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Dan Mullen talks in-state games, offensive expectations in advance of opener
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Unlike some of its SEC brethren, Florida won’t open its 2021 season with a high-profile nonconference game.
Rather, the 13th-ranked Gators will kick off the 2021 campaign at home on Saturday night against Florida Atlantic, a game in which they are currently 23.5-point favorites.
On Wednesday, during the weekly SEC coaches teleconference, Florida coach Dan Mullen said while the game might not garner national headlines he’s thrilled with how his team is starting the season.
“I love playing the in-state (teams),” Mullen said. “People love national matchups and national matchups are fantastic. … On a local stage, it is great when you see guys who played against each other or together in high school on the same field in The Swamp. … Individually, throughout the team, there are going to be some bragging rights for guys who they’ve played with or against in the past.”
As for the game itself, observers will be closely watching to see how Florida fares on the offensive side of the ball, where it will be replacing several key performers from a year ago, including star quarterback Kyle Trask.
When asked about his offense, Mullen said he feels good about where his team is at this stage.
“I think we have a good plan and the guys understand our plan. … There are some new faces,” Mullen said. “The big thing is seeing how those guys react to when the lights come on in The Swamp. … Whatever you do, you can’t simulate a Saturday night in The Swamp. I’m hoping those guys step up and even take a jump forward when the lights come on.”
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
