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2 reasons Florida wins the SEC East over Georgia in 2021

By Shayne Nissen

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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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 /

The SEC West seems to be a two-horse race this season between Georgia and Florida with most picking the Bulldogs to the SEC title game.

The Georgia Bulldogs are the preseason betting favorite to win the SEC East, but there is reason to believe the Florida Gators can be at the top of the division at the end of the season.

The College Football Playoff has eluded the Gators thus far, and that is because the SEC title has eluded the Gators in recent years as well.

A lot of that has to do with teams like Alabama, Georgia and the 2019 LSU team existing, but that isn’t to say that the Gators haven’t held their own in recent years. Just last year, the Gators stomped all over Georgia, winning 44-28, and eventually made their way to the SEC title game against the eventual National Champions Alabama. They gave the Crimson Tide all they could handle in that game as well, putting up 46 points in a 52-46 loss.

This year, most see the Bulldogs getting back on top in the SEC East, but there are definitely still reasons that the Gators can find themselves in the championship game come the regular season’s end.

College Football: Reasons to believe Florida will win the SEC East over Georgia this season

2. Their rushing attack will be much improved

The first and most important aspect of this is that of their five returning starters on the offensive side of the ball, their leading rusher from last year Dameon Pierce is back. Pierce ran for 511 yards last season, starting all 12 games.

Their second-leading rusher in Malik Davis is also back. He rushed for 320 yards last year in 12 games as well. Both Pierce and Davis have loads of experience and they will be rushing behind an offensive line that brings back three starters as well. Stewart Reese will be back at center, Jean Delance and Richard Gouraige will be back at the tackle positions.

Between the five offensive linemen, they have 89 career starts and will now be working in front of a quarterback that is a threat to run as well.

Emory Jones by all indications looks to be the new signal-caller in Gainesville. Taking over for Heisman trophy finalist Kyle Trask will be no small task, but Jones should significantly improve the rushing game.

Jones only played in nine games last year but was the Gators’ third-leading rusher with 220 yards on the season.

So if you are keeping count, that is three guys on offense that opposing defenses have to be worried about running the ball on every play. That can be exhausting, and if done right could be the key to obtaining a huge victory over Georgia on Oct. 30 and a second straight SEC East title.

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