Florida Gators College Football Betting - CFB Lines

2024 Florida Gators College Football Betting

When Billy Napier took over as head coach of the Florida Gators, it was reminiscent of when George Allen took over the Washington Redskins. Allen’s owner said of Allen a few weeks after his hiring, “We gave George an unlimited budget, and he has already exceeded it.”

When Napier took over, he was also given an unlimited budget. Napier hired more staff than what fills the org charts of many countries. He spent lavishly on facility improvements, scouting, and player benefits. It was said that Florida was far behind the top SEC programs as far as bells and whistles and Napier closed the gap. But he has not outshined his predecessor, Dan Mullen, on the recruiting trail or in the win column. Mullen was fired for a perceived lack of enthusiasm for recruiting. But his win percentage was .694 compared to Napier’s .440, which is far below even Ron Zook’s .622.

Napier begins the 2024 campaign on one of the hottest seats in college football. And will try and survive against one of the most brutal schedules of any team this season.

College Football Futures Lines

2024 Florida Gators Betting Preview

Coach Billy Napier has an 11-14 record at Florida, the worst two-year start at the school since Charley Pell in 1979-80. Three consecutive losing seasons would be a first since the 1940s. It is possible, although better talent, depth, and experience might be enough to overcome a schedule featuring six teams among the top 17 of the AP’s season-ending Top 25. The Gators should be solid on offense thanks to the return of quarterback Graham Mertz, running back Montrell Johnson, and receiver Eugene Wilson III. However, the defense needs to make big strides for Napier's team to get to a bowl in '24.

Quarterback Graham Mertz was incredibly efficient in his Gators debut, finishing with an SEC-best 72.9 percent completion rate, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions. While Mertz loses leading receiver Ricky Pearsall to the NFL, sophomore Eugene Wilson III will become Mertz’s go-to target and replace tailback Trevor Etienne as Florida’s home-run threat. Wilson has school legend Percy Harvin’s run-catch skill set.

Montrell Johnson Jr. becomes the bell cow running back after Etienne’s transfer to Georgia. Johnson is capable, just not as explosive. But the success of head coach Billy Napier’s attack begins upfront; UF allowed 22 more sacks and averaged 1.24 fewer yards per carry than in 2022.

Florida allowed an average of 38.2 points during a season-ending five-game skid, leading Napier to fire his defensive line and secondary coaches. He also hired Ron Roberts when linebackers coach Jay Bateman left for Texas A&M. The retooled staff inherits better talent and experience.

Jeremy Crawshaw’s 48.9-yard average on 42 punts would have ranked second nationally had he qualified. Trey Smack assumed kicking duties in Week 3 and finished 17-of-21 on field goals.

2024 Florida Gators Football Schedule

The Florida Gators are not a traditional power but a recent one. Florida has three national championships (1996, 2006, 2008) and eight conference titles, all of which came in 1991 or after. Steve Spurrier is the greatest Gator who ever lived. Spurrier won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as quarterback and placekicker. Subsequently, he returned to lead Florida to the 1996 national championship and six SEC titles.

Another legendary head coach at Florida was Urban Meyer. Meyer led the Gators to two national titles with Heisman Trophy winning QB Tim Tebow. Other famed Gator players include Emmitt Smith, Danny Wuerffel, Jack Youngblood, and Wilber Marshall.

Florida has proven to be a difficult place for coaches to live. Spurrier is the GOAT of Florida coaches but left because the fans turned too demanding after he made the Gators into a national power. Meyer had multiple nervous breakdowns and had to leave when things turned south. Dan Mullen was run out less than a year after almost leading the Gators to the national championship.

2024-2025 College Football Schedule

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 5
• Week 6
• Week 7
• Week 8
• Week 9
• Week 10
• Week 11
• Week 12
• Week 13
• Week 14
• Week 15
• Week 16

Log into BookMaker Sportsbook and get the best NCAA Football Betting Odds, NCAA Football Betting Articles and information about this and all other sports betting events!