The AP Coaches’ Poll is a list from 65 coaches who rank college football teams at the FBS level. In the most recent coaches’ poll, the Florida Gators were ranked 11th; this is a drop from last year’s preseason poll where the Gators started in the top 10. However, the preseason rankings don’t have much weight in regard to the season. Check out where the Gators could finish in the postseason AP poll as the season approaches.
The two biggest games on the Gators’ schedule are their matchups against Alabama and Georgia. These are arguably the best two teams in the FBS, and their offenses will likely be in full throttle. For this reason, it’s a clear expectation that the Gators will either lose these two games or split the pair.
Other strong opponents of Florida this season are LSU and Missouri. In recent times, Florida hasn’t had success in Baton Rouge; it’s hard to expect the Gators to come out with a win in Death Valley this year. However, the Gators were victorious in their last two matchups against Missouri, but the Florida defense will struggle in stopping Connor Bazelak and the Tigers’ high-powered offense this time. Thus, expect the Gators to split these matchups as well.
Florida must beat all of their non-conference matchups and weak SEC teams such as Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina to compete for a top 10 spot in the AP Poll. Disappointing losses like last year against Texas A&M and LSU can’t happen for Florida to return to another NY6 Bowl. Honestly, there is a low chance of the Gators making it to the playoff this year; primarily due to the amount of talent on the offense leaving to the NFL. Still, the Gators are bound for another great run this year, and they are bound to finish this season 9-3 or 10-2 if all goes well. This record is an improvement from last year, and that paired with a strong performance on the field should put the Florida Gators in an NY6 Bowl and the top 10 at the end of the season.
Florida opens the season at home Sept. 4 against Florida Atlantic.