Florida’s upset of Texas wasn’t enough to push the Gators into The Athletic’s latest College Football Playoff projection, and the outlet still has them headed to a bowl game instead of the field of 12.
Scott Dochterman’s newest forecast has Florida meeting SMU in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 30.
He made clear the projection is based on where he expects teams to finish, not just where they sat after Week 8. Even with two wins over top-10 opponents, he sees a gap between Florida’s current résumé and what it would take to land in the playoff picture.
A few weeks ago, the outlook looked a little different. In the previous projection, Florida was given a 53% chance to make the playoff if Jon Sumrall’s team could reach 9-3.
The Gators still have a chance to change the conversation. Another upset over third-ranked Georgia this week would go a long way toward helping Florida’s case, and a win like that would likely push the Gators into or close to the top 10.
The road, though, is still full of obstacles. Florida’s back-to-back conference losses to Missouri and South Carolina made the climb steeper, even as the season around them has turned chaotic. Fifteen ranked teams have lost in recent weeks, shaking up the postseason race, and only three FBS programs remain unbeaten with five weeks left in the regular season.
The SEC, as expected, remains crowded in the playoff mix. The Athletic has Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Kentucky in the bracket, with Georgia sitting atop the field as the No. 1 seed.
In Other News...
Floridas Biggest Georgia Question Still Has Playoff Stakes
With Floridas trip to Georgia looming, Jon Sumrall still has a significant decision to make at quarterback. Freshman Tramell Jones Jr. and returning starter Philo are both available for the matchup, and Sumrall said he expects to have a starter in place by Wednesday, though he has not made anything official yet.
It is the kind of choice that reaches beyond one game, especially with playoff implications hanging over the stretch run. Both quarterbacks have posted similar completion percentages and each has been part of the offense this season, which makes the decision less about finding a clear emergency option and more about settling on the one that best fits the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Still Has One Massive Question Heading Into Georgia
Florida still has its biggest offensive decision hanging over the buildup to Georgia, with Jon Sumrall declining to name a starting quarterback for the matchup with the No. 3 Bulldogs. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are both available, both practiced, and both remain in the mix as the Gators try to settle on the best option for one of the seasons most important games.
Sumrall said he needs both quarterbacks ready and may wait until after he reviews practice film before making the call. However the choice goes, Florida knows it will need steady play at the position and continued production from Jadan Baugh, who remains a key part of the offense heading into the showdown. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Is Hiding The One Decision Georgia Fans Care About
With Georgia week looming, the quarterback question is still the biggest storyline around Florida as the Gators get ready for one of the most watched games on their schedule. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are both available, and Jon Sumrall has kept the competition open after Jones stepped in to lead Florida back to a comeback win while Philo sat out with an injury.
Sumrall said he expects to settle on a starter by midweek, but he does not plan to stage a formal announcement, which only adds to the interest on the other side of this rivalry. Georgia fans will be watching closely to see whether Florida goes with the quarterback who returned from injury or sticks with the one who just steadied the offense when the Gators needed it most. [Read more 🡒]