[BengermanV]

This post is reserved for the discussion of the Gator Football 2013 schedule.

Toledo Rockets

Thoughts: Toledo had a dynamic offense this year that ran to the tune of almost 200 YPG on the ground last year, and led them to a 9-3 regular season record before falling to Utah State in their bowl game. They have a huge playmaker in Terrance Owens, who will be a senior QB next year and passed for nearly 3000 yards this year. As was shown this year, the Gators were able to shut down good QB play most of the year, so we shouldn't worry too much about this one. As long as the Gators are ready to put some points on the board, that is.

Prediction: Gators win, 31-10

At Miami Hurricanes

Thoughts: Is anyone as excited about this game as I am? Miami took a pretty significant step forward this year and went 7-5 with a bunch of losses to ranked teams (3 of their 5). They have a freshman RB that might rival any in the country by the name of Duke Johnson (947 Rushing). The bigger question mark is the consistency of the Miami Defense and QB Stephen Morris.

Prediction: Gators roll, 38-17

Tennessee Volunteers

Thoughts: It's weird to think Tennessee won't be the worst team we face in conference all year, because they'll almost certainly be pretty bad next year. With the loss of all of their playmakers on offense, their head coach, and a defense that was already pretty poor, it's hard to see where Tennessee has a chance. If they do, it's in their RB's Neal and Lane who rushed for a combine total of well over 1,000 yards last year.

Prediction: Gators win, 27-6

At Kentucky Wildcats

Thoughts: Oh, that's right, we still play Kentucky.

Prediction: Gators win, 41-7

Arkansas Razorbacks

Thoughts: We got lucky, because Arkansas will almost assuredly have a down year next year with yet another coaching change and a major loss of their production on offense. The beginning part of our schedule sets up very nicely. There aren't many redeeming qualities about this team.

Prediction: Gators stay undefeated, 24-13

At LSU Tigers

Thoughts: Here it is sportsfans. The biggest game of the year. Get through this, and all that's left in the regular season is taking revenge on the Dawgs and sticking a fork in the Noles. This LSU offense is going to be very dangerous next year, returning their leading WR, CB, and RB. Paired with what has been a consistently great defense, this game is going to be tough. It also might be the only game we aren't favored in the entire year.

Prediction: LSU wins, 23-17

At Missouri Tigers

Thoughts: Win or lose (LSU), this is a trap game. If we lose, hopefully the team comes prepared to play and knows we are still in charge of our SEC fortunes, and likely, a championship bid. Missouri was sneaky good most of the year and fizzled out towards the end of the season. I wouldn't put it past them to pull this upset, but with their lack of defensive weapons, I feel pretty good that they won't.

Prediction: Gators avoid the upset, 27-21

Georgia Bulldogs

Thoughts: Like it or not, Georgia is going to be good again next year. BUT, I don't think they'll be nearly as good. With the possible loss of Murray and almost every stud they have on defense, it may be a middle of the road season for them. They also lose their leading WR, so look for the pass game to struggle. Still, this game is always tough.

Prediction: Gators beat the Dawgs, 28-20

Vanderbilt Commodores

Thoughts: I'd be more worried if this was in Nashville, but seeing as it isn't, I don't think the Gators will lose. It's hard to say whether Franklin caught lighting in a bottle with his squad last year, but I think it would be safer to assume that he didn't and he just knows how to get the best out of his talent. Still, they lose quite a bit of their production (including their QB) from last year.

Prediction: Gators take care of business, 24-10

At South Carolina

Thoughts: It's easy to see why this game could spell trouble for the Gators. South Carolina is going to return a scary defense and thats a recipe for disaster on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the lowest scoring game of 2013 for the Gators. Watch out for Clowney (again).

Prediction: Gators pull it out, 16-10

Georgia Southern Eagles

Thoughts: Finally, the Gators get a second to catch their breath.

Prediction: Gators roll, 38-3

Florida State Seminoles

Thoughts: Due to a weak ACC and an offense that will probably get a little more lively with the loss of EJ Manuel, the Noles will get here with only one or two losses on their plate. This game means something again, so the Swamp will be rocking for sure. If this were at Doak, it may be a different story, but it's not. And Werner and the rest of that nasty defensive line is gone, along with most of their secondary. I feel good the streak moves to 2.

Prediction: Gators win, 28-17