In some programs, there might be finger pointing and name calling and the blame game. Instead of that negativity, it seems Florida coach Urban Meyer is rallying the troops.
Things are not so sunny after two straight losses – both winnable games, including a 28-24 loss to top-ranked LSU Saturday night in Baton Rouge. But they are not quite that bad, either.
"I don't know if I've ever done this, but I guarantee we'll be back," Meyer said Saturday night. "The Florida Gators will be back smoking. I don't know when. I can't make that one yet. I've got to see how everybody responds, but we'll come back."
The Gators (4-2, 2-2 SEC) might have hit their bye week at just the right time. This week is a time to refocus and move on. Auburn sneaked into Florida Field two weeks ago and squeaked out a 20-17 victory on a last second field goal. Then against LSU, the Gators blew a 24-14 fourth-quarter lead and gave up two touchdowns in the final 10:15.
Instead of sulking, it seems Florida wants redemption. A chance to play for the SEC championship in Atlanta is not out of the question, especially this season when it seems any team can beat anybody else on any night – and that's not the usual coach-speak.
Think about this: Florida needs Tennessee to lose another SEC game for the Gators to control their own destiny. The Volunteers face Mississippi State (away), Alabama (away) and seventh-ranked South Carolina in their next three games.
Florida already beat Tennessee, 59-20. If the Volunteers lose any of those three games, things could line up for the Gators to face South Carolina Nov. 10 in Columbia with the SEC East title at stake.
First, No. 13 Florida needs to take care of its own business. It won't be a cakewalk, either. The Gators visit No. 17 Kentucky in two weeks. The Wildcats host LSU this weekend. Then Florida has Georgia and Vanderbilt before visiting South Carolina in the Gators' SEC regular season finale. It's not the perfect scenario but it's far from over for Florida.
"The team's future is still bright," said sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow, who rushed 16 times for 67 yards and a touchdown and completed 12 of 26 passes for 158 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. "We can still make it to Atlanta and win the SEC championship. We have to still believe in each other and the coaches and fight the rest of the season.
"It's been a tough week. Coming off the loss to Auburn – a game we felt we should have won. Then fighting back and getting ready for this game with a great game plan and playing well. We should have won. There's no doubt about it. We should have won. We've just got to finish the game. Play all four quarters."
Junior running back Kestahn Moore, who had only three carries for seven yards against Auburn, ran 12 times for 79 yards but had a costly fumble. He also caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt junior Cornelius Ingram also caught a touchdown pass. Ingram's TD reception with 5:16 left in the third put Florida ahead, 24-14. Sophomore Percy Harvin caught four balls for 58 yards.
LSU junior wide receiver Demetrius Byrd caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Matt Flynn with 10:15 left to cut Florida's lead to 24-21. Senior fullback Jacob Hester slammed in from two yards out with 1:09 remaining for the final margin.
"Florida was as talented of a team as we have played in my time here," said third-year LSU coach Les Miles. "Their receiving corps was big, strong and fast. Their running backs and Tebow played well. I give great credit to my opponents. We enjoyed that victory. Our football team is coming together.
"It happens at times when you say 'our defense just didn't stuff them.' Well, you know what? We are playing a great football team. Our defense played extremely well. Our offense was not in rhythm in the first half. I enjoy the character of this football team. Down the road, that is what will sustain this team – character."
Note: An LSU press release was used in this report.