The Florida Gators were a solid program under former head coach Steve Spurrier in the 1990s. Then, Urban Meyer took the Gators to new heights during the early 2000s, with Heisman winner Tim Tebow as quarterback. The Gators won national titles in 2007 and 2009 under Meyer.
In a recent edition of Late Kick Live, Josh Pate discussed a potential power shift in the SEC now that the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners are in the conference. He talked about how the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Florida, and the surrounding areas have historically been the power centers of the SEC.
However, Florida is not the program that it used to be. The last time that the program won 11 games was in 2019 under Dan Mullen.
Pate explained that an 18-year-old would not remember the Spurrier/ Meyer era of Florida football. It has been quite some time since Florida was competing for national titles every year.
He even called Florida a “wild card.”
“…Now, Florida is a wild card. If you are 18 years old, it’s been a little while since Florida’s been a national championship player in this sport,” Pate said. “A generation has gone by since Florida was a bona fide national championship contender.”
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier looks on before the game at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier looks on before the game at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
© Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
With Florida being the only SEC school in the state, Pate explained that they would not receive as much attention if the Gators had a terrible season. The other major programs in the state are the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes.
“…That’s the only SEC school in the state,” Pate said. “So if Florida’s not doing anything, folks in Miami and Orlando are not talking about the SEC nearly as much, fractionally as much, if Florida’s good. …If Florida’s good, it is in its own world. It’s like a little independent world, little independent bubble even within the SEC.”
Florida opens the year with the Miami on Aug. 31. Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Josh Pate
Josh Pate Makes Bold Prediction On Which Two Teams Could Dominate The SEC
Read More
START CONVERSATION
Follow Athlon Sports on YouTube
Need more sports to feed your inner fan? Visit Athlon Sports on YouTube and subscribe today!
Josh Pate
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Josh Pate Makes Bold Prediction On Which Two Teams Could Dominate The SEC
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Missouri Tigers Land Game Changing Recruit in Big Commitment Announcement
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Maryland Police Share New Details of Khyree Jackson’s Fatal Crash
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Elite Recruit Commits to Ohio State, Leaves Texas, USC in the Dust
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Offers Condolences to Khyree Jackson After Tragic Death
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Oregon HC Shared Heartfelt Message On Passing Of Former Player
Sponsored Stories
Chicago’s Barbie and Chen are unstoppable
Chicago’s Barbie and Chen are unstoppable
The dynamic duo combined for 60 points in ths Sky’s upset win over the Seattle Storm
David Pollack has heartfelt message for Lee Corso after milestone pick
David Pollack has heartfelt message for Lee Corso after milestone pick
David Pollack had a touching message for ESPN’s Lee Corso after his 400th College GameDay pick.
Follow Athlon Sports on Google News
Stay updated with the most interesting sports stories, analysis, and breaking news for the NFL, NBA, college football, college basketball, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Athlon Sport
