Florida Gators need better offense to compete for BCS Championship

The college football season is getting close with less than a month and a half to go before the opening kickoff.

The National Champion has come from the Southeastern Conference for the past seven straight seasons, with Alabama winning the last two. It is not surprise then that one of the top teams heading into the 2013 season is the Florida Gators.

In two seasons as head coach of the Gators, Will Muschamp has compiled an 18-8 record and should improve drastically on that this season.

The Gators are ranked as high as third even though they owned the No 104 ranked total offense in the nation last season. Nevertheless, Florida recorded 11 wins on the season and was vying for the national title right to the end.

Over the last 20 seasons, fans in Florida’s stadium affectionately called “The Swamp” have witnessed some of the best offense in college football. However, last season the fans only saw the quarterback handing the ball off over and over again.

This might change for this season, at least Muschamp hopes so, as he is looking for more downfield plays to open the offense up.

Last season Florida won three of their games when starting quarterback Jeff Driskel threw for fewer than 100 yards for the entire game. Driskel ranked just 12^th in the SEC in passing efficiency, passing average and overall total offense.

This in part was by design, as the coaching staff knew how strong the team’s defense was and just wanted to grind it out on offense.

The coaches also want Driskel to develop as he was in his first season as a starter. Driskel is also a superb runner and last season he had few targets at wide receiver to throw do.

Last season the early and often running game that gave up few turnovers helped the Gators to huge wins over the likes of LSU, Texas A&M, Florida State and South Carolina.

There are questions at some positions such as at wide receiver. No Gators’ receiver has gained 600 yards in a season for the past three seasons. Two of last season’s best playmakers Mile Gillislee at running back and Jordan Reed at tight end are gone.

Nevertheless, the coaching staff is confident their quarterback has matured and they used the example that he helped lead them to eight come from behind wins last season.

Driskel must remain healthy or the Florida offense and the team’s season could go south in a hurry.

Without proven runners returning and not wanting Driskel to run too often and risk injury the passing game much come through.

Quinton Dunbar should have a breakout season after catching 36 balls last season as a wide out.

The offensive line has depth and should be strong but replacing tight end Reed will be hard.

Muschamp wants to start the season soon, as he was left with a bad taste in his mouth when Florida lost the Sugar Bowl 33-23 to Louisville to end their season last year.

Let’s see if the new look offense can help the already strong defense and lead the Gators to a national title.