Florida is coming off one of the worst seasons seen in Gainesville in some time, and it is not solely because the rival Seminoles from Florida State ended the season celebrating a BCS national championship. The Gators ended the season with a record of 4-8, the first losing season since going 0-10-1 in 1979 and missing out on the postseason for the first time since 1990. The offense stunk. The defense struggled in key moments. Did Will Muschamp quickly lose grip of the reigns of the Florida program? Not if you ask Muschamp.
“When we won 11 games (two years ago), my energy and passion were my strength,” Muschamp told The Orlando Sentinel this week. “Now that we went 4-8, we’re out of control.”
Muschamp’s comment was in reaction to quotes from a former Florida player, Jonothan Harrison, suggesting players let tempers boil over and Muschamp was unable to calm things down before fighting between players would break out. Florida became a bit of a punching bag last season, a year after winning 11 games and playing in the Sugar Bowl, but Muschamp understands how the college football world turns.
“When you’re 4-8, people are going to take shots at your program,” Muschamp said. “I understand that.”
Florida is not likely to stay down for very long, although Muschamp does have some work to do to get the Gators chomping again.
Helmet sticker to Saturday Down South.