Florida running back Mike Gillislee (23) is seen in this file photo.Steve Spurrier coached Florida to six Southeastern Conference football championships and one national title nearly a generation ago, while Urban Meyer more recently guided the Gators to two national championships in a three-year stretch.
The high-water mark for current Florida coach Will Muschamp is on a smaller scale. In the final three minutes and 13 seconds of last week’s game at Texas A&M, Muschamp took great pleasure in watching his Gators run out the clock in clinching a 20-17 win over the Aggies.
“It’s the happiest moment in Florida history for me,” Muschamp said afterward.
Florida’s transition to a pro-style offense from the spread that Meyer employed is showing tangible signs of productivity as the No. 18 Gators prepare for another road trip this week at No. 23 Tennessee.
The Gators are averaging 181 rushing yards a game this season behind senior tailback Mike Gillislee after averaging 143 yards a game last year, when they were led by the diminutive but speedy tandem of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Rainey is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Demps is on injured reserve with the New England Patriots.