Midseason Superlatives: Reviewing Florida after first half of 2016
Following the bye week, No. 15 Florida heads into a matchup with Georgia on Oct. 29 in bye week that'll kick off a crucial stretch for the Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC). Inside the Gators uses the break in the season to deliver our midseason superlatives.
THE PLAYERS
MVP offense: Although his stats have been down the last two games, sophomore wide receiver Antonio Callaway has been Florida's most productive talent on the offensive side of the ball this year. In five appearances, he's recorded 399 yards and two touchdowns on 23 catches (with two games of 100-plus receiving yards against Kentucky and Tennessee), while also taking an onside kick return for a score. Second place in this category perhaps goes to sophomore running back Jordan Scarlett, who leads Florida with 375 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries.
MVP defense: It's undoubtedly been junior cornerback Quincy Wilson, who has had a excellent start to the 2016 season. Through six games, Wilson has accounted for three interceptions (including a pick-six), three pass breakups and a sack. He's shut down opposing receivers in coverage, and according to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks have a 0.4 passer rating on throws against him. Jarrad Davis, Jalen "Teez" Tabor, Alex Anzalone, Caleb Brantley and Marcus Maye have also been top contributors for the Florida defense.
Most likely to turn it around down the stretch: There have been a lot of worries about the quarterback position, especially with how the play has been there in recent games, but the Gators should fare better down the stretch with Luke Del Rio leading the offense. He was rusty - and still not 100% coming back from that knee injury - against Missouri in a three-interception performance. The bye week comes at a good time for Del Rio, who could aim to clean up his mistakes and possibly turn things around thanks to his comfort level with the Florida offense.
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