Lying In the Weeds - A 2011 Florida Gator Football Preview

For the first time in quite a while, the University of Florida's football team doesn't have a bulls-eye directly on its logo. There's no quarterback every opponent hates, few offensive linemen that has pro scouts drooling. The coaching staff no longer boasts a head coach with two National Championships.They no longer reign as the highest ranked team - even in their own state.

No, for the Gators, its a strange sensation to be just one of the guys. There's no pressure of being the heavy favorites to represent the SEC East in the Conference Championship(although in Gainesville there's always pressure to win - even if its not expected). The flavor of the month is now Steve Spurrier's Cocks of Carolina. Rivals are checking them off as a W after spending over half a decade under Florida's shoe.

It's happened to Tennessee and Georgia - once major football powers now slumming around with the likes of Vandy and Kentucky. Could it possibly be happening to Gator Nation?

As Lee Corso once said, "Not so fast, my friend."

Florida still boasts some of the best talent in the nation and with defensive guru Will Muschamp at the helm along with offensive genius (and four time Super Bowl champion coach) Charlie Weis, they offer some of the best coaches in the country to go with that talent.

[Original Post: http://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators/2011/9/1/2397119/lying-in-the-weeds-a-2011-florida-gator-football-preview]