Florida football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) makes his way towards the end zone. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 45-38 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.Fsu V Uf Second Half911
Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) makes his way towards the end zone. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 45-38 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.Fsu V Uf Second Half911 /

Sitting at 5-5, Florida desperately needs to pick up a win on the road against Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri in order to become bowl eligible and avoid having to beat a really good Florida State in the season finale to make it to the postseason.

Florida will show up big against an underwhelming Missouri team that may just have its coach on the hot seat after this loss.

Billy Napier comes up clutch in Columbia.

Prediction: Win (6-5, 4-4)

With a huge weight lifted off their shoulders, the Gators will host rival Florida State with revenge on the mind for last year’s loss.

Plus, Florida will be bowl eligible at 6-5 and playing with nothing to lose while the Seminoles may very well be in the hunt for a New Year’s Six bowl. This would be the perfect opportunity for Florida to play spoiler and pick up a third really quality win this season.

Florida bounces back nicely after a disappointing 2022 season and closes with a 7-5 record (still not ideal) and a rivalry win over Florida State.

At least this will be something to build on in 2024.

Prediction: Win (7-5)

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023. dark