The Athletic released its weekly SEC rankings and the Florida Gators remained low on the list.
The Gators moved up four spots this week, a huge improvement compared to being ranked dead last out of 14 teams last week.
Article writer Seth Emerson placed the Gators at No. 10, beating out South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and surprisingly, Alabama (ranked No. 10 in the AP Top 25).
Emerson said Florida’s loss to No. 12 Utah looks better after the Utes defeated a talented Baylor team, and the Gators’ 49-7 victory over FCS opponent McNeese State is a significant boost.
“The Gators were in the bottom spot of these rankings last week,” Emerson wrote. “They climb out not just by doing what they should against an FCS opponent. It’s also what Utah did, going to Baylor and eking out a win, allowing the Gators to say they were embarrassed by a pretty good team. And it’s also Tennessee looking weaker as it prepares to come to Gainesville. Things are still bleak for Billy Napier’s team, but not as bleak as last week. There’s a path back to respectability.”
Emerson also pointed out that the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers look weaker, which might instill confidence in the Florida faithful this week before the conference rivals make the trip down south.
The Gators will host the Volunteers on Saturday in a primetime matchup at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN. Fans, as always, remember to wear blue.
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