The outcome of this week's game against Vandy was close to what most Gator fans wanted to see. Florida controlled the line of scrimmage, ran effectively, and covered the spread in their 38-14 win. The Gators also navigated/survived a number of circumstances that might have shifted the momentum to make the game much closer. Good teams do this with regularity. Florida hasn't reached the point of consistently shrugging off bad breaks and mistakes to quickly "right the ship". When bad things happen, especially in away games, the tendency has been to stagger around and collapse. This week, the Gators bounced back pretty quickly from giving up a first quarter 85-yard touchdown pass. They survived a 52-yard pass completion that placed Vandy at the Florida 7-yard line. They recovered from a turnover on a failed trick play. And... they overcame 70 yards in penalties. Clearly, the goal is to avoid these type things in the first place, but developing the ability to survive them is also progress.

The Gators are at the midpoint of the season with a 4-2 record despite facing good competition (three nationally ranked teams, two of them on the road). They are 2-1 and tied for second in the SEC East. Certainly, things to feel good about. The road ahead, however, is a very tough one. Florida will be the underdog in at least 5 of the 6 remaining regular season games. The nations #1 and #4 teams are among those ahead for the Gators. Florida will also face two additional teams that are, or have been, nationally ranked. The current cumulative record for Florida's remaining opponents is 24 and 10. To become the best, you have to play the best. It will be tough for Gator fans to maintain perspective through this gauntlet. Attaining bowl game eligibility will be a challenge.

The tough schedule provides Florida's young team opportunities for growth. A baptism by fire, of sorts, for the twelve TRUE freshmen on Florida's two-deep roster. The Gators are very young even beyond the freshmen playing. Twenty-eight of the forty-four players on the two-deep roster are sophomores or younger. Five non-freshman starters are transfers in their first year with the Florida program. Ricky Pearsall is the only senior starter on the team. If they survive, this team should be good the next two years.

This week’s highlights from a statistical perspective include a really effective running game for the Florida offense. The Gators rushed for 215 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per carry. This occurred without two offensive line starters and without Trevor Etienne. Graham Mertz continues to be among the nation's most efficient quarterbacks. The Florida defense, despite the two long pass plays mentioned earlier, was stout. Coming in to the game, Vandy was the best in the SEC in terms of third down conversions. This week, the Gators' defense allowed only 1 successful conversion on 13 third and fourth down plays.

South Carolina is a two-point favorite at home this week. Florida has another opportunity to move beyond the recent road game struggles and get a win that would make bowl eligibility much more attainable. Win or lose, this is an opportunity for the young Gators to compete with poise and focus in a hostile environment.