Florida DB’s Michigan comment gives their 2017 season opener more juice

Florida DB Jalen Tabor isn’t shy about letting his opinions fly. Now he’s offering a bit of revisionist history about last season’s Citrus Bowl.

You may have been nursing a hangover on New Year’s Day, so let me refresh your memory: Michigan stomped all over Florida in a 41-7 romp. You can be sure Michigan’s players didn’t forget about it either.

Tabor will probably forgo his senior season and go to the NFL this spring. The juiciest thing about this whole deal is that if he doesn’t, he’ll be on the field when the two teams meet again in next season’s opener in Jerry World.

Perhaps these Tabor comments would be better delivered after next season’s opener, if he ends up actually playing in it.

Looking ahead to next season, Michigan loses a ton of upperclassmen, including 11 of its top 14 tacklers in addition to possibly losing Jabrill Peppers and Chase Winovich. That could mean returning zero interceptions and maybe only one sack as well.

The Wolverines will lose leading rusher De’Veon Smith. Five of their top seven receivers are gone, as well as backup QBs John O’Korn and Shane Morris. They’ll also have to replace both a kicker and a punter.

Florida’s defense will most likely be gutted as well, especially by early entrants to the NFL draft. As many as six Florida defenders could make the jump, including Tabor, and co-defensive coordinator Geoff Collins just took the head coaching job at Temple. While his co-coordinator Randy Shannon will take over through Florida’s bowl game this season, there may be staff shuffling in the offseason if Shannon doesn’t get the job permanently.