Power ranking the SEC after week four: Shakeup near bottom, stability up top

We're beginning to get a much better idea of who some teams are, but some SEC football teams remain shrouded in mystery.
Sep 21, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Jahdae Walker (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons
Sep 21, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Jahdae Walker (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
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Power ranking the SEC after week 4 - #15: Florida Gators

. . . 15. 526. b. . . Previous ranking: 15.

Florida is now at 2-2 through four games. Looking at the rest of their schedule, though, the prospect of finishing bowl-eligible is pretty dim at this point.

Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway continue to share reps at the QB spot, even when it doesn’t quite make sense to swap them out. Lagway is becoming more comfortable, but is still clearly pretty raw. Mertz’s veteran recognition and ability to read defenses sets him apart as likely their best chance to win, but Lagway is clearly the future.

The run defense in particular is still such a struggle for the Gators. Their inability to play coherently will likely cost them in a big way in their upcoming matchup against UCF, who runs Gus Malzahn’s idiosyncratic rush scheme with KJ Jefferson at quarterback. Pray for those linebackers, is what I’m saying.

Their best chances for wins are probably UCF (who they’ll have after a bye this week), Kentucky, and LSU. By “best” I mean more than about a 20% chance, to be clear.