The news of Will Muschamp’s dismissal has dominated the headlines around college football this week.

So much so, the Florida Gators’ upcoming game against an actual opponent has become merely an afterthought. The FCS opponent — Eastern Kentucky — is not nearly as menacing as others on Florida’s schedule on paper, but with all of the off-the-field distractions grabbing the attention of the players, the Colonels could easily catch the Gators on an off-week.

Despite being an outgoing head coach, Muschamp understands he and the coaching staff still have a job to do — stop Eastern Kentucky.

The biggest issue for the Gators will be stopping Mobley, EKU’s unquestioned offensive leader. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound and former Kentucky Wildcat leads the team with 1,372 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.

“Over 200 yards rushing a game to Dy’Shawn Mobley, who is a transfer from Kentucky, a guy that’s over 1000 yards for the season,” Muschamp said earlier in the week. “We’ve got our work cut out for us on Saturday, and our guys will be ready to go here at noon in the Swamp.”

The biggest issue for the Gators will be stopping Mobley, EKU’s unquestioned offensive leader. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound and former Kentucky Wildcat leads the team with 1,372 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.

EKU may be an FCS team, but its rushing attack is one of the best. The Colonels rank ninth in the FCS in rushing yards per game (243.1) and Mobley’s 1,372 rushing yards is also ninth in the league. Mobley’s 228 carries would tie him in the SEC for most rushing attempts with Auburn’s Cameron Artis-Payne and his 1,632 all-purpose yards would also put him tops in the conference.

If you need on-the-field evidence to prove just how talented Mobley is, look no further than EKU’s game last week against Murray State. Mobley went off, totaling 324 yards of offense (224 rushing, 100 receiving) and scored all six touchdowns for the Colonels. They were down 20 points at half, but Mobley’s dominating performance in the latter 30 minutes led the comeback for EKU, who eventually defeated Murray State by 43-36.

Mobley’s presence on EKU has given the Colonels a huge boost of confidence this season. They are in the midst of their first-ever nine-win season and still have an outside shot at a FCS playoff berth.

The Colonels still have a lot to play for in hopes that a close game could help sway their playoff chances and with a running back that can take over games, Florida’s defense can’t just show up and play this team.

A lack of attention on the Gators’ part will surely keep this game interesting. And if last year’s debacle against Georgia Southern is of any indication, a victory is anything but guaranteed in a matchup like this.

Muschamp still has faith in his players that they’ll prepare the right way. He’s treating this week like any other game week, no matter the outside circumstances.

“I’m totally invested for two weeks to be the coach at Florida and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Muschamp said. “Not going to do anything different.”

“Our guys will respond the right way and handle it with class like they always have in all situations,” he added. “It’s important for us to get these seniors a win here in the Swamp and these next two weeks get two Ws.”