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3 biggest offseason questions facing Dan Mullen’s Florida Gators entering 2021 season

By Cody Williams

Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) throws a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) throws a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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After winning the SEC East in 2020, Florida football has some big questions to answer heading into the 2021 season as the Gators will look much different.

Everyone suspected that the Florida Gators were on the cusp of overtaking rival Georgia in the SEC East leading up to last season. And with the Bulldogs stumbling early to find their offensive identity, Dan Mullen’s team was able to take full advantage of that.

Despite a stumble against LSU in the regular-season finale, Florida football was able to punch its ticket to the SEC Championship Game but, unfortunately, they were no match for a historically dominant Alabama team — though they made it close late.

Having said that, the Gators move past spring practice and towards the 2021 season facing a bit of unknown. Their offense will have an entirely different identity with the departures of quarterback Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts. Moreover, with Georgia expected to rebound and perhaps have a legitimately potent offense, the Gainesville faithful have to wonder if Mullen’s team will be able to maintain their hold on the division.

So as we mull everything Florida football is facing going into the 2021 campaign, let’s dive into the biggest questions they must find answers to this offseason.

Florida football offseason question No. 3: Can Emory Jones lead the offense?

Replacing a Heisman Trophy finalist is never a small task but there aren’t any questions in Gainesville as to who will step into Trask’s shoes. Emory Jones, who has been waiting his turn in the pecking order, will now get his shot.

Inserting Jones as the starter, however, almost surely means a strong diversion from what the Gators offense looked like with Trask. While Jones has immense physical talent, he lacks the accuracy and passing ability that the offense was predicated upon last season.

Thus, the question then becomes if Jones and, to the same degree, Mullen will be able to cultivate a successful offense in 2021. Maybe it won’t be the high-octane attack of last season but something akin to Mullen’s offense with Dak Prescott at Mississippi State could be in the cards.

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