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SEC Notebook: Will Florida shake the 'dead' fish moniker against FSU?
If you were to listen to Jim McElwain's press conference, one would figure Florida was far from a 10-win team.
The Gators narrowly beat FAU in overtime this past weekend by a score of 20-14. Although Florida did win, the feeling emanating resembled that of a loss. The offense struggled against a 2-9 opponent hailing from Conference USA. While the defense did what it needed, the team as a whole sorely lacked both energy and excitement.
In fact, McElwain compared his team's energy to that of a dead fish. He didn't mince words when he said, "When you guys go to a seafood market and you see all of those dead fish on ice, that's the energy they're playing with right now. Think about that visual. How excited are you to hang out with that dead fish?"
This week, Florida is playing the perceived role as the underdog against in-state rival Florida State. Whether it's gamesmanship or his actual opinion, McElwain doesn't necessarily feel his team should be competitive.
"The guys next week are going to look at this and probably go on vacation, because they should beat the heck out of us."
Florida's injury situation doesn't help. The Gators will be down multiple defensive linemen -- including stars Alex McCalister and Jonathan Bullard. With a short-handed rotation up front, they'll be tasked with slowing super-sophomore back Dalvin Cook.
On the year, Florida State's dynamic athlete has rushed for 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns. He's also rushing at an 8.0 yards-per-carry clip. These statistics have led McElwain to referring to him as "a fire-breather, a glass-eater, and a difference-maker."
While Florida will still appear in the SEC Championship, the game has some serious implications.
For one, there's no question these are the top-two programs within the state. Both are fighting for some of the same recruits, and a victory for either side could sway a top prospect's mind one way or the other.
What LSU team will we see against A&M?
In less than a month, LSU went from being undefeated as ranked as the No. 2 team in the country, to potentially facing a fourth-straight loss -- and having its coach jettisoned out of Baton Rouge.
The recent amount of turmoil surrounding Les Miles and his program is fascinating. Leonard Fournette's Heisman Trophy candidacy has come to a screeching halt, and the Tigers have truly stagnated.
No one truly knows how LSU will play against Texas A&M, especially in light of the rumors swirling around Miles' job safety (or lack thereof).
Texas A&M is sitting at 8-3, coming off victories over Western Carolina and Vanderbilt, respectively.
LSU does present a considerable leap when it comes to talent and depth. After losing his job to freshman Kyler Murray, Kyle Allen regained his position -- throwing for 336 yards and a touchdown in the 25-0 blanking of Vanderbilt last week.
With Allen in tow, the Aggies lose Murray's ability to scramble for yardage. However, Allen's more proficient in throwing the football downfield, and also has an edge in overall experience.
Another added wrinkle to this contest is the public discord between current Aggies' defensive coordinator John Chavis and his former employer, LSU.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Chavis have a few tricks up his sleeve for the struggling LSU offense.
Quick hits:
In what could be Gary Pinkel's last game as head coach of the program, Mizzou will look to win its sixth game of the season -- becoming bowl-eligible in the process -- at Arkansas this weekend. Does South Carolina have any chance at upending No. 1 Clemson? If the Gamecocks do lose, they could ultimately be the third-best team in the state this season (behind Clemson and The Citadel).
