Florida’s reality check: Missouri exposes flaws that could derail Gators in crowded SEC race

The No. 8 Florida Gators entered Week 5 as one of the hottest teams in all of college football. With a statement win against Ole Miss under their belt and an offense that was averaging 53.5 points per game through the first month of the season, it was fair to suggest that Jon Sumrall had already re-established a proud Florida program to its desired status of SEC title contender.

With challenges left against Texas and Georgia, the job was far from done, but prior to Saturday, the belief around Gainesville was that this team could play with and score on almost anyone.

That context made Saturday's 45-17 loss at No. 25 Missouri not just a massive shock to those singing the praises of Sumrall and Florida's resurgence, but also a devastating reality check on this team's strengths and weaknesses against conference competition.

"We did not play to our standard," Sumrall said after the game. "Embarrassing performance in every phase. It starts with the coaching, it starts with me. I just told the guys in the locker room right now I expect everyone to be a man which means be accountable for your actions and own it. I'm going to start…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/