Florida football: 5 reasons Gators will be better than Florida State in 2018

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 2: Running back Jordan Scarlett #25 of the Florida Gators slips a tackle by defensive back Anthony Gair #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game on January 2, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

1. Two-headed monster in the backfield

The Florida Gators could have one of the most prolific rushing attacks in all of college football in 2018. Along with the help of expected-starter Feleipe Franks, the Gators return running backs Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett.

Perine shouldered the offensive load a season ago, starting eight times while playing in all 11 games. He led the team with 136 carries for 562 yards while scoring eight touchdowns. Perine also rushed for three touchdowns, the first Gator running back to do so since Deshawn Wynn in 2005.

The Gators will likely roll out a running back-by-committee approach, with Scarlett being a part of that. The St. Thomas Aquinas-product spent the entire 2017 season away from the team due to suspension, but was nearly a 1,000-yard back in 2016. He rushed for a team-high 889 yards on 179 carries and scored six touchdowns. Scarlett is one of only two Florida running backs, Kelvin Taylor being the other, that has rushed for a touchdown in six straight games.

Next. Florida Gators' 2018 game-by-game predictions. dark

Expect Mullen to run the ball down opponent’s throats with Perine and Scarlett, both of whom could rush for north of 800 yards. And for Florida State’s backfield, Dalvin Cook isn’t walking through that locker room with eligibility.

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