The Florida Gators are largely picked to finish behind the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC East this season, despite winning the division in back-to-back seasons.

Florida hasn’t had a staple at quarterback since Tim Tebow left, and everyone is hoping Feleipe Franks can be that guy. But Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire didn’t come to Florida to ride the pine; he expects to play. That’s a good thing for Jim McElwain, because it creates competition.

The Gators’ defense over the last two years has been uber-talented, productive and disruptive. Just look at the NFL Draft. Now, McElwain and staff are tasked with reassembling the personnel while keeping up the elite play and production.

Lastly, the Gators have to show up in big games against elite opponents. Things certainly haven’t gone well against Florida State and Alabama the last two years. A big win against Michigan right out of the gate would do wonders for the national credibility of a team that everyone is saying “show me” before giving it its due.