Children, pull up a chair and let me tell you a story of the most fanciful thing to happen on a football field.
Florida lost, and Kentucky’s one win away from an outright SEC East lead
It’s 2016, just roll with it.
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Nah, Florida’s offense sucked and they lost on the road to NovemBert and the Arkansas Razorbacks, 31-10
Things got off to an inauspicious start after a pick-six on the very first offensive play of the game for the Gators put Florida behind the eight-ball early. The best offense the Gators actually did get was from the defense — again. Florida finished the game with 12 (t-w-e-l-v-e) rushing yards against one of the worst rushing defenses in the nation. DB Duke Dawson’s 37-yard interception return stood as the only points Florida had in the first half. It’s the same old song and dance for the Gators.
But with the loss, comes opportunity for the Kentucky Wildcats.
No, it’s not the twilight zone. Kentucky would be 5-2 in the SEC East if they can beat a Georgia team that’s sputtering right now. Florida is currently 4-2, though the Gators do have the head-to-head tiebreaker there and retain a good chance to win the division.
The SEC East is bad:
By average S&P+ slot, the division is incrementally better than it was last year. But it was the worst Power 5 division in 2015, too, and its gains don’t hold up relative to the rest of the country’s major conferences.
It’s the worst Power 5 division, it’s been the worst Power 5 division, and the team that may wake up tomorrow leading it is ranked No. 62 in the S&P+ rankings adjusted for opponent.
For Florida, a loss isn’t the end of the world. The Gators still own a head-to-head tiebreaker over Kentucky atop the East if both teams end with two conference losses, and it’s unlikely they won’t still get to Atlanta for the SEC’s title game.
The win is huge for Arkansas, as well.
The Hogs hadn’t shown up at all in their games against elite opponents to date. The Razorbacks’ best wins had come against TCU and Ole Miss, neither of whom looks great right now. Every great team the Hogs have faced have steamrolled them: 45-24 against Texas A&M, 49-30 against Alabama, and 56-3 against Auburn. They needed a change of pace, and now they’ve gotten one.
Now, things look better. Factoring in a strong ending to last season, the Hogs have won 12 of their last 16 games, after winning 12 of 31 upon Bielema’s arrival for the 2013 season. The huge losses to Alabama, A&M, and Auburn are what they are, but beating Florida is a statement of some progress. It’s important for the Hogs.
November is when Bret Bielema makes his biggest mark, and he’s off to a great start this year.
See More:
