Florida up to No. 16 in coaches’ poll; No. 19 in AP poll

The Gators moved up to No. 16 in the newly released USA Today coaches’ poll and No. 19 in the latest AP poll. Florida was previously slotted at No. 23 in both polls.

Florida’s stock rose after shutting out North Texas on Saturday. The Gators’ defense was smothering, record setting, and now sits atop the FBS rankings for total defense. The Gators moved up seven places in the coaches’ poll, and four spots in the AP poll. Florida also benefited from three teams that were ranked above them exiting or sinking in the polls - Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Oregon all dropped out of the coaches’ poll after suffering losses. Notre Dame and Oregon also exited the AP rankings; only Oklahoma remains there at No. 25.

The Gators have yet to face the five currently ranked teams on their schedule, but will meet their first one soon, as Florida meets Tennessee this week in Knoxville with College GameDay on hand. The other ranked opponents on Florida’s schedule are: Florida State, who slid down to No. 14 in the coaches’ poll and No. 13 in the AP poll after having its own record setting day against Louisville, Georgia (No. 12 in AP & No. 11 in the coaches’ poll), Tennessee (No. 14 in AP & No. 12 in coaches’ poll), Arkansas (No. 17 in AP poll & No. 18 in coaches’ poll) and LSU (No. 18 in AP & No. 17 in coaches’ poll).