2025 will be a season that Florida Gator fans are going to try and flush from their memory banks as almost nothing went right for Florida after opening night against Long Island. Florida entered the year as a potential playoff team and instead fired Billy Napier midway through the year.
2026 doesn't seem like it will have much hope either, depending on how the coaching search winds up, but Saturday night proved that at least in another lost season, the Florida Gators are not the biggest dumpster fire in the Sunshine State.
Florida dominates over FSU
Say what you will about whether or not the Gators gave up against Kentucky and Tennessee, but it was clear Florida had more juice to them and was the only team that looked like it cared in The Swamp.
Jadan Baugh ripped apart the Seminoles. He came into the game needing 96 yards rushing to hit 1,000 yards for the season. He had that before the end of the first half.
Florida hadn't scored 30 points since opening night against Long Island. They had that before the end of the third quarter.
Florida's defense had a couple of moments early on that they would like back, but they clamped down in the second half and squeezed the life out of the game.
And while Gator fans aren't enthusiastic about the current state of the coaching search, at least Florida isn't stuck with Mike Norvell for one more season.
Rivalry games matter in college football, even in a season lost like this. Four years ago, it was Dameon Pierce balling out despite having to play for an interim coach. His helmetless run is going to be remembered forever in Gator lore.
Baugh had his moment tonight and will forever be included in the montage reels that will play for years to come.
Florida may be a dumpster fire, but it isn't the biggest dumpster fire.
At least there was something to be thankful for this weekend.