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Florida Football: 5 bold predictions for Gators’ 2019 season

By Briley Hughes

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators attempts a pass during the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

5. Feleipe Franks throws 30 touchdown passes

Feleipe Franks followed his breakout final four games of the 2018 season with a successful offseason. He impressed during Florida’s spring game and flashed continuing positive growth throughout fall camp. He’s stronger, he’s making better decisions in practice and he’s taken a step forward in understanding Dan Mullen’s offense.

All of which should lead to Franks becoming the first Florida quarterback since Tim Tebow in 2008 to throw for 30 touchdowns in a season. Bolstered by a strong rushing attack led by Lamical Perine and a top-flight receiving unit, Franks is positioned better than any Gator quarterback in recent memory to hit the 30-touchdown mark.

If Franks fails to eclipse the statistical mark, Florida fans will most likely have several obvious factors to blame. The first culpable party will be the offensive line. After losing four starters from 2018’s stellar group, Florida’s offensive line coach John Hevesy has spent the offseason trying to find the best combination to protect Franks. If the offensive line falters in giving him enough time to make smart decisions, Franks may revert to his less-successful 2017 version.

In addition to offensive line concerns, doubts still surround Franks himself. Though showing out strong during the offseason should be applauded, Franks must still show his improvement when it actually matters.

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