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5 storylines to follow at 2019 SEC Football Media Days

By Jake Mitchell

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the press conference after his teams 44-16 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the press conference after his teams 44-16 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Florida Gators head football coach Dan Mullen speaks during an introductory press conference at the Bill Heavener football complex on November 27, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Florida Gators head football coach Dan Mullen speaks during an introductory press conference at the Bill Heavener football complex on November 27, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

4. Is Florida on shaky ground?

2018 went just about as well as you could ask for if you’re the Florida Gators. In year one, Dan Mullen eclipsed the ten-win mark. Feleipe Franks improved to 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions, displaying Mullen’s ability to coach the quarterback position.

There were things to improve on as well. Losing to Kentucky, breaking a 31-year winning streak, was not a great early season result. The 36-17 loss to Georgia was understandable, but the 38-17 loss at home against Missouri shouldn’t happen.

In the big picture, it was a positive 2018. Unfortunately, the conversation this offseason hasn’t reflected that. Instead, the focus is on an eventful offseason.

Four top prospects from the Gators’ top-ten recruiting class have departed, before ever seeing the field. Brian Edwards, the backup defensive end, is the most recent player to enter the transfer portal. That’s not new for Florida.

There was also the Chris Steele situation, which resulted in Florida losing two players, and doing themselves no favors in the public opinion department.

At SEC Media Days, Mullen’s task will be to manage that public opinion. Fan bases in college football have power, and a solid appearance at the podium, followed by another successful season, will definitely appease Gator nation.

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