Florida Gators Football: Gator Fans, It's Not Time to Panic...Yet

In the midst of one the program's worst losing streaks in recent memory, the Florida Gators limp into the month of November after suffering losses to Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Georgia.

With the exception of the first halves in the Alabama and Georgia games, the Gators' offense has looked lost and the defense has been exposed in its run-stopping ability.

There just hasn't been much for Florida fans to get excited about. And naturally, the reaction has been panic.

It's easy to feel that way, though, when you look at the success during the past six years and then see the 4-4 record this year, which includes losses to two very average opponents in Georgia and Auburn.

But I write this as a plea to fans to not panic, just not yet anyway.

There's light at the end of the tunnel for the Gators this season. Their remaining four games consist of Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Furman and Florida State. All of those except for the South Carolina game will be played in Gainesville.

One has to expect the Gators to come out on top against Furman and most likely Vanderbilt, even though the Commodores have improved this season. Looking ahead to South Carolina and FSU, these two games could go either way for the Gators.

South Carolina lost arguably its biggest weapon, Marcus Lattimore, for the rest of the season. Lattimore was one of the biggest reasons the Gamecocks defeated Florida last season, and his absence this season could substantially improve Florida's chances of winning that football game.

Florida State will be a tough game, but with both teams playing below this year's expectations, anything can happen. But for Florida to win this one, it will take a perfect game from the Gators on both sides of the ball.

It is very realistic to expect the Gators to finish with, at best, a 7-5 record. Most likely, a 6-6 record.

And while it will be easy to panic after witnessing a season like this one, think of the situation the Gators have been put in.

Florida had to overcome adapting to an entire new coaching staff with the exception of an assistant or two. In addition to a new coaching staff, head coach Will Muschamp is getting his first year of head coaching experience in the SEC.

And with a new coaching staff comes a brand new system on both offense and defense for Florida. While some may underestimate the effects of changing both the offensive and defensive system, a change of that magnitude can take a couple of years to perfect through the players and coaching staff. 

As Muschamp and the rest of the coaching staff continue through the recruiting cycle, they will be able to bring in the players that they want for their offensive and defensive schemes. Having the appropriate style of players for a pro-style offense and 3-4 defensive scheme will go a long way for the Gators and their future success.

That is what the Gators are lacking right now—the right players for their current system. They have the athletes, but that doesn't always translate into success on the field.

The dismal season for the Gators so far in 2011 has not had any negative effect on recruiting. According to Rivals.com, the Gators have the fourth-ranked recruiting class in the nation, including one five-star prospect and 11 four-star prospects. A strong recruiting class for the Gators would be a significant source of hope moving forward from this season for Florida fans. 

It's currently tough times for Florida fans as the team moves through a transitional year. But with a young and energetic coaching staff, a strong 2012 recruiting class and the expected growth of the young talent currently on the Florida roster, maybe it's best not to panic...just yet.