It’s no secret that the Florida football program faces a real challenge of opponents this season – especially with the addition of Texas Longhorns (as well as the Oklahoma earlier). Not surprisingly, many rank the Gators’ 2024 schedule among the toughest this fall.
Andy Staples from On3 mentioned the Orange and Blue’s situation on his streaming channel while talking about the upcoming Southeastern Conference slate. In addressing the loss of equality between schools that the divisional design offered, he noted that Billy NapierThe team got the short end of the stick.
“The most brutal schedule released by the SEC, well, that goes to the Florida Gators,” Staples begins.
Why the Gators’ 2024 schedule is so difficult
“Now, Florida doesn’t help itself by having Miami and UCF in addition to its annual game against State of Florida on this year’s schedule. But listen to these final four SEC games, listen to this. Georgia in Jacksonville, Texas, in Austin, and then you come home but play LSU and Ole Miss,” Staples explained.
“And after that, because it’s an even year, the Gators go to Tallahassee, where they have to face a Florida State team that won 13 games last year, won the ACC and will probably be very good again this year.”
Is there a lack of parity in the SEC schedule?
“This is a brutal schedule and proof positive that all SEC schedules are not created equal,” Staples said.
“So if you’re a Texas fan, hey, they’re welcoming you with open arms. If you’re an Oklahoma fan, you think, ‘Hey, you could have given us the same opportunity.’ But at least you’re not a Florida fan, because the schedule is tough.”
Florida’s 2024 season opener
Florida and Miami open their schedule on August 31 in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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