For the University of Florida, reality is named Missouri.
For two years now, it has been the Missouri Tigers who have revealed to the Gators who they really are. Unfortunately. Saturday, we will see if it can happen again.
Last year, for instance, Florida was 4-2, and everything seemed to be correctable. And then Missouri came into Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, and everything changed. Missouri won 42-14, and the Gators limped to a 7-5 finish that cost head coach Will Muschamp his job.
Two years ago, Florida was 4-1 and ranked 22nd in the nation. But Missouri beat the Gators 36-17, and Florida did not win another game. Seven straight defeats followed. Florida has only recently returned to the top 20.
This time, the Gators are on a hot streak when they visit Missouri. They’re 5-0 and ranked 11th. Missouri is 4-1, having suffered only an upset loss to Kentucky. Much of the pregame conversation is likely to surround quarterback Will Grier, who has played well. But linebacker Antonio Morrison was this week’s SEC defensive player, making 16 tackles (five unassisted) against Ole Miss and making 3.5 tackles for loss (including half a sack). Morrison was also named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.
Freshman Drew Lock leads the Tigers, who as usual have a good pass rush. The standout is defensive end Charles Harris.
