Billy Napier temporarily escaped the rising flames from his head coach hot seat on Saturday with a Week 4 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, snapping a seven-game losing streak to FBS opponents in the process.
The victory also evened the Gators’ overall season record to 2-2 as well as their mark in the Southeastern Conference, which now sits at 1-1.
Following last weekend’s action and the release of the two major polls, The Athletic’s Chris Vannini updated his weekly re-rank of all 134 Football Bowl Series teams, giving the Gators a wee bit of a boost thanks to the 45-28 triumph.
Florida’s re-rank after Week 4
Vannini lifted Florida a single spot in his re-rank this week from No. 67 to No. 66, putting the Gators between the No. 65 Maryland Terrapins and No. 67 Colorado Buffaloes. Florida was previously ranked No. 48 two weeks prior.
The Florida State Seminoles also gained some ground, moving up from No. 87 to No. 75 after Week 4.
The Athletic’s Week 4 Top 10 re-rank
The Texas Longhorns remain in the top spot, followed by the Georgia Bulldogs, Tennessee Volunteers, Ohio State Buckeyes and Ole Miss Rebels, respectively, to round out the post-Week 4 top five.
The Miami Hurricanes, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks, Utah Utes and Penn State Nittany Lions round out the top 10, respectively.
Up next for the Gators
The Gators will be out of action for Week 5 due to their bye week. Florida’s next opponent will be the UCF Knights on Oct. 5. The time is yet to be determined.
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