Florida Football: Why 2019 shouldn’t be College Football Playoff or bust

1. Identify and develop game-changing quarterbacks

The progress of the offense will directly correlate with the growth of Florida’s quarterbacks, which is why substantial, positive development must be seen from that position in 2019. Everyone in Gator Nation is tired of hearing about this topic, but it remains an area of concern.

With the exception of past Alabama teams who have overcome average quarterback play with overwhelming talent at every other position, national championship-caliber teams almost always have a game-changing quarterback at the helm. Florida currently does not have Alabama-level talent, but they certainly have several talented quarterbacks who could become the best to play the position in Gainesville since Tim Tebow.

Feleipe Franks should be applauded for his advancement last season, as should the flashes shown by Emory Jones. But neither looked truly ready to lead the Gators against national championship competition. Each must achieve as much, if not more, progress next season.

Whether it’s Franks or Jones, one must demonstrate that he is ready to be a difference maker, not just a game manager. Mullen will be tasked with developing his game-changer this offseason with the expectation of that quarterback leading the Gators back to contending for a national championship either in 2019 or the following year.

Accomplishing these benchmarks and pairing them with a solid record in 2019 would constitute a successful season in 2019. It may not lead to a CFP appearance this season as many fans loftily expect, but it would certainly position the Gators to compete for national championships in 2020 and beyond.

Mullen already re-established the “Gator Standard” in Gainesville, now Gator Nation will see if he can remain ahead of schedule by leading the program back to elite status in 2019 or if it’ll take another year to rebuild and reload before that status is reached.

Let’s hope he beats the schedule in 2019.