Clearly, Florida's big win over Tennessee is an important milestone in the Gator’s rebuilding project. Maintaining perspective, however, should be a priority for all Florida fans. The team is still very much a work in progress with plenty of work left to be done. The Utah loss in week one and the Tennessee win this week are both steps along this path. Still…it’s good to pause and celebrate. It's great to be a Florida Gator.

Perhaps the most critical benefit to this win is the reduction of the “noise in the system”. More optimism and, hopefully, a renewed fan and media commitment to patience and trusting the process. Positive energy around any program fuels recruiting success and recruiting success (in time) brings on the field wins. Florida’s 2024 recruiting class is looking very good to date. Currently ranked as one of the top 5 in the nation, this recruiting cycle has the potential of finishing as Florida’s best since the Tebow/Spikes/Harvin class twenty years ago.

There is cause for enthusiasm around the improved depth and play in both the offensive and defensive lines. The number of young players, on both sides of the ball, seeing extensive action and delivering good outcomes is a real high point. Graham Mertz has shown why Billy Napier and staff went and got him in the transfer portal. Poise and consistency at QB was a need and he has provided both.

The Gator defense, despite it's youth, has earned a much higher level of trust and confidence than the defenses over the last several seasons. Through three games, Florida has the best stats in the SEC for missed tackles with only 19. Other than failing on five “third and long” situations in the second half of the Tennessee game, this defense has delivered. The aggressive style of play, especially from the linebackers and safeties has been a key.

Special teams play is a continuing area of concern for this year’s team. Florida has left too many points on the table and killed momentum with missed field goals and other special team's gaffes.

The last 9 seconds of the Tennessee game provided a disappointing end to what had been a game where Florida leveraged an advantage in focus and poise. Unfortunately, Josh Heupel’s poor decision to use Tennessee’s last time out while down 13 points, without the ball, and with only nine seconds remaining opened the door for unnecessary conflict. While Heupel’s decision and the ensuing personal foul on a Tennessee player were the triggers, the impulsive physical response by several Gator players was a backwards step. The officials had already flagged the Tennessee infraction and the game was over. The consequence of the fighting is three Gator players (all starters) will have to sit out the first half of the UNC Charlotte game this week. Truly disappointing that these players allowed themselves to be so easily drawn into Tennessee’s own lack of composure. It was also puzzling to hear some Florida fans attempt to justify the behavior with, “they started it”. I’m confident the Florida coaching staff is looking forward, as a part of the new team culture, to reaching the point where players place team goals ahead of their own instant gratification.

This week’s home game against the UNC Charlotte 49ers provides an opportunity for the Gators to maintain the forward momentum on offense and defense while also cleaning up special teams play ahead of the big September 30th game AT Kentucky.