The Florida Gators were ranked No. 11 in the first College Football Playoff Ranking of 2016. Florida’s ranking is lower than they are currently ranked in the Associated Press (9) and Coaches Polls (10), but are still in a position to play their way into a New Year’s Six bowl game or the playoff.
“We definitely have a stretch coming up, but one of the main things coach Mac preaches is just finish, so you just have to take it week by week, day by day and win each day,” senior defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. said.
Two of the Gators final four opponents are currently ranked in the poll — LSU came in at 13 and Florida State at 22.
Florida has a two-game lead in the SEC East and would have the opportunity to play in the SEC Championship game against the winner of the West division. Alabama (8-0) is No. 1 in the CFP rankings, Texas A&M (7-1) is ranked No. 4 and Auburn (6-2) is ranked 9.
Holding the Gators back is likely their strength of schedule. The Gators have not beaten a ranked team this season, and its loss to Tennessee looks worse and worse as the Vols continue to nose dive with three consecutive losses. Still, Florida is in the same position they were in last year after the initial ranking. Take care of business on Saturday and they would end up as one of the final four teams playing for a National Championship.
College Football Playoff Rankings (Nov. 1, 2016)
1. Alabama (8-0)
2. Clemson (8-0)
3. Michigan (8-0)
4. Texas A&M (7-1)
5. Washington (8-0)
6. Ohio State (7-1)
7. Louisville (7-1)
8. Wisconsin (6-2)
9. Auburn (6-2)
10. Nebraska (7-1)
11. Florida (6-1)
12. Penn State (6-2)
13. LSU (5-2)
14. Oklahoma (6-2)
15. Colorado (6-2)
16. Utah (7-2)
17. Baylor (6-1)
18. Oklahoma State (6-2)
19. Virginia Tech (6-2)
20. West Virginia (6-1)
21. North Carolina (6-2)
22. Florida State (5-3)
23. Western Michigan (8-0)
24. Boise State (7-1)
25. Washington State (6-2)