Florida Football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2019
Due to the SEC’s refusal to move to nine game schedules (and the permanent cross-division rivalries) this will be the first time Auburn and Florida have met since 2007. Just the second time since 2004. Florida hasn’t scored a victory over Auburn on the gridiron since 2002, in its first season under head coach Ron Zook.
Auburn has enough talent to take a big leap forward after a disappointing 8-5 season a year ago. Head coach Gus Malzahn is squarely on the hot seat entering the season, and it’ll take a big step in the right direction for him to retain his post past 2019.
There’s plenty of talent across the roster, but it’ll all depend on what kind of production Malzahn can get out of a young quarterback, and how much progression an offensive line that rarely gave its quarterback time to throw, and rarer still opened up holes for the running game last season, can make.
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A four-way quarterback battle in the spring seems to have whittled down to two, with redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood, the latest Malzahn quarterback earning the “next Cam Newton” tag from the Tigers faithful, and true freshman Bo Nix receiving the majority of the first-team snaps in the spring game. Nix is the fan favorite to walk away with the job, but Gatewood’s got the physical tools that could be well suited to what Malzahn wants to do offensively.
Either quarterback will be aided by one of the deepest groups of receivers in the conference, along with a talented group of running backs headlined by JaTarvious Whitlow.
Auburn’s likely to be a load to deal with defensively once again, particularly up front with Derrick Brown’s decision to eschew a likely first round selection in the NFL Draft to return for his senior season on the Plains. Auburn will provide a big test for Florida’s young offensive line.
This would probably be a pick-em on a neutral field, but it’s tough to go against the home team when you’ve got a pair of squads that look so evenly matched.
Pick: Florida 27, Auburn 21 (6-0, 3-0)