My point was that those three were not enough for the team to not participate in the the bowl game and there absence is not enough to predetermine a blowout, which is what the OP said. We have no idea if Dexter is playing or not.
Billy better be hitting the portal otherwise we're just not going to have any depth next season. I'm starting to think even 30 incoming Freshmen wouldn't be enough.
Since there is no limit other than the 85-roster limit, I expect he'll be making many, many offers to high-ranking portal transfers. I'm guessing BN will shoot for somewhere around 27 -30 HS recruits with another 7-10 portal guys. But IMO, it's all about quality now. Numbers are still important, but I don't expect BN to go full Mullen and start grabbing marginal players for the sake of appearances. I'll be shocked if he goes after anyone who doesn't fit the new roster parameters/position profiles he's working so hard to establish.
The players buried on depth charge like true freshmen that have put in the time to work, staying focused on being a Gator, and.dping what the coaches have asked should not be punished due to others leaving for the portal. Let them play. They get to be on TV for their families, the get some jitters out about playing in front of a big crowd, and we get to see who has the heart and will to play in adversity. This is the core of the future team afterall.
I doubt BN is going to offer a scholarship to portal transfers unless they are a good fit with his philosophy. As for enough op-outs giving reason to decline a bowl game, that's doubtful. Not too long ago eight players we suspended for from a team for a credit card scandal and that team played the season. All the more reason to give non-starters more play experience and attention.
If BN wants them gone for whatever reason, they need to go. If they don't want to be at UF anymore, they need to go. If they can't stay out of trouble off the field, they need to go. If we find ourselves a little shorthanded numbers-wise but more talented overall, I can live with that. And no, the sky isn't falling.
He probably is the most mobile QB we have, based on his HS film. He's a surprisingly good passer (71.6% career Comp. avg.) as well. I'd love to see him get some major reps in this game.