Forget Dan Mullen.
When Mullen left Florida for the head coaching gig at Mississippi State after last season, this weekend's matchup between the Gators and Bulldogs gained instant relevance as the battle between Urban Meyer and his former sidekick.
But recent events have changed the game's meaning.
After a lackluster showing last week against Arkansas, No. 2 Florida (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) has something to prove during its trip to Starkville.
The Gators were surpassed by Alabama for the top spot in the AP poll, and getting back on track for a run to a national title takes precedent over the family reunion.
"We won't be thinking about it while we're playing, but after the game we'll probably go up to them," tight end Aaron Hernandez said. "It won't be weird because they're an opponent, and they're in our way."
The Bulldogs (3-4, 1-2 SEC) don't appear as dangerous as the Razorbacks, but Florida has lost its last four trips to Starkville, and repeating last week's mistakes (four fumbles, 3 for 6 in the red zone) could certainly yield an upset.
Cleaning up that sloppy offensive performance will be a priority. Although Florida's offense ranks in the nation's top 11 for rushing, total yardage, scoring and pass efficiency, the unit has come under fire for uncreative play-calling and poor execution.
Getting receiver Deonte Thompson more involved in the passing game is also key, as Hernandez and receiver Riley Cooper have accounted for the majority of the team's receptions.
There's still room for improvement, but Hernandez doesn't think the offense should be held to the same standard as years past.
"I think we're not the offense that's going to be putting up points on one-play drives like [Thompson's 77-yard touchdown against Arkansas]," he said. "It's not going to happen that often. We're a team that's going to punish the ball, drive it down the field, run it and use play-actions. I don't think people should expect us to just come on the field and score on one play every drive."
The Bulldogs won't be a threat to score on one-play drives either. They've struggled in the passing game, ranking No. 104 in the nation, and quarterback Tyson Lee has tossed just three touchdowns against six interceptions.
But there is a bright spot.
Running back Anthony Dixon is tenth in the NCAA for rushing yards per game, spearheading a successful ground attack that averages 219 yards per game.
And Mullen should be able to game plan to stop UF's offense, seeing as how he helped construct it.
That goes both ways, though. Mullen brought elements of the Gators' attack with him to MSU, meaning Florida's defense will know what it's up against.
"When we do seven-on-seven pass skeleton (in practice), [MSU's offense] is basically the same thing when you watch it on film," cornerback Joe Haden said. "Coach Mullen brought the offense there. We basically have the same offense, so it's a lot easier."
