GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Will Muschamp has been on both sidelines of the Florida-Georgia rivalry. He’s only experienced one side of it, though: the losing end. Florida’s head coach went 0-4 as a player at Georgia, dropping all four meetings between 1991 and 1994. He’s 0-2 with the Gators, losing both games in similar, turnover-filled fashion. His next chance at a victory comes Saturday, when the Gators (4-3, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) and Bulldogs (4-3, 3-2) meet in nearby Jacksonville for the 78th time in the last 81 years. Muschamp made it clear this week that being winless in the series these days carries far more weight than going 0-for-ever two decades ago. ”None of it is fun, but certainly being here at the University of Florida and understanding the importance of this game to us and our people, we need to get a win,” he said. Muschamp could use a victory to stave off growing criticism. Although athletic director Jeremy Foley said recently that Muschamp’s not going anywhere, questions have increased as to how long Muschamp will get to turn things around in Gainesville. The Gators have three losses by November for the second time in three years. Injuries have played a significant role in this year’s struggles. Florida has eight players out for the season, including quarterback Jeff Driskel, disruptive defensive tackle Dominique Easley, running back Matt Jones, right tackle Chaz Green and dynamic kick returner Andre Debose. The Gators also were without three defensive starters – Ronald Powell, Damien Jacobs and Darrin Kitchens – in a 36-17 loss at Missouri two weeks ago. And they will be without starting left tackle D.J. Humphries, who sprained a knee ligament in practice Monday, against the Bulldogs. ”Anybody with a shred of intelligence can see the situation,” Muschamp said. Maybe so, but Florida ranks in triple digits in total offense for the third consecutive year. And Muschamp’s defense is coming off a 500-yard performance against No. 10 Missouri, the program’s worst outing since 2007. ”That’s a one-time thing,” linebacker Michael Taylor said. ”I can guarantee you that won’t happen again.” No one is guaranteeing a victory Saturday. Florida hasn’t dropped three in a row in the storied series since 1989, the year before Steve Spurrier returned to his alma mater. Spurrier put extra emphasis on the border-state rivalry – and the results showed. The Gators went 11-1 against Georgia under Spurrier, and little changed after his departure. Former coaches Ron Zook (2-1) and Urban Meyer (5-1) posted winning records against the Bulldogs…
Continue Reading: Muschamp only knows losing side of Florida-Georgia
