The Kiss Of Death?

Your Florida Gators are the overwhelming No. 1 in the Associated Press poll. That was not unexpected, but the Gators' margin over No. 2 Texas is a shock;

But the Gators are in a class by themselves, the most overwhelming preseason No. 1 in the history of the media poll.

Florida received 58 of the 60 first-place votes, or 96.7 percent. Texas got the other first-place votes.

The previous highest percentage of first-place votes for the AP preseason poll, which started in 1950, was 95.4 percent for USC in 2007. Those Trojans got 62 of 65 first-place votes -- and didn't play for the national title.

In comparison, the Coaches' Poll gave UF 53 of 59 (89%), with Texas getting four first-place votes and Oklahoma and USC picking up the remainders.

There are a few other points to consider; only 10 preseason No. 1s have won a National Championship. When UF was No. 1 in 1994 and 2001, those were the seasons of the "Choke at Doak" and Spurrier retiring after losing to Tennessee in the last regular season game. (Sweet Baby Jesus, please don't let UF lose to Tennessee or FSU this year.) Being No. 1 is no prize.

The article also notes that only once since 1950 has a team won three of four National Championships; 1994-95, 1997 Nebraska, who shared their last title with Michigan. Florida is trying to do the unthinkable. Every time that stat is mentioned this season, it should be a slap in the face for the Gators and the fanbase. This is not merely about winning and having the best team. This is about defeating the law of averages and having every bounce and injury go for the Gators.

I imagine most of you do not believe in jinxes or superstition like I do. You can read stories like this (BY A FREAKING GEORGIA GRAD!) and walk around with your chest popped out. I recoil in horror and say another prayer for the Gators. Let's just hope that the team ignores all the attempts to jinx them and keeps their eyes on the prize, avoiding the kiss of death.