Gators need sharper play during key stretch

GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators entered the bye week in first place in the SEC East division. But to defend the 2015 title, here are five things Jim McElwain’s team will need during a demanding fourgame stretch:

1. Receiver Antonio Callaway must play like a star.

Callaway is not having a sophomore slump, but 2016 has been a bit of a letdown following his breakout freshman season. Callaway has two SEC games with more than 125 receiving yards, but he totaled just 64 the past two. Shaky quarterback play bears some blame, but Callaway’s struggles as a punt returner are on him. Callaway’s poor decision-making has led to two fumbles, losses on two other returns and a lot of bad field position for Florida this season. He averages 2.86 yards on 14 returns, or 13 yards fewer than 2015 — when he score twice and was a constant threat.

2. Linebacker Jarrad Davis needs to swiftly recover from sprained ankle.

The Gators have little chance to survive November unscathed without the leader of the SEC’s toprated defense and Florida's midseason MVP. Davis had tallied 23 tackles in fewer than six quarters when he was injured against Missouri. He had taken his play to another level. Now, Davis likely will not be 100 percent the rest of the regular season. While Davis writhed in pain last Saturday, the rest of his senior season appeared in doubt. Instead, Davis has a chance to return Saturday against Georgia. That seems optimistic. But to win at Arkansas Nov. 5 and LSU two weeks later, Davis needs to be on the field and not as a shell of himself.

3. Quarterback Luke Del Rio has to play to his strengths.

Del Rio is more of a game manager than a gunslinger. What he lacks in arm strength and escapability, Del Rio offsets with intelligence and a firm grasp of the game. Against Missouri, Del Rio tried to someone he is not. He forced throws into coverage, took ill-advised shots downfield and ended with three interceptions. He could have had more — and would have against an opponent like LSU. Going forward, Del Rio will need to make some plays, but he does not need to be someone he is not — think Greg McElroy, not Rex Grossman.

4. Caleb Brantley must live up to his potential.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Brantley has more size, ath- leticism and NFL potential than former UF star Jonathan Bullard. But Brantley has not come close to matching Bullard’s monster 2015 season. Brantley’s level of play will be critical for a unit with veteran starters Joey Ivie, Bryan Cox Jr. and Jordan Sherit nursing injuries. Brantley is playing with an injured hand, but he was disruptive against Missouri and forced a pick-six for Jalen Tabor.

5. The Gators have to make tough decisions at tailback.

Jim McElwain and his staff might be the only ones who are not confused by the Gators’ four-headed monster. The bye week provided a chance to selfevaluate and change course. Each of Florida’s four tailbacks — Jordan Scarlett, Jordan Cronkrite, Mark Thompson and Lamical Perine — have had bright moments. None has been able to find consistency after being shuffled in and out, seemingly at a whim.

MARK HUMPHREY/AP The Gators need linebacker Jarrad Davis to make a quick return from his ankle injury with difficult games on the horizon.