1. Win battle of Florida and beat Georgia
One of Urban Meyer’s most famous tropes during his time at Florida was to beat rivals year-in and year-out. This is a unique year for the Gators in regard to their most hated enemies: In addition to Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State, the Gators will also open the year against Miami, a longtime on-again, off-again rivalry.
Beating Georgia may be more important, but sitting on the Florida-throne is a pretty close second. By playing both Miami and Florida State, the Gators have the opportunity to end the argument of who rules the state of Florida. These games will have tremendous impact on recruiting, which as we discussed before, will determine who competes for years to come. Wins will galvanize Gator Nation by providing them with bragging rights for at least one year.
But there’s a reason beating Georgia should be of higher priority. If Florida ever hopes of starting a new dynastic run, they must first catch and surpass their SEC East rival. Without dominating Georgia, Florida will find itself left out of the SEC Championship game and the playoffs.
Currently, Georgia has had more success on the field and on the recruiting trail during Mullen’s still young era, but by beating the Bulldogs, the Gators will at least prove that they are up to the task of challenging for the SEC East title for years to come.