In the decade since Urban Meyer left Florida, the program stumbled through some distinct lows. Florida endured a pair of four-win seasons, a historic loss to Georgia Southern and the generally unmemorable tenures of Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain.
Along the way, the Gators lost something worse than games – the program’s identity. Long associated with swashbuckling offenses, charismatic coaches and pinball scoreboards, Florida football became a bit boring. The program of Steve Spurrier’s Fun ‘n’ Gun, Meyer’s spread and Tim Tebow’s Promise had blended into the college football backdrop.
Even when Florida won under Muschamp and McElwain – the Gators appeared in two SEC title games during that stretch – they lacked the familiar and endearing panache.