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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Tyler Jordan (64) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Tyler Jordan (64) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida will once again be in contention in the SEC East thanks to a team that returns nine starters on offense. That includes Luke Del Rio, the Purdue transfer who started 2016 as the Gators’ quarterback but only managed to play in six of Florida’s games. The question is now whether this unit can be more consistent in producing points after ranking outside the top 100 in scoring offense last year.

The offense will definitely have to pull its weight, as a dominant defense loses more than half of its 2016 starters. Guys like Jalen Tabor and Jarrad Davis are going to be drawing NFL paychecks next season. New blood will need to step it up quickly, especially when the other team has the ball, unless the offense morphs into a unit that can win shootouts.

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