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What to expect from the Florida Gators in 2016

 
In this April 8, 2016, file photo, Florida receiver Dre Massey jumps to make a catch in front of Florida linebacker Matt Rolin during a spring football game in Gainesville, Fla. Massey is Florida's most versatile player, capable of lining up at receiver, running back, quarterback, returner and punter. Yes, punter.
The 25th-ranked Gators probably won't ask Massey to kick, but they do expect the junior college transfer to be a huge help on offense this season.(Matt Stamey/The Gainesville Sun via AP, File) FLGAI201
In this April 8, 2016, file photo, Florida receiver Dre Massey jumps to make a catch in front of Florida linebacker Matt Rolin during a spring football game in Gainesville, Fla. Massey is Florida's most versatile player, capable of lining up at receiver, running back, quarterback, returner and punter. Yes, punter. The 25th-ranked Gators probably won't ask Massey to kick, but they do expect the junior college transfer to be a huge help on offense this season.(Matt Stamey/The Gainesville Sun via AP, File) FLGAI201
Published Aug. 30, 2016

Three games to watch

At Tennessee, Sept. 24: The Volunteers and Gators have only been trash-talking about this one all offseason. UF has beaten Tennessee 11 years in a row, but the ninth-ranked Vols seem to have the talent to end the streak and, perhaps, win the SEC East. Considering UF's soft opening schedule, this looks like the Gators' toughest game of the conference season.

Vs. Georgia, Oct. 29 (at Jacksonville): The Bulldogs hope the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party becomes a coming-out party for their first-year coach, Kirby Smart. Smart and UF coach Jim McElwain worked together as assistants at Alabama, so there will be no secrets between the two. The more pressing issue will be whether the Gators can slow down UGA star running back Nick Chubb.

At Florida State, Nov. 26: It's hard to remember after how last season ended, but UF still had legitimate playoff hopes … before its dismal 27-2 defeat to the Seminoles. Considering FSU seems to be a legitimate national championship contender, the Gators could have their shot at revenge (and the biggest win of the McElwain era) on Thanksgiving weekend.

Trap­-game alert

At Arkansas, Nov. 5: Sandwiched between rival Georgia and the return of South Carolina's Will Muschamp to the Swamp, the Razorbacks won't be easy. Bret Bielema always seems to have a stable of running backs and offensive linemen, and Arkansas is one of the more underrated road venues in the SEC.

Three newcomers to watch

QB Luke Del Rio: The son of Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio had to sit out last year because of NCAA transfer rules. The 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore still gained valuable experience, which allowed him to beat Purdue transfer Austin Appleby for the starting spot against UMass, and likely beyond.

WR Dre Massey: The Gators lacked explosive playmakers last season and found one in this junior college transfer. He isn't big (5-foot-9, 184 pounds), but he's quick and elusive. Expect Massey to contribute immediately to the receiving corps and perhaps as a returner, too.

K Eddy Pineiro: After UF's recent kicking woes, the Gators pushed hard for this Miami native — even though he has never kicked a field goal in an actual game. His spring game performance (two field goals of at least 50 yards) drew roars from the crowd. There's a reason Pineiro's commitment was one of the Gators' biggest coups of the recruiting class.

When the offense is clicking…

Its quarterback is in rhythm and the running game is sound. The key to both is an offensive line that ranked last nationally with 45 sacks allowed. That young unit has matured, and its potential star (Martez Ivey) is finally healthy. Del Rio has limited game experience but looked impressive in practice. McElwain believes his running backs are the strength of the team, leaving the biggest question mark at receiver. Antonio Callaway is back, but incoming talents like Massey, Freddie Swain and Tyrie Cleveland will need to emerge for UF's offense to look like it did at the beginning of last year, not the end.

When the defense is clicking…

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The front creates pressure and allows one of the nation's top secondaries to work. Even with Vernon Hargreaves gone to the Bucs, the defensive backfield should be fine; Jalen Tabor is an All-America talent, and Marcus Maye is an elite safety. Linebacker Jarrad Davis turned down the NFL for another shot at an SEC championship. UF will count on Caleb Brantley to replace Jonathan Bullard on the defensive line. Locals Joey Ivie (Pasco High) and Jordan Sherit (Hillsborough High) should also play pivotal roles if the Gators hope to continue their recent identity of dominant defense.

Projected starters

Offense

LT David Sharpe, Jr.

LG Martez Ivey, So.

C Cam Dillard, R-Jr.

RG Tyler Jordan, So.

RT Fred Johnson, So.

QB Luke Del Rio, R-So.

RB Jordan Scarlett, So.

TE DeAndre Goolsby, Jr.

WR Antonio Callaway, So.

WR Brandon Powell, Jr.

WR Dre Massey, Jr.

Defense

DE Bryan Cox, R-Sr.

NT Joey Ivie, Sr.

DT Caleb Brantley, R-Jr.

DE Jordan Sherit, R-Jr.

LB Daniel McMillian, Sr.

LB Jarrad Davis, Sr.

LB Alex Anzalone, R-JR.

CB Quincy Wilson, Jr.

S Nick Washington, R-Jr.

S Marcus Maye, R-Sr.

CB Duke Dawson, Jr.

Special teams

P Johnny Townsend, R-Jr.

PK Eddy Pineiro, R-So.

LS Ryan Farr, So.

PR Antonio Callaway, So.

KR Dre Massey, Jr.

KR Brandon Powell, Jr.

Schedule

Sept. 3 vs. UMass, 7:30 PM

Sept. 10 vs. Kentucky, 3:30

Sept. 17 vs. North Texas, 7:30

Sept. 24 at Tennessee, TBD

Oct. 1 at Vanderbilt, TBD

Oct. 8 vs. LSU, TBD

Oct. 15 vs. Missouri, TBD

Oct. 29 vs. Georgia, 3:30

Nov. 5 at Arkansas, TBD

Nov. 12 vs. South Carolina, TBD

Nov. 19 vs. Presbyterian, TBD

Nov. 26 at Florida State, TBD