Florida Gators get new bowl destination in SI's latest projections

Florida is heading to Jacksonville for a matchup with Wake Forest in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 30, according to Sports Illustrated's latest postseason projections . The forecast comes days after UF went on the road to stun No. 7 Texas, snapping a two-game losing streak and restoring some momentum to Jon Sumrall's program.

The outlet previously pinned Florida against Penn State in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa. While the Gators remain outside the playoff picture, they are reasonably within striking distance. Florida has now earned two wins over top-10 ranked opponents.

Though not the best-case scenario for Florida, Wake Forest would be a formidable foe after gaining national attention with a 6-1 start this season. The Demon Deacons climbed to No. 13 in ESPN's latest power rankings after downing California 41-7.

The Gators have a chance to add to their playoff resume with an Oct. 31 date with fourth-ranked Georgia in Atlanta after the bye week. Sumrall's team also travels to No. 12 Kentucky on Nov. 14. In the 12-team playoff era, Florida's postseason hopes are still realistic.

Many outlets' latest projections reflect a shakeup after Week 7, with Miami vaulting to the top of both the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 . Florida landed at Nos. 24 and 20, respectively.

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