When Billy Napier took over as head coach of the Florida Gators, it was reminiscent of when George Allen took over the Washington Redskins. To illuminate, Allen’s owner said of Allen a few weeks after his hiring, “We gave George an unlimited budget, and he has already exceeded it.” When Napier took over, he was also given an unlimited College Football Betting budget. Consider that Napier hired more staff than what fills the org charts of many countries. He spent lavishly on facility improvements, scouting, and player benefits.
College Football Futures 2024 Florida Gators
| Florida Gators Odds to Win National Championship | +12500 |
|---|---|
| Odds to Win SEC Championship: | +12500 |
| Over/Under Win Total: | 5.5 |
2024 Florida Gators Schedule
- Aug. 31 vs. Miami
- Sept. 7 vs. Samford
- Sept. 14 vs. Texas A&M
- Sept. 21 at Mississippi State
- Sept. 28 Idle
- Oct. 5 vs. UCF
- Oct. 12 at Tennessee
- Oct. 19 vs. Kentucky
- Oct. 26 Idle
- Nov. 2 vs. Georgia
- Nov. 9 at Texas
- Nov. 16 vs. LSU
- Nov. 23 vs. Ole Miss
- Nov. 30 at Florida State
- Dec. 7 SEC Championship
2024 Florida Gators Preview
It was said that Florida was far behind the top SEC programs as far as bells and whistles and Napier closed the gap. But he has not outshined his predecessor, Dan Mullen, on the recruiting trail or in the win column. Mullen was fired for a perceived lack of enthusiasm for recruiting. But his win percentage was .694 compared to Napier’s .440, which is far below even Ron Zook’s .622.
Napier begins the 2024 sports betting campaign on one of the hottest seats in college football. And will try and survive against one of the most brutal schedules of any team this season.
Coach Billy Napier has a College Football Betting 11-14 record at Florida. That is the worst two-year start at the school since Charley Pell in 1979-80. Three consecutive losing seasons would be a first since the 1940s. It is possible, although better talent, depth, and experience might be enough. Consider that Florida is trying to overcome a schedule featuring six teams among the top 17 of the AP’s season-ending Top 25.
The Gators should be solid on offense thanks to the return of quarterback Graham Mertz, running back Montrell Johnson, and receiver Eugene Wilson III. However, the defense needs to make big strides for Napier’s team to get to a bowl in ’24.
Quarterback Graham Mertz was incredibly efficient in his Gators debut. To show, he finished with an SEC-best 72.9 percent completion rate, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions. While Mertz loses leading receiver Ricky Pearsall to the NFL, sophomore Eugene Wilson III will become Mertz’s go-to target. He will replace tailback Trevor Etienne as Florida’s home-run threat. Accordingly, Wilson has school legend Percy Harvin’s run-catch skill set.
Montrell Johnson Jr. becomes the bell cow running back after Etienne’s transfer to Georgia. Johnson is capable, just not as explosive. But the success of head coach Billy Napier’s attack begins up front. In sum, UF allowed 22 more sacks and averaged 1.24 fewer yards per carry than in 2022.
Florida allowed an average of 38.2 points during a season-ending five-game skid. Thus, leading Napier to fire his defensive line and secondary coaches. Also, he hired Ron Roberts when linebackers coach Jay Bateman left for Texas A&M. The retooled staff inherits better talent and experience.
Namely, Jeremy Crawshaw’s 48.9-yard average on 42 punts would have ranked second nationally had he qualified. Trey Smack assumed kicking duties in Week 3 and finished 17-of-21 on field goals.