Seven Florida Gator Football Players have been suspended for Florida's opening game against Michigan for a violation of team rules. Bleacher Report noted that the suspensions are due to a "misuse of school-issued funds."
Florida's head coach Jim McElwain said the following in a statement, according to CNN: "We have a small group of players that have made some choices that are extremely disappointing. Action has been taken—they have missed some practice and will miss the Michigan game. We will use this as a learning opportunity and we will have some players step up as we move forward."
Who's out?
Junior wide receiver Antonio Callaway, who recorded three touchdowns and over 700 receiving yards last season, was among those suspended.
Junior defensive end Keivonnis Davis, sophomore defensive lineman Richerd Desir-Jones, freshman linebacker Ventrell Miller, freshman offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort, freshman linebacker James Houston, and redshirt defensive lineman Jordan Smith are suspended as well.
Callaway, who was suspended from team activities in the spring of 2016 after being accused of sexual assault, has dealt with plenty of issues throughout his collegiate career. Back in May, Callaway was cited for marijuana possession, however, Sports Illustrated noted that this suspension was due to an unrelated incident.
At the moment, the suspensions are for one game only.
How severe are the losses?
Callaway will undoubtedly be the biggest subtraction against Michigan, as he looks to be the Gators' No.
1 receiver this season as well as the primary kick and punt returner. Defensive end Keivonnis Davis and offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort figure to be the only other players who would've earned playing time against the Wolverines. While Telfort is a backup, Davis looks to receive significant playing time throughout the season.
Callaway's absence will certainly be felt by the Gators, and secondary options of Brandon Powell and Tyrie Cleveland will need outstanding performances to help out Florida's new quarterback in Feleipe Franks.
As for the other players suspended, the losses are not overwhelmingly impactful, as no other starters were suspended.
Who will win?
A rematch of last year's Citrus Bowl, Michigan and Florida meet in one of the best contests week 1 has to offer. The Wolverines crushed the Gators in a 41-7 rout in Orlando.
Michigan, which has the ninth-highest odds to make the playoffs among all college football teams, will have a higher ranking, while ESPN's "Matchup Predictor" gives Florida a 52.6 percent chance of winning. It will surely be a close contest, however, it's difficult to not favor Michigan and Jim Harbaugh. As perhaps the second-best game on their schedule, a win for Michigan would greatly improve their chances of earning a playoff bid after barely missing the playoffs last season.
