Although the Gators (5-5) ended a three-game skid, the offensive shootout in the Swamp felt more like a loss than any outcome in embattled coach Dan Mullen's four years in Gainesville.
Florida gave up its most points (42) in a half against any opponent, and it came against a middle-of-the pack team from the Southern Conference...
...the Gators lacked energy, looked lost at times and trailed by as many as 14 points in a game they were favored to win by more than five touchdowns.
There's little doubt that losing to Samford (4-6) would have cost Mullen his job and left the Gators on the hook for his $12 million buyout.
...Mullen's future likely hinges on Florida's next two outings: at Missouri and at home against rival Florida State. Win them both and he gets a chance to turn things around in Gainesville. Lose one and athletic director Scott Stricklin likely would be searching for Mullen's replacement.
No one can look at Florida and see a program headed in the right direction. The Gators have dropped eight of their last 10 against Power Five teams and were on the ropes against a team from the Football Championship Subdivision.
Florida had won its previous four games against FCS opponents by a combined score of 199-16. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on five of their first six drives – with little resistance — and led 42-28 late in the second quarter.
Holy cow.
Samford's upset bid continued into the fourth with a successful onside kick that followed a touchdown. ...
THE TAKEAWAY
Florida: The biggest question: How long does Stricklin stick with Mullen, who led the Gators to three consecutive New Year's Six bowls? Mullen probably deserves a chance after one subpar season. However, mounting losses and Florida's lack of talent and recruiting prowess on both sides of the ball make it seem Mullen's departure is inevitable, whether it happens now, in the next few weeks or at some point next season.
God. Things are bad in Gainesville.
