3 Reasons Florida Will Win the SEC East in 2020

After falling behind Georgia, the Florida Gators will look for revenge this upcoming season in the SEC East. Florida may have found themselves in the Playoff last year had it not been for the losses to eventual conference champion Georgia and College Football Playoff champion LSU.

But that is all in the past. Instead, the focus for Florida should be on 2020, where they have an incredible opportunity to return to the top of the SEC East.

3. Defensive Pressure

Todd Grantham's defense have always delivered and 2020 is bound to be no different. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

While the Gators lost their five biggest defensive pieces to the NFL Draft, big names are returning. Georgia transfer Brenton Cox and Lloyd Summeral will step on the field after absences in 2019. Ventrel Miller looks to build off a surprising year, while Kaair Elam and Zachary Carter return with experience under their belts. Despite the losses, there is excitement about what remains, and the Florida defense will stand out in the rough and tumble of the SEC.

2. Easy Schedule

Strength of the schedule may work in the Gators' favor this season. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The final outcome of a season often stands a bit taller than strength of schedule. A tough schedule, 17th in the nation, hurt Florida last year, but with one of the SEC's easiest slates in 2020, that standard may help the Gators. Auburn and Miami are out of the way, along with potential steps back for LSU and Georgia. Additionally, LSU and Kentucky will be heading to the Swamp while George must face Alabama on the road. If Florida thrived under immense tests last season, Dan Mullen's squad may make a leap forward with the scheduling burden off their backs this year.

1. Quarterback Prowess

After a successful debut season, Kyle Trask may be the seperating factor for Florida in 2020. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

One might expect Feleipe Franks' injury and recent transfer to have doomed the Gators, but that is far from the case. Kyle Trask stepped up and earned some valuable experience last season, not to mention performing at a high mark. With Georgia's backbone in Jake Fromm moving on to the NFL, Florida enters the upcoming season with not only stability with four returning offensive lineman, but perhaps the conference's best quarterback as well.