This year was supposed to be different.
The Gators have a new coach, Will Muschamp, new expectations and an influx of young talent.
But, through five weeks, the season has been a mirror image of 2010.
Last year, the Gators won their first four games by an average 23.5 points, the closest a 14-point win against Tennessee, before losing to Alabama by 25.
This season, the Gators won their first four games by an average 31.3 points, the closest a 10-point win against Tennessee, before losing to Alabama by 28.
In 2010, UF let the beatdown at the hands of Alabama turn into a free-fall, losing its next two games en route to a 9-5 season.
How will the 2011 team respond? Can the Gators handle adversity?
“I don’t have any doubt at all,” redshirt freshman tackle Chaz Green said of the team’s ability to respond to adversity. “I’ve got the most confidence in this team. We had one bump in the road. We’re still — our whole goal is to get to Atlanta. They’re still out there, they’re still possible. So I’ve got the most confidence in our team.”
With South Carolina falling to Auburn last weekend, Florida remains in a three-way tie, also with Georgia, for the lead in the Southeastern Conference’s East division.
But the Gators were in the same position after 2010’s loss to the Crimson Tide and failed to capitalize.
Florida isn’t discouraged by the emerging repeat.
“It’s motivation,” sophomore guard Jon Halapio said. “It’s motivation for this week to get better and go out to Louisiana and take care of business.”
The Gators know they’re underdogs.
Betting lines have No. 1 LSU (5-0, 2-0 SEC) as a 14-point favorite in its matchup with No. 17 Florida (4-1, 2-1 SEC) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La.
In one game, UF fell from national contender to mere SEC hopeful.
“There’s kind of doubt,” junior wide receiver Frankie Hammond said. “That loss kind of hit us. But we still have to go out and prove ourselves, so it’s just us against the world. Nobody believes we can do it but us, and we’re going to go out there and prove that.”
Muschamp said that a number of players came in on Sunday, the team’s usual off day, to watch film.
Sophomore cornerback Jaylen Watkins said the loss made a noticeable difference in the locker room and brought the Gators closer together.
And offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said the team has kept a level head thanks to a veteran coaching staff.
“Our staff have all been through experiences like this before, and we’ve got a good idea how to handle it,” Weis said.
“It isn’t like panic sets in, pandemonium sets in. It’s a very matter of fact evaluation of what we do.”
If Weis is right, Florida could still end the season as SEC Champion. But, if he’s wrong, 2011 could easily be a case of déjà vu.
Contact Greg Luca at gluca@alligator.org.
Florida coach Will Muschamp will try to avoid the downward spiral last year’s team experienced after losing to Alabama. Players said they are confident they will rebound against No. 1 LSU.
