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Checking in on the bye week temperatures in Gainesville, Fla.
HOT
The seat of head coach Will Muschamp. Obviously, this section is normally reserved for a bright spot on the Gators, but such is not the case this week. The Florida head coach is coming off one of the worst losses during his time with the Gators and Gator Nation showed their appreciation with a “Fire Muschamp” chant during the third quarter of the Missouri game. 2014 was going to be a do or die year for Muschamp, who was coming off a 4-8 season in 2013. So far, things have gone pretty bad and barring a huge turnaround in the final five games, this could certainly be Muschamp’s last season in Gainesville.
WARM
Pass defense. The Gators were blown out 42-13 last week against Missouri, but Florida’s pass defense recorded another strong performance. They allowed just 20 yards through the air and allowed just six completions all night. Missouri’s wide receivers were rarely able to get open and quarterback Maty Mauk was virtually shut down. It was the second strong week in a row for the secondary. Florida allowed only 110 passing yards two weeks ago against the LSU Tigers.
COLD
Return coverage. Florida usually excels in special teams, but last Saturday was an entirely different story. Missouri’s Marcus Murphy took advantage of some poor return coverage by the Gators and took two returns back for a touchdown, including the opening kickoff. Murphy also returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. This return was particularly embarrassing for the Gators considering Missouri sent out its punt safe team on that play, anticipating a fake punt by Florida. The Tigers didn’t even have the right personnel out on the field for Murphy’s return.
FROZEN
Florida’s chances of winning the SEC East. With their third conference loss of the season, the Gators look less and less likely to be representing the SEC East in Atlanta, Ga., come December. For the Gators to have even a shot at winning the division, they’ll need some help via multiple losses by Georgia, Kentucky and Missouri. Technically, they are still mathematically in it, but it’s highly improbable at this point.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
