2024 Gator Football Schedule

Florida’s 2024 college football schedule was officially released on Wednesday night. The SEC welcomes two new teams in Oklahoma and Texas next season. 2024 is the first year the SEC will play a schedule without divisions since 1991. The top two teams in the SEC league standings will play in the SEC Championship game on December 7th. There are two bye weeks for each SEC team next season. Here’s the Gators’ complete 2024 schedule.

(Home games in bold)

Week 1, August 31st: Miami (FL)

Week 2, September 7th: Samford

Week 3, September 14th: Texas A&M

Week 4, September 21st: Mississippi State

Week 5: BYE

Week 6, October 5th UCF 

. Week 7, October 12th: Tennessee

Week 8, October 19th: Kentucky

Week 9: BYE

Week 10, November 2nd: Georgia (Jacksonville)

Week 11, November 9th: Texas

L I Week 12, November 16th: LSU

Week 13, November 23rd: Ole Miss

Week 14, November 30th: Florida State

Notables

  • Florida’s bye weeks come in week five and week nine.
  • Florida’s last five opponents all finished inside the top  13 of the 2023 College Football Playoff Rankings, with three of them finishing in the top 5 (Georgia, Texas, FSU).
  • Florida plays six teams in 2024 that finished in the top 25 of the 2023 College Football Playoff Rankings.
  • Florida opens the 2024 season with three straight home games.

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Gator Athletes Set Record

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gator student-athletes are achieving their goal of earning a University of Florida degree.
 
The NCAA Graduation Success Rates (GSR) published Wednesday shows UF set its all-time high for a second consecutive year. The GSR shows 95 percent of Gators student-athletes completing their degrees in the latest cycle. The Gators’ latest number is above NCAA Division I’s overall GSR of 91 percent – the highest rate recorded in the more two decades GSR has been tracked.
 
The GSR of 13 Gator teams are above or equal the national average for their sport – men’s & women’s basketball, football, men’s & women’s golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, softball, women’s swimming & diving, men’s & women’s tennis, men’s track & field/cross country and volleyball.
 
Florida set its all-time high with 10 teams posting a perfect 100 GSR in this report: men’s & women’s basketball, men’s & women’s golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, softball, men’s & women’s tennis and volleyball.
 
Earlier this fall, UF topped the Wall Street Journal rankings for public universities. The combined grade point average for all Gator student-athletes for the 2022-23 academic year is an all-time high 3.30 and 132 student-athletes earned bachelor or master degrees in the last academic year.
 
The most recent Graduation Success Rates are based on the four entering freshmen classes in Division I from 2013-14 to 2016-17.
 
University of Florida
Teams
UF Graduation
Success Rate
Overall DI National Average
Baseball
85
91
Men’s Basketball
100
86
Women’s Basketball
100
93
Men’s Cross Country & Track
94
86
Women’s Cross Country & Track
83
92
Football
92
84
Men’s Golf
100
95
Women’s Golf 
100
96
Gymnastics
100
98
Lacrosse
100
98
Soccer
94
97
Softball
100
95
Men’s Swimming
91
92
Women’s Swimming
97
97
Men’s Tennis
100
95
Women’s Tennis
100
96
Volleyball
100
95
Overall Athletics Program
95% – Florida’s Overall GSR
91% – Overall Division I GSR

Potential Tropical Cyclone. Advisory # 3A

BULLETIN
Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two
Intermediate Advisory Number 3A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL222023
700 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

...HEAVY RAINS CONTINUE TO DOUSE PORTIONS OF JAMAICA, EASTERN CUBA, 
AND HAITI...


SUMMARY OF 700 AM EST...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...16.8N 79.6W
ABOUT 200 MI...325 KM WSW OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB...29.65 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma,
and Las Tunas
* Southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor
products issued by your national meteorological service.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 700 AM EST (1200 UTC), the disturbance was centered near latitude
16.8 North, longitude 79.6 West.  The system is moving toward the
northeast near 10 mph (17 km/h), and this motion is expected to
continue with increasing forward speed through the weekend.  On the
forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across
Jamaica later today, southeastern Cuba by early Saturday, and the
southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher
gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next couple of
days, and the disturbance could become a tropical storm later today
or tonight.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...50 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...medium...50 percent.  

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two can be found
in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT2 and
WMO header WTNT42 KNHC, and on the web at
hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT2.shtml

WIND:  Tropical storm conditions are possible on Jamaica beginning
later today, eastern Cuba and Haiti tonight, and the southeastern
Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

RAINFALL:  Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two is expected to
produce storm total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts
of 16 inches across portions of Panama, Costa Rica, Jamaica,
southeast Cuba, and Hispaniola through Sunday morning. These rains
are likely to produce flash flooding, along with mudslides in areas
of higher terrain.

2 to 4 inches of rain are expected across the southeastern Bahamas
and Turks and Caicos Islands through Sunday morning.

STORM SURGE:  Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of
onshore winds along the southeastern coast of Cuba, the southeastern
Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SURF:  Swells generated by the disturbance are expected to affect
portions of Jamaica, Haiti, and southeastern Cuba during the next
couple of days.  These swells are likely to cause life-threatening
surf and rip current conditions.  Please consult products from your
local weather office.

Potential Tropical Cyclone. Advisory # 2

BULLETIN
Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two Advisory Number   2
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL222023
1000 PM EST Thu Nov 16 2023

...AREAS OF HEAVY RAINS SPREADING ACROSS PORTIONS OF JAMAICA,
EASTERN CUBA, AND HAITI...


SUMMARY OF 1000 PM EST...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...15.9N 81.1W
ABOUT 320 MI...515 KM WSW OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
ABOUT 155 MI...245 KM ENE OF CABO GRACIAS A DIOS ON NIC/HON BORDER
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 15 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB...29.65 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma,
and Las Tunas
* Southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor
products issued by your national meteorological service.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 1000 PM EST (0300 UTC), the disturbance was centered near
latitude 15.9 North, longitude 81.1 West. The system is moving
toward the north-northeast near 8 mph (13 km/h). A northeastward 
motion is expected to begin early Friday, with increasing forward 
speed through the weekend.  On the forecast track, the center of 
the system is expected to move across Jamaica on Friday, 
southeastern Cuba by early Saturday, and the southeastern Bahamas 
and Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts.
Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and 
the disturbance is expected to become a tropical storm on Friday.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...high...70 percent.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two can be found
in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT2 and
WMO header WTNT42 KNHC, and on the web at
hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT2.shtml

WIND:  Tropical storm conditions are possible on Jamaica beginning
Friday, eastern Cuba and Haiti Friday night, and the southeastern
Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

RAINFALL:  Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two is expected to 
produce storm total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts 
of 16 inches across portions of Panama, Costa Rica, Jamaica, 
southeast Cuba, and Hispaniola through Sunday morning. These rains 
are likely to produce flash flooding, along with mudslides in areas 
of higher terrain.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected across the 
southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands through Sunday 
morning.

STORM SURGE:  Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of
onshore winds along the southeastern coast of Cuba, the southeastern
Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SURF:  Swells generated by the disturbance are expected to affect
portions of Jamaica, Haiti, and southeastern Cuba during the next
couple of days.  These swells are likely to cause life-threatening
surf and rip current conditions.  Please consult products from your
local weather office.

Potential Tropical Cyclone. Advisory #1

TCPAT2

BULLETIN
Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two Advisory Number   1
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL222023
400 PM EST Thu Nov 16 2023

...DISTURBANCE OVER THE WEST-CENTRAL CARIBBEAN SEA FORECAST TO
BECOME A TROPICAL STORM...
...TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE GREATER
ANTILLES, SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS, AND TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS...


SUMMARY OF 400 PM EST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...15.2N 81.5W
ABOUT 365 MI...590 KM WSW OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
ABOUT 115 MI...185 KM E OF CABO GRACIAS A DIOS ON NIC/HON BORDER
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 15 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB...29.65 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The government of Jamaica has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for
Jamaica.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for all of Haiti.

The government of Cuba has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the
provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma, and Las
Tunas.

The government of the Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for
the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma,
and Las Tunas
* Southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor
products issued by your national meteorological service.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 400 PM EST (2100 UTC), the disturbance was centered near latitude
15.2 North, longitude 81.5 West. The system is moving toward the
north-northeast near 9 mph (15 km/h).  A northeastward motion is
expected to begin tonight, with an increase in forward speed into
the weekend.  On the forecast track, the center of the system is
expected to move across Jamaica late Friday, southeastern Cuba
early Saturday, and the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
Islands on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts.
Strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and the
disturbance is expected to become a tropical storm on Friday.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...70 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...high...70 percent.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two can be found
in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT2 and
WMO header WTNT42 KNHC, and on the web at
hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT2.shtml

WIND:  Tropical storm conditions are possible on Jamaica beginning
Friday, eastern Cuba and Haiti Friday night, and the southeastern 
Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday.

RAINFALL:  Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Two is expected to
produce storm total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts
of 16 inches across portions of Panama, Costa Rica, Jamaica,
southeastern Cuba, and Hispaniola through Monday morning. These
rains are likely to produce flash flooding, along with mudslides in
areas of higher terrain.

STORM SURGE:  Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of
onshore winds along the southeastern coast of Cuba, the southeastern
Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SURF:  Swells generated by the disturbance are expected to affect
portions of Jamaica, Haiti, and southeastern Cuba during the next
couple of days.  These swells are likely to cause life-threatening
surf and rip current conditions.  Please consult products from your
local weather office.

Terry Kirkman has passed.

So saddened to hear that Terry Kirkman, founding member of the Association, passed on 9/23.

 
The famous song “Cherish” was composed by him and was one of the major hits for the Association.  He also composed “Everything that Touches You”, “Enter the Young” and “Six Man Band.”
 
Another Kirkman composition, “Requiem for the Masses” showcased the many talents of Kirkman as composer and the group. It is far from a typical 60’s rock song, filled with meaning, amazing harmony and orchestration.  A famous performance of this piece was on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967.  If you haven’t heard it, here is a link:
 
 
I am so glad we were fortunate enough to see them perform in Longwood, Fl.

SEC Players of the Week!

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida safety Jordan Castell and defensive lineman Cam Jackson both earned SEC Player of the Week honors, the league office announced Monday morning. Castell was named SEC Freshman of the Week for the first time in his career and is the first since Trevor Etienne earned the award in 2022. Jackson captured co-Defensive Lineman of the Week after transferring from Memphis. This is the first time this season that a Gator has earned conference player of the week honors.

Starting in his second collegiate contest, and making his second consecutive start for the Gators, Castell totaled ten tackles and one pass break up in Florida’s victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. His ten tackles marked a career high for the freshman and doubled his season total to twenty. The Orlando, Florida native’s pass break up came in the third quarter when Tennessee attempted a deep pass on 2nd & 10 from the Tennessee thirty-one.

Castell’s defensive grade of 82.7 was the highest on Florida’s defense in week three, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 220-pound Orlando native posted a team high coverage grade of 81.6, allowing one reception for 16 yards on four targets vs Tennessee. The true freshman played in all 66 defensive snaps on Saturday night.

“The guy’s playing partly because he’s mature enough to handle it,” Napier said on Castell during Monday’s press conference.  He can process, he can communicate, and he has got physical ability. I think he is a future leader, and certainly amongst his classmates he’s well thought of.”

Jackson, a junior defensive lineman, recorded six tackles and one pass break up in Saturday’s contest. His total in tackles is a season high for the new Gator. Jackson was able to bat a pass down at the line in the middle of the third quarter when the Volunteers were facing a 2nd & 7 on the Florida twenty-four-yard line. Jackson is the first defensive-lineman to win a weekly SEC award since Week 1 of 2022.

The 6-6, 360-pound defensive tackle posted a defensive grade of 71.1, the 5th highest on the Gators’ defense in week three, according to PFF.

“I would say Cam Jackson and Caleb Banks,” OLB Princely Umanmielen said during fall camp on who has stood out on the defensive line. “Cam Jackson, he’s a huge guy. He can overpower anybody he wants.”

Castell and Jackson are the latest duo to win an SEC Weekly award in the same week since Trevor Etienne and O’Cyrus Torrence did so on November 14, 2022.