SEC Power Rankings: Missouri Making a Move

Oct 5, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; The Florida Gators run onto the field before the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

7. Florida Gators

Record: 4-1 (3-0)

Previous Ranking: 6

Last Week: Florida 30, Arkansas 10

This Week: at #10 LSU

Next Week: at Missouri

Tyler Murphy’s season stats: 39-of-54, 530 yards, 72.2% completions, 9.82 yards per attempt, 5 TD, INT, 181.5 pass efficiency

He is no savior by any means, but the idea that somehow Florida is no longer a viable threat to Georgia because Jeff Driskel is out isn’t necessarily true. At least not to this point.

All of that could change this weekend if Murphy proves unable to handle LSU’s defense in Baton Rouge. LSU sports the SEC’s fourth best passing defense which has allowed only seven touchdowns via the air. And four of those were by Aaron Murray.

There is no question Florida’s defense is the best in the SEC, and it’s probably not that close, but none of that is going to mean anything if Murphy and the offense cannot generate enough offense. While Will Muschamp has been very positive about Murphy’s ability to manage the game and the offense, it is going to take more than just a well-managed game to beat LSU on the road. Can Murphy provide enough spark to make those big plays happen?