If you needed any further ammo for the argument that the SEC needs to move to a nine-game conference schedule, here you go: this will be the first meeting between Auburn and Florida since 2011. This will be Auburn’s first trip to Gainesville since 2007. Urban Meyer was in his third season as Florida’s coach, and Tommy Tuberville was still patrolling the sidelines at Jordan-Hare then.
Auburn has won the last three meetings between these two, and the Gators will be lobbying for their first win over the Tigers since 2002. Florida enjoyed a highly successful debut season for Dan Mullen in the Swamp. Bouncing back from a 4-7 record in 2017, Mullen led the Gators to a 10-3 season that culminated with a blowout win over Michigan in the Peach Bowl.
Florida might be even better next season, and could seriously compete with Georgia for the SEC East if both lines come together. The Gators return a lot of talent, and rising junior quarterback Feleipe Franks took a major step in his first season under Mullen’s tutelage. Franks looked outstanding in the spring game, and could be in for another sizable jump forward.
Florida’s talent at the skill positions is also impressive, with a pair of talented running backs in Lamical Perine and Dameon Pierce, along with one of the deepest groups of receivers in college football.
The Gators’ defense should also be really good, headlined by star linebacker David Reese and arguably the best cornerback in college football in C.J. Henderson.
I think this game would probably be a toss-up on a neutral field, but it’s tough to go against the home team when two teams are so evenly matched.
Pick: Florida 27, Auburn 21 (4-2, 1-2)