Florida did not respond very well to life after Jim McElwain. Going on the road and losing 45-16 to a three-win Mizzou have led many to assume the Gators have packed it in this season. Now the team travels to Columbia to take on an improving South Carolina team.

Randy Shannon was among the first coaches to speak during the SEC Coaches Teleconference Wednesday.

Here’s a summary of what he had to say:

  • Opening comments: This week the opponent is South Carolina, always a tough game for Florida. Muschamp has done a tremendous job, his team has the fewest penalites per game. They create turnovers and his team is playing well. We are ready for the challenge.
  • On playing vs. Jet Sweep: You have to force them back inside, it’s about defending the edge.
  • What is the future of this program? The future is unbelievable. So many young players making players. The defensive backfield is all true freshmen or true sophomores. A lot of youth here.
  • Chances of a quick turnaround? Well everyone wants a quick turnaround. It comes down to recruiting and keeping the team healthy.
  • How do you press a button and deal with being a head coach after being an assistant? It’s difficult but you have to have confidence in yourself and the assistants around you. Someone once told me ‘you aren’t a football coach until you’ve been fired’ and I’ve been fired once. The only job you have is the best job you have and I only have one job right now.