Florida Gators

ATLANTA — So, it's come to this. Again. 

Florida and Michigan. 

If it sounds familiar, well, obviously it is. The 10th-ranked Gators (9-3) and seventh-ranked Wolverines (10-2), who meet Saturday in the Peach Bowl at sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium, are playing for the third time in four seasons. 

[Read senior writer Scott Carter's comprehensive "Opening Kickoff" preview here]

Three years ago, they squared off in the Citrus Bowl at Orlando, where the Wolverines destroyed the Gators 41-7. UF was trampled for 503 yards of total offense that day, while gaining just 273, with its lone touchdown coming on — get this — a razzle-dazzle, double-reverse pass from wide receiver Antonio Callaway to quarterback Treon Harris … from two yards out. Yes, it was that hard.  

They met again to open the 2017 season in the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas, with a fairly similar result. UM 33, UF 17. To be fooled by the score. It wasn't close, either. Florida again proved inept on offense, netting just 192 yards (only 11 rushing) and nine first downs. Both Florida touchdowns were scored by the defense on interception returns. Michigan cranked out 433 yards. 

So, here the Gators are; a season and different coach later, but with the Wolverines on the opposite sideline. So much of the 2018 Florida football campaign has been about comparisons and contrasts to the way things were under former Coach Jim McElwain, fired during the middle of the '17 season, versus how they are now under Dan Mullen, who inherited a 4-7 mess and not only made the Gators competent on offense, but flipped the culture. Another date with Michigan seems as good a barometer as any to gauge the program's progress under more inspired and proven leadership. 

When making the assessment, start at the quarterback position. Third-year sophomore Feleipe Franks made his first career start in that last Michigan game and completed five of nine passes for 75 yards before being benched in favor of Malik Zaire. Not that a collegiate debut game against a notoriously strong defense should be an indictment, but Franks' development over the course of the '17 season compared to his improvement over the '18 season certainly is a relevant one. 

Franks had some bumps over the last few months, but in hitting 58.5 percent of his passes for 2,284 yards, 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions he trended upward, especially late in the season, saving his finest game for the regular-season finale. He completed 16 of 26 throws for 254 yards, three scores and no picks in UF's richly satisfying 41-14 road win at Florida State, the Gators' first win in the series since 2012.

Compared to the final game of a season ago, Franks is a different player. A more polished and prepared one. 
 
When the final numbers of that FSU game (and for the season) were in, Florida claimed the 47th-ranked offense in the nation and No. 7 in the SEC, compared to 114th and dead-last in the league, respectively, a year ago. The Gators also rushed the football for 209.5 yards a game behind an offensive line that gained statistics and confidence with each game, especially late, which is a sign of a well coached team. 

Defensively, the Gators rated fifth in the league and 27th nationally, while leading the SEC in takeaways and finishing in the top 10 in turnover margin (a testament to both sides of the ball). 

But can they defend those leaps and bounds of improvement against the Wolverines? 

Michigan will come into the game with similar offensive numbers (44th overall, fifth in the Big Ten), but coming off the most humbling (and embarrassing) loss of Coach Jim Harbaugh's four seasons. In rival Ohio State's 62-39 wipeout win Nov. 24, the Buckeyes bludgeoned the nation's No. 1-ranked defense for 567 yards and the most points ever scored in the storied series' history. 

The Wolverines will have quarterback Shea Patterson (65 percent, 2,364 yards, 21 TDs, 5 INTs) under center, but will be without three stars in running back Karan Higdon (1,178 yards, 10 TDs), defensive tackle Rashan Gary (38 tackles, 3.5 sacks in nine games) and linebacker Devin Bush (67 tackles 5 sacks), each of whom opted out of playing the game to focus on preparing for the NFL draft. 

For what it's worth, the Gators also have a handful of players projected to be premium draft picks — defensive end Jachai Polite, offensive guard Jawaan Taylor, running back Jordan Scarlett, defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson — and all will play in the game. 

Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN, with Bob Wischusen on play-by-play, Brock Huard providing analysis and Allison Williams working the sidelines. Replays of the game will air Sunday at midnight on ESPNU and also at 3 a.m. on SEC Network, as well as Monday at 4 a.m. on ESPN and noon on SEC Network, then again Friday at 9 a.m. on SEC Network. The game can also be replayed on the ESPN app and WatchESPN.com.

Click here for for a station list of the Gator IMG Sports Network broadcast, with pre-game coverage starting at noon.

Also, check out the "First & 10 Pre-Game Show," hosted by GatorVision's Shelby Granath, coming from the field via Facebook Live on the Florida Gators page at 11 a.m. The show's lineup includes chats with Mullen and Gator Radio Network sideline reporter Tate Casey, plus a few other surprise Gator greats who may be roaming the field. 

Finally, follow senior staff writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) and the official UF football account (@GatorsFB) for updates, commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete coverage from the game Saturday night and fresh follow-up content Sunday, as well.