Nobody expects Florida to hit the heights the Gators did the last two seasons in winning back-to-back national championships.
But exactly what to expect of the Gators, who replace the top six scorers and top four rebounders from last season, is difficult to determine.
Their non-conference schedule had them playing 14 of their 15 games within the state borders, where they lost only to Florida State, and their only venture north of the state line resulted in a 13-point defeat at Ohio State.
The Gators bounced back from that defeat with one of their more impressive efforts of the season, an 86-69 rout of Temple in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., and they followed that with an 88-70 victory over High Point in their last pre-SEC tune-up.
The final score might indicate the Gators pretty much had their way against High Point, but after leading the visitors by 16 points at halftime, they were clinging to a five-point advantage just a little more than seven minutes into the second half.
An 8-1 run over the next couple of minutes got Florida’s lead back into double digits, and the Gators eventually led by 23 points before settling for the final 18-point margin.
It was a victory, but not one that inspires a lot of confidence as league play begins with the Gators on the road for three of their first five SEC games.
Florida takes on Auburn this Saturday, January 12, at high noon. Go to RaycomSports.com to find your local affiliate listing.
