Florida Gators football reaction: Strong start changes expectations

With a 6-0 start and a No. 3 national ranking, SB Nation's Alligator Army thinks it might be time to look at the Florida Gators as what they are: A national title contender.

The actual problem is that fans now know that this team can win, and is very much ahead of schedule. Losing big won't do, and sliding in the second half won't do, but I wonder if three close losses to Carolina, UGA, and FSU would make fans feel like Florida overachieved or underachieved. I suspect it's the latter, and that's why I hope Florida ends up playing for a national title or something: These Gators have overachieved to get where they are, and deserve to be remembered as overachievers when all is said and done.

The Gators have made easy work of their opponents this season, with their defense to thank for the most part.

Florida has held opponents to 17 or less points in all but one game. In that game, against No. 23 Tennessee on Sept. 15, the Volunteers scored 20 points. Against LSU on Oct. 6, Florida allowed just six points in a 14-6 victory.

Now, with six games to go, Florida is prepping to for a run that might end with a shot at the National Championship.

The Gators now have their two toughest consecutive weeks of the season. Florida hosts No. 9 South Carolina on Saturday, and then hits the road next week to play No. 13 Georgia.

After games against Missouri, Louisiana-Lafayette and Jacksonville State, the Gators finish their season on the road against rival Florida State, which is ranked 12th in the nation right now.