It also could be Mullen taking over-the-top precaution as the eighth-ranked Gators get ready to begin a championship-or-bust season. We have the potential to go compete for a championship and be a championship team, said Mullen, who is 21-5 in two seasons in Gainesville. But I think we have that potential, which is really good and its really exciting. Florida won 10 games in Mullens first season and 11 in Year 2. This season, Wilson has All-SEC potential and fellow cornerback Kaiir Elam is considered a rising star after a breakout freshman year.

Jake Fromm of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes during a game against the Florida Gators in 2018. "We're playing for pretty much everything we want in our season in one game, so we approach it just like that," Georgia running back D'Andre Swift. Greenard, the team's best defensive player , played one series against LSU and missed the team's last game against South Carolina. The Bulldogs lead the SEC and rank fifth nationally in rushing defense, allowing a measly 85.7 yards a game. If you're Alabama and you're Tennessee, are you going to help Florida and Georgia out?

Jon Greenard #58 of the Florida Gators celebrates against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. 9 Florida could be without its top two pass-rushers at South Carolina on Saturday. Coach Dan Mullen said Monday that linebacker Jon Greenard and defensive end Jabari Zuniga will be game-time decisions against the Gamecocks (3-3, 2-2 Southeastern Conference). Muschamp: QB Hilinski has a knee sprain, should playSouth Carolina coach Will Muschamp said freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski has a sprained left knee, but was expected to play when the Gamecocks face Florida on Saturday. Redshirt freshman Dakereon Joyner finished off the dramatic win at quarterback for South Carolina.

- The grin on LSU quarterback Joe Burrow's face broadened as he was asked to consider how much the fifth-ranked Tiger's passing game had evolved since they lost at Florida one year ago. While LSU averages SEC highs of 571 yards and 54.6 points, only one of its previous opponents -- Texas -- has been ranked this season. "They're looking at the players they have ... and what fits that talent,'' Florida second-year coach Dan Mullen said. Florida defensive end Jabari Zuniga is scheduled to return after missing the last three games with a sprained left ankle. "I don't need any more motivation than a night game, 5 vs. 7, to kind of propel yourself into the national title conversation.''

10 Florida will be close to full strength, especially on defense, for its biggest game of the season. Coach Dan Mullen said Monday that six injured players - including speedy cornerback CJ Henderson and disruptive defensive end Jabari Zuniga - will be back against seventh-ranked Auburn in the Swamp. "The guys that are veteran players, I don't worry about as much," Mullen said. "The key is just getting them back in the flow at practice and getting them the practice reps they need." Toney injured his left shoulder against UT Martin, and Mullen said he won't be back until after the team's bye week.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After taking the show on the road to Atlanta last year, SEC Media Days returns to Birmingham, Alabama for the 2019 edition. Gators head coach Dan Mullen, quarterback Feleipe Franks, running back Lamical Perine, and defensive end Jabari Zuniga make the trek from Gainesville to Birmingham to preview the upcoming season.. LISTEN: Catch up on previous episodes of Gators BreakdownDavid Waters is joined by Will Sammon from The Athletic, to review the day's happenings. Topics include:Mullen's joy of being the Florida head coachHandling expectationsWhat Dan Mullen means to Felipe FranksPerine as main running backJahari Rogers commitsFollow @GatorDave_SEC to stay plugged in, or click one of the following to tune in:Megaphone | A pple Podcasts | YouTube | Google PlayCopyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

Getty ImagesJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - SEC Media Days have become the de facto start to the college football season in the South. As a junior, Perine ran for a career-high 826 yards and seven touchdowns, scoring another touchdown on a pass reception. News4Jax will be at SEC Media Days to hear from the Gators and Bulldogs, both of whom figure to contend for the SEC East again this season. Reed, the son of former NFL wide receiver Jake Reed, considered leaving for the NFL after his junior season but decided to return to Athens. As a team captain, Reed started every game for the Bulldogs, finishing second on the team with 66 tackles and two interceptions.