Florida 2015 – 2016 Football Season Preview
The Sunshine State is always overflowing with college football talent, but not all of it stays within the borders. The trio of Florida, Florida State and Miami are joined by lower level D-I teams like Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Atlantic and Florida International. Of the latter four, Central Florida is the only one that has even hinted at reaching the others' lofty levels.
Florida Gators Football Season Preview for 2015
In Gainesville, the Will Muschamp era has ended for the Florida Gators, with former Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain taking his place for the 2015-16 football season. McElwain will look to get the passing game back to its glory days, which won't be this year. The battle to start at quarterback during the 2015-16 season will be between Treon Harris, who threw for just over 1,000 yards last year and redshirt freshman Will Grier.
Kelvin Taylor returns at running back, with freshman Jordan Scarlett likely to join him, while wide receiver Demarcus Robinson seeks to build on his 53 catches in 2014. Meanwhile, there's not much depth on the offensive line, but the potential of some of the starters might open some eyes.
On the defense, Jon Bullard at defensive end is a standout, with some redshirt freshman ready to move into a front line starting role. Also, the secondary ranks near the top of the SEC, with Vernon Hargreaves the best of the bunch. Last year Florida's defense was ranked 15th in the nation. This makes for good unders for betting on the Florida Gators football team.
Florida State Seminoles Football Season Preview for 2015
Florida State no longer has Jameis Winston at quarterback, but head coach Jimbo Fisher still figures to have a Top 10 team at the end of the 2015-16 football season. That's because an intriguing figure is in the mix to replace Winston: former Notre Dame signal caller Everett Golson.
Running back was supposed to be in good hands, but off-the-field trouble for Dalvin Cook puts his status in question. If he's not available, Jacques Patrick will attempt to fill the void. Patrick put up eye-opening numbers at the high school level. The receiving unit took a hit, but Ermon Lane and Travis Randolph are the possible replacements. With respect to the offensive line, the unknown is probably the best way to gauge what will happen in 2015.
On defense, the pass rush absolutely has to improve, following a weak 17 sacks. One way that might happen is the return of nose tackle Nile Lawrence-Stemple, who missed most of 2014 due to injury. The weakness of the linebacking unit is balanced somewhat by the All-America status of Jalen Ramsey, who shifts from safety to cornerback. Since FSU tends to put up big offensive numbers in style, and their defense needs work, we feel the overs are the play when betting on FSU seminole football games.
Miami Hurricanes Football Season Preview for 2015
The Miami Hurricanes hasn't been among the elite for years, and will likely again be middle of the pack in the ACC under head coach Al Golden in his fifth season. At quarterback, the Canes welcome back sophomore Brad Kaaya, who won the conference Rookie of the Year award, but his health might be in question since the line in front of him is weak.
In the backfield, breakthrough potential is what Miami hast to cling to, while at the wideout slot, Stacy Coley looks to bounce back from the sophomore jinx. The defense has been a sore spot with Golden's critics, with little improvement seen. The main issue is that teams have been able to run all over them, which is something of a tribute this area's strongest area: the secondary.
As far as betting goes, Miami tends to be back and forth and are very inconsistent. Check out our Miami hurricanes football betting guide for more on the team.
Miami Dolphins Football Season Preview for 2015
With regard to the professional game, the Miami Dolphins have taken the biggest steps to move into the postseason, the main chip being the signing of free agent defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. Still, the team is going nowhere unless quarterback Ryan Tannehill lives up to his new $96 million deal. He'll have virtually an entire new receiving group, but his offensive line needs to step up or run the risk of sending him to the sidelines with an injury.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football Season Preview for 2015
With the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, Winston was the team's top selection in the Draft, which means the pressure will be on Lovie Smith to play him right away. He'll have Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson to throw to, which should help his development, but the team's running game is a question mark. That also goes for the thin offensive line. On defense, it may be a long year, with only Gerald McCoy at defensive tackle and Lavonte David at linebacker considered assets.
Jacksonville Jaguars Football Season Preview for 2015
Jacksonville's Gus Bradley also has a young talent at quarterback in Blake Bortles, but right now, potential and weaknesses elsewhere don't elicit a lot of positive thoughts. Most prominently, the offensive line really needs to improve to have any chance of advancement. On defense, the team's chance to take a step forward ended with the season-ending injury of top pick Dante Fowler. That, coupled with a tough early schedule looks to offer difficult path to the Jaguars improving in 2015.
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