SEC.

The premiere academic school in the toughest football conference. Vandy is at or near the bottom of every category in the SEC.

November 28 vs Kentucky:  The Wildcats lead the SEC after four games in rushing.

They average 206 yards per game and a solid 4.76 yard per carry.

Kentucky plays a very physical style of ball on both sides. The Wildcats allow just 106 yards per game and just four rushing touchdowns.

December 5 at Tennessee:  After all the preseason hype, the Volunteers are back to the middle of the pack at 2-2.

They fired defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh. Like every year it is a hot mess in Knoxville. Tennessee being Tennessee. Nothing unusual here folks.

December 12 vs LSU:  The Tigers are a mirrored team with the Gators.

Very strong passing offenses and borderline non-existent defenses. If you enjoyed the UCF vs Memphis game then you should enjoy these offensive fireworks to end the regular season.