HOOVER, Ala. - No matter how high everyone else's expectations are for Florida in 2009, the Gators aren't changing their goal.
UF was picked as the nation's preseason No. 1 team by every major college football magazine, but rather than set their sights on an undefeated season or a third national title in four years, the Gators are focused on winning the Southeastern Conference.
"Expectation as far as the season, our goal is the same as it was in 2005, and that is we want to do everything we can to get to Atlanta," coach Urban Meyer said. "We wake up every morning to try to achieve that goal."
Quarterback Tim Tebow backed up that statement by saying that if Florida can win the SEC, he feels they'll get a chance to play in the BCS Championship Game.
Keeping their eyes locked on what would be Meyer's third SEC crown is one of the ways the Gators are trying to avoid getting caught up in the hype. Following the 2006 title, complacency was an issue, and a diminished work ethic contributed to a disappointing 9-4 year.
This year, there are much higher expectations. Florida outscored opponents by more than 30 points per game in 2008, and the entire two-deep roster on defense returns. Add in a pretty weak non-conference schedule and the fact that the SEC is not as talented as in past years, and the Gators are set up nicely for a repeat.
Part of Meyer's plan is to work the players hard enough that they won't have time to read their press clippings. He wants this offseason to be the toughest ever at UF, a job he said strength coach Mickey Marotti is accomplishing.
Still, it's foolish to think that another national championship and unblemished record isn't on the players' minds.
"We are focused on winning the SEC Championship," linebacker Ryan Stamper said. "I'd be lying if I said the national championship hasn't crossed my mind, but we know if we win the SEC our chances to play for the national championship are much higher."
Tebow's desire to go undefeated was clear after losing to Ole Miss last season, when he apologized to fans for not accomplishing that feat. But that game highlighted something else, too.
Florida is not invincible, and the Rebels laid out a blueprint for success against the Gators. UF seemed to have that game in hand at halftime, but two quick turnovers in the second half turned the game around.
"They've got speed all over the field, so they're going to make plays," Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt said. "Limit those plays. You've got to play great defense. Limit those big plays. Win the turnover margin, gives you a chance to win the game. I think those are the two biggest factors."
