2007 Florida Gators Team Preview
by Jerald of Predictem.com
Head Coach Urban Meyer, 3rd year
2006 Record 13-1 straight up, 4-7-1 ATS
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Conference 1st in SEC East Division
Offense
In 2006 the offense averaged 160 yards rushing (4.81 yards per rush) and 238 yards passing while scoring an average of 28.8 points per game. The Gators lose starting QB Chris Leak but return Tim Tebow who saw extensive time last year when he was used primarily as a runner. The question for 2007 will be if Tebow can add a passing game to his considerable running skills. Head Coach Meyer likes to keep everyone off balance with the rushing attack and therefore gets everyone involved from the QB to the receivers. It is likely he will do that again this year as there is no bonafide stud RB to turn to. One of the keys to the Gator offense is Percy Harvin who lines up at receiver or running back and last year averaged 11.4 yards every time he touched the ball.
Defense
In 2006 the defense gave up an average of 75 yards rushing (2.79 yards per rush) and 194 yards passing while giving up 13.5 points per game. The Gator defense loses 4 players to the NFL and with only 2 returning starters will be inexperienced. There is talent here in all areas but we can expect some struggles as this group learns to play together.
Grading the units:
Offense A-
Defense C
Special Teams C
Prediction
The books the over/under on the season wins at 9.5 wins. The Gators have an extremely tough schedule with road games at LSU and South Carolina and home games against Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State with a game against Georgia at a neutral site. This schedule would be difficult for an experienced team much less one that is replacing its entire defense. We look for Florida to struggle this season and call for a wager on under 9.5 wins for the 2007 season.