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SI projects Florida Gators bowl destination after 2-0 start

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Florida has sailed through the first two weeks of the Jon Sumrall era, but Sports Illustrated isn’t quite sold on the program’s transformation just yet. Despite UF posting a combined 118 points in its first two matchups, College sports writer Bryan Fischer isn’t putting them in the College Football Playoff conversation just yet.

SI projects Florida to face SMU in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 30.

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Five SEC teams made the outlet’s predicted 12-team playoff field, including Texas, LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. While the Gators are overlooked right now, there will be plenty of opportunities to change that perception. Fischer also has Alabama facing Penn State in the Citrus Bowl, Oklahoma taking on Houston in the Las Vegas Bowl and Tennessee playing Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

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The Gators host No. 9 Ole Miss on Sept. 26 before facing projected playoff teams Texas and Georgia later this season. But to flip to the notion of mediocrity covering the Orange and Blue, Sumrall and his squad must upend Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a place Florida hasn’t won at since 1999. Securing a win in the opening game of the SEC schedule should produce a fair amount of optimism around the team moving forward.

Coming off a 4-8 season, a bowl appearance wouldn’t be anything to scoff at for Gator Nation, but the talent on this roster suggests it’s capable of something special if Sumrall really has changed the identity in Gainesville. Nevertheless, a bowl berth means at least six wins, which would be a sign of progress that fans can latch onto.

Florida did what it was supposed to do in its tune-up games. Saturday night’s matchup against Alex Golesh and the Tigers marks the first indication of whether Florida’s ceiling is merely bowl eligibility or something greater.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: SI projects Florida Gators bowl destination after 2-0 start

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4 WWE Superstars who could be added to the Women’s Money in the Bank and make it star-studded

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The Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match is beginning to take shape following WWE RAW in Mexico City.

Sol Ruca became the first woman to qualify after defeating Lyra Valkyria and Maxxine Dupri on September 7. Lola Vice then joined her by defeating Raquel Rodriguez and Kelani Jordan on September 14.

Four spots are still available, giving the creative team plenty of room to add some established names to the match. Here are four WWE Superstars who could make the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match considerably more star-studded.


#4. Lash Legend

Lash Legend could bring a different physical presence to the Ladder Match. The 29-year-old has established herself as one of the more imposing competitors in the women’s division. Her combination of size and athleticism could be useful in a match where competitors have to fight around ladders and constantly deal with multiple opponents.

A spot in Money in the Bank would give Legend another opportunity to make an impact. Her physical style could also add some variety to a match featuring Ruca and Vice.


#3. IYO SKY

IYO SKY would give the match some much-needed experience. The Genius of the Sky has competed in numerous multi-person matches throughout her WWE career. She is also known for her athletic offense, which could make her a natural fit for a Ladder Match.

IYO’s experience could be particularly useful with two younger competitors already qualified. She would bring an established presence to the match without taking away from the newer talent.

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Moreover, the Ladder Match format gives SKY plenty of opportunities to showcase the style that has made her one of WWE’s most recognizable performers.


#2. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair would instantly add another major name to the match. The Queen has won multiple women’s championships throughout her career and has also won the Royal Rumble twice. She has therefore competed in some of the company’s biggest matches and would bring plenty of experience to Money in the Bank.

Her inclusion would also create several possible stories surrounding the briefcase. Any competitor looking to establish herself could benefit from sharing the ring with someone of Flair’s stature.

With Ruca and Vice already qualified, adding Flair would give the match another proven main-event performer.

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#1. Former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton

Tiffany Stratton could be one of the most natural additions to the match. The Buff Barbie already knows how important the Money in the Bank briefcase can be. She won the women’s Ladder Match in 2024 and later cashed in successfully on Nia Jax to become champion.

She has also remained an important part of SmackDown’s women’s division. Her alliance with Chelsea Green and the recent issues with Nia Jax and Lash Legend have kept her involved in the title picture.

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Another appearance in Money in the Bank would give Stratton a chance to repeat her previous success. It would also add another established name to a match that currently features two younger stars.

With four places still open, WWE can mix established performers with emerging talent. Ruca and Vice already provide the latter, while names such as Stratton, Flair, IYO, and Legend could give the Ladder Match more experience and star power.

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