Sept. 24, 2016 - For the first time in 12 seasons, Tennessee finally beats Florida, shifting the balance of power in the SEC East.
Oct. 29, 2016 - It doesn't matter.
Toss a Gators jersey on the Rock, because those three words may as well be the defining sentence of Florida's season. Whatever situation comes Florida's way, it doesn't seem to matter, as they are on course for a second straight SEC East title.
Loss to Tennessee?
After the Volunteers completed their epic 21-point comeback over the Gators to finally beat their bitter rival in late September, they seemed destined for the SEC Championship game. Since that day, Tennessee has imploded, winning over Georgia on a hail mary before dropping three straight games. While losses to Texas A&M and Alabama are understandable, Saturday's defeat at South Carolina is inexcusable, and has the Volunteers two games behind Florida in the standings.
Questionable offense?
Florida's offense ranks 61st in the country, but when your defense allows a paltry 12 points per contest, it doesn't matter. The Gators' defense has accounted for nine touchdowns on the season, and hasn't allowed an opposing quarterback to hit the 150-yard mark in three straight games. Geoff Collins' dominant unit doesn't need much from the offense, just enough production to give the defense a break in-between drives.
Losing a home game due to a Hurricane?
Hurricane Matthew forced the cancellation of Florida's Oct. 8 home game against LSU, a matchup that All-American Leonard Fournette would have missed due to injury. The only way LSU would agree to the game is if the Gators agreed to lose the home-field advantage and travel to Baton Rouge on Nov. 19. Florida relented, and the game is on for Tiger Stadium, with a healthy Fournette likely waiting. Provided Florida wins at Arkansas next weekend and at home versus South Carolina the following week, the outcome of the Tigers game won't matter in the standings.
Having to face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game?
Look, nobody expects anybody to beat Alabama anyway, so when the Gators inevitably get smoked by the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship game, it won't really matter. If two seasons under Jim McElwain bring two east division crowns, Gators fans will be very pleased, given the results under the previous regime.