The Florida Gators were looking for a big win last night against their cross-divisional rival LSU Tigers. Unfortunately for Florida fans, the Gators once again shot themselves in the foot with costly mistakes on both offense and defense in the final minutes of the game.

Here are the five biggest takeaways of the Gators’ 30-27 loss versus LSU.

  1. Gators need a change at quarterback – Because of this past week’s events involving true freshman quarterback Treon Harris, Jeff Driskel got another shot to prove he should be the team’s starting quarterback. While the WRs didn’t do Driskel any favors at times – including a crucial (and very easy) game-winning touchdown drop – the redshirt junior quarterback looked bad again throwing the football. He missed on several deep balls and threw another two interceptions. The Gators need some changes at multiple positions, but it’s clear that quarterback is at the top of the list.
  2. Outside of VH3, Tabor, Florida’s DBs are a liability – All-American Vernon Hargreaves left the game early due to injury, so he wasn’t much of a factor against LSU. True freshman Jalen Tabor had another great game with a sack and lockdown coverage on several targets to his side of the field. Outside of those two, however, Florida is lacking at the defensive back position. Brian Poole got beat a few different times and in crucial situations, too. Safety Keanu Neal and other DBs had another communication breakdown in the secondary, allowing LSU to convert an improbable 3rd and 20. What used to be the strength of Florida’s defense looked soft once again as the secondary cost Florida some big plays defensively and it’s safe to say they are officially a liability moving forward.
  3. UF loses shot at staying atop SEC East – Florida would have been able to relieve itself of some pressure last night with a win over LSU. Now, the Gators are one loss away from being put behind the 8-ball in the SEC East. Upcoming games against Missouri and Georgia are the two biggest of the season for Florida, who’s goals of winning the division are still in front of them. However, it’s a much more attainable goal if UF holds on to a win last night.
  4. Andre Debose needs the football more often – For an offense looking for consistent playmakers, sixth-year senior wideout Andre Debose needs more touches. He may not be the best receiver, but the guy is as explosive as they come with the ball in his hands, plain and simple. The Gators certainly lack the speed at the skill positions we’ve grown accustomed to over the last decade and Debose is one of the few guys with the speed to break off a lot of big plays. Whether it’s on returns, sweeps or screens, Debose is a guy who could change the game offensively for the Gators. They just need to get him the football.
  5. Muschamp is treading on thin ice – Since the Gators are now likely one more conference loss away from being out of contention in the SEC East race, that also means Will Muschamp’s coaching fate is in a similar position. Florida has yet to have a really impressive win this season and quite frankly are two controversial play clock situations away from a 1-4 record. Muschamp hasn’t had the flash or even substantive on-field evidence of a program heading in the right direction this season. If the Gators keep up the same level of play, they’ll be out of the SEC East race sooner rather than later and Muschamp will likely be done at Florida.