Florida Football: 3 takeaways from Gators’ dominant Peach Bowl win over Michigan

1. More consistent offensive identities 

Defense isn’t a problem for Michigan or Florida—although it did seem to be a problem for the Wolverines in this year’s Peach Bowl. But looking ahead, both teams need to find stronger, more consistent offensive identities if they have want to have successful 2019 seasons.

It is impressive that Mullen managed to find success in year one with players that aren’t even his own—a feat that first year coaches at other big name programs (Chip Kelly’s Bruins, Willie Taggart’s Noles, Scott Frost’s Nebraska) fell well short of achieving.

One can only imagine what the Gators will do once Mullen’s spread-option offense and the players needed to execute it are fully established in Gainesville. With his first full recruiting year nearly finished, Florida ranks 17 nationally. If the Gators continue to win like this, the talent-rich state of Florida could be theirs for the taking.

Meanwhile, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Jim Harbaugh. For a football program that has won half a championship in more than 20 years, the Wolverines have lofty (and perhaps unrealistic) expectations. How much longer will Harbaugh remain in such a pressurized environment?

And if not Jim Harbaugh, then who?

Regardless of this season’s disappointment, the Wolverines did finish 10-3. There is still plenty of reason for hope. And with Shea Patterson returning and Urban Meyer gone, Michigan will once again have a shot at playoff contention. But Harbaugh will need to do some soul searching this offseason if he wants Michigan to develop a more consistent offensive identity and finally reach the potential of its playmakers.