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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) looks to pass in the first quarter of the Orange and Blue at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) looks to pass in the first quarter of the Orange and Blue at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 10-4, 7-1 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Massachusetts

It was a tale of two seasons for Florida in 2015. Will Grier provided the spark the offense needed and looked like he could lead Florida to a SEC championship after wins against Tennessee and Ole Miss. Then Grier was suspended for the year after the sixth game of the season due to performance enhancing drug use. In came Treon Harris and the offense suffered. Florida made it to the SEC Championship game but lost to Alabama. The Gators were then soundly drummed in the Citrus Bowl by Michigan by a score of 41-7.

Jim McElwain will look to establish a more consistent offense for the Gators in 2016 (a seemingly reoccurring theme since the departure of Tim Tebow). McElwain believes the answer to the Gators offensive questions is sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio. He has the intelligence to be smart with the ball and make sound decisions as well as having a pretty good arm. He’ll have Antonio Callaway to throw to which will make his job a bit easier.

Florida will once again have a stingy defense. Returning starters Marcus Maye and Jalen Tabor make up a good defensive backfield. The front seven is led by linebacker Jarrad Davis, defensive tackle Caleb Brantley Jr. and defensive end Cece Jefferson.

Expect the Gators to be right in the thick of the SEC East race, if they beat Tennessee for the 12th straight year then the East could get pretty interesting.

Next: No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs

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