Florida football began the Jon Sumrall era with a bang, winning its first four games behind an explosive offense headlined by a Heisman Trophy candidate. Optimism was high in Gainesville as the Gator Nation reveled in the early-season success unseen in several years.
Then came the reality check over the next two games, in which Florida was outscored 83-36 in losses to Missouri and South Carolina, respectively. The Gators, who were at one point projected for a spot in the College Football Playoff, came crashing back down to earth.
After Week 6, USA TODAY Sports writer Jordan Mendoza once again included the Gators in his college football fraud alert column, in which he investigated some of the top programs that have not lived up to their billing
of late. Last week, he included the Orange and Blue after its blowout at Missouri, but concluded that Florida was not a fraud; this time around is a different story.
"Just when it appeared Jon Sumrall brought Florida back, the Gators take another big hit with SEC bottom-feeder South Carolina dominating in 'The Swamp' to hand back-to-back losses to Florida and push it out of the rankings," Mendoza notes.
He concludes that indeed this Gators team is, in fact, a fraud after their poor showing in the homecoming game.
"One of the biggest fraud showings so far, Florida is far from returning to the national conversation. It really starts with a suspect defense that can't stop anyone. Aaron Philo also has some growing to do (under) center, and it's resulted in a ton of people wanting to return the stock they bought in the Gators a few weeks ago. Florida may be guilty, but sadly, those eager buyers won't get their money back."
Sumrall and Co. have an opportunity to rebuild its stock this weekend in Austin, where they face a Texas team that is coming off a letdown against Oklahoma in the Red Rivalry game. A road win against a top-10 team would do wonders for the Gators as they seek a secure spot in the postseason.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Is Florida football a fraud? USAT issues its verdict after Week 6
