College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 for 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the second half of the Alabama Crimson Tide's game versus the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 7, 2019, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 29: Florida Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) during the Peach Bowl between the Florida Gators and the Michigan Wolverines on December 29, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key returners: Feleipe Franks, Lamical Perine, Van Jefferson, David Reese, Jabari Zuniga, C.J. Henderson
Key departures: Jordan Scarlett, Jachai Polite, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Vosean Joseph
Coaching change: None

Going into the Peach Bowl, it was almost an expectations from fans around the country that Michigan would have its way with the Gators in yet another rematch. However, with Dan Mullen in charge, things were much different and worked in Florida’s favor.

The Gators won 41-15 in a dominating performance essentially from start to finish and he still has a big decision to make before next season which could make Florida national title contenders next season. It’s the same type of decision that has benefitted both Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney and it’s all about the quarterback position.

If Mullen feels like Emory Jones gives this team the best chance to win — he does have the highest ceiling of the quarterbacks — then he will replace Feleipe Franks. The latter needs to make some offseason adjustments and improve on his accuracy and decision-making.

Jordan Scarlett will be gone, but Lamical Perine and a host of backs will be enough to ease that blow while the defense will be solid once again.

The Mullen era in Gainesville may bring the Gators back to elite status for the first time since the Urban Meyer days.

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