SEC Power Rankings: Alabama, Missouri and a Mess After

Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Florida Gators running back

(21) reacts after dropping a pass during the second half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

8. Florida Gators

Record: 4-3 (3-2)

Previous Ranking: 7

Last Week: Missouri 36, Florida 17

This Week: Bye

Next Week: vs Georgia (in Jacksonville)

Injuries were a problem for Florida’s defense, no question. A fully healthy Florida defense probably does not allow 36 points to a Missouri team that was starting their backup quarterback. However, they probably still do not win that game anyway.

Florida’s offense is a mess. One can blame the quarterback position for the ineptness of the offense but this goes all around for the Gators. Who are the receivers on this team that can make big plays? Why can’t the offensive line protect the quarterback, let alone open holes in the run game? Kevin Taylor had some solid runs but could do nothing in the fourth quarter when the Gators needed to make a move.

At some point this is more about coaching. We know high-level talent is coming to Florida, but that talent is not manifesting itself on the offensive end. Either the coaching staff isn’t putting those players in the right position to succeed or the coaching staff is recruiting the wrong players for their system.

The injury excuse will only get you so far. Eventually, Will Muschamp’s employment status is going to come into question.