GAINESVILLE — Louisiana State University is undefeated, but its fans aren't happy. Florida has just one loss but the sky could be falling among Gator followers.
Such is the way programs such as these two are measured -- where national championships and SEC titles are the common goal. At 7:30 p.m. (ESPN), the two teams play what amounts to a probable elimination game in some respects. A loss puts one or the other completely out of any dreams of somehow sneaking into the national title picture in December. A win makes things look just a little bit better.
LSU (5-0) beat Tennessee 16-14 last week, but not until miserable clock management almost cost the Tigers the win. If the Vols had not had 13 players on the field at the end of the contest, LSU fans would almost certainly be calling for Les Miles' firing this week.
Instead, the Tigers got a reprieve and still are in the SEC West hunt. Florida turned the ball over four times at Alabama in a 31-6 loss last week and the Gators are almost certainly out of any national title hopes. All UF can hope for now is to win the East and get a rematch with the Tide in the SEC Championship Game.
In other words, a win will go a long way toward healing wounds on both sidelines.
Miles' biggest worry, besides his own coaching staff's issues with managing the game, could be Florida's speed on defense.
"They have great speed," he said. "You obviously have to know where you are throwing the football. It's a place where you have to be careful because if you put the ball up in the air and let it hang too long it can be in the opponent's hands."
Both teams are solid on defense and searching for offense.
UF ranks second in the SEC in total defense, allowing 291 yards per outing. LSU is first (246.6). The Gators are allowing 109.2 yards rushing, LSU is giving up just 79.
But on offense, UF ranks just 84th nationally (ninth in the league) in total offense (339.8 yards per game). LSU is 91st (326.6).
The Tigers are alternating Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee at quarterback while the Gators' John Brantley had a pair of interceptions at Alabama.
"(Jefferson is) really athletic, can run and he can break the pocket," Gators defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. "He can break us down and make some plays that aren't there. So, consequently, you have to make sure when you rush, you keep him corralled. When you go to tackle him, you have to put a body on him almost like a running back.
"Lee is more of a classic drop back passer, has god arm strength, has pretty good accuracy. It's like preparing for different guys."
LSU's Stevan Ridley leads the SEC in rushing with 111.4 yards per contest while NCAA 100-meter champion Jeff Demps of Florida is No. 8 in the league (82.8) but has been battling a sprained foot.
Despite all the negative attention the Tigers got for the near debacle against UT, Miles sees good things ahead.
"I think this team is a pretty special team," he said. "I think our players love LSU. They love representing the state, the city. I don't think there's ever been a question there. I only hope that there is no perimeter distraction involving the coach."
Miles probably needs a win more than anyone tonight, to lighten the volume of complaints. Florida could use a victory, as well, to ease concerns of where the offense is heading. The Gators have struggled for consistency.
"We can't be dwelling on licking our wounds from Alabama anymore," UF offensive lineman Carl Johnson said. "It's time to move on."
Adds linebacker Brandon Hicks: "A team is only as good as how they bounce back and how they stick together. I think this is like that one punch that knocked us out and opened our eyes and makes you feel like, 'OK, we can be beaten, and this is it.' "
Both teams looked very human -- and very beatable -- last week. Tonight could go a long way in helping one side feel much better about itself.
"The thing that we want our team to do is go on the road and play just the way we play and eliminate the mistakes and turnovers," Miles said. "If we make plays, just make the plays that we are capable of making, we will be very happy with the outcome."
