FL has never had enough confidence in their program to travel outside of the south and play out-of-conference games against other top programs. Look at USC and who they play OOC - Virginia Tech, Auburn, Arkansas, Nebraska, etc.
Look at Florida - W. Kentucky, Troy, etc. Man up, travel past the mason-dixie line, and play a big boy schedule if you want the respect.
You so happen to leave out Florida State who usually is a National Power and the likes of the Miami Hurricanes who they play next year on top of playing in the toughest conference in college football consistently YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT.
If Florida played in the PAC-10 (no complete disrespect as this year they seem to be much improved early on), they probably could take the chance to play other schools. However going undefeated in the SEC is extremely difficult. Not only from all the great coaches and players but the fans are rabid like no other, these SEC night games on the road are brutal, when you have to show up week in and week out and dont have any weeks off during your conference and then have to play a conference championship game.....It is BRUTAL. So, when talking about weaker schedules, Florida should NEVER be included in that list.
Hell, in order for Florida to go undefeated this year they will not only have to go through the daunting SEC schedule but they will have to beat LSU at LSU at night and then beat them again in the conference championship game. You think USC could do that? Im sure you do because USC can do no wrong but I highly doubt it.
The bottom line is people are not giving the Gators much respect at belonging with the top teams at all and actually for them that is the perfect situation to be in. Just like last year when no one thought they should be in the title game. It should be Michigan or USC or some Big East team. Basically anyone but them. But Florida showed how good they really were.
Now people dont give them much respect again. They did lose a lot on defense. Tons. They just reloaded. Top talent every year under the best coached team in college. Yes, Urban Meyer is the best coach. Florida has the best offense---however their D is a big question. Next year may be their year but I wouldnt say they couldnt compete with the best this year.
Their offense just isnt Tim Tebow. Everyone talks about Tebow. However they have just unbelievable playmakers all over. They have a veteran, solid O-line.
Percy Harvin--one of the best playmakers in college football
Ingram--just a freak that no one talks about
Caldwell--stud
Louis Murphy--actually the fastest guy on the team..you will hear his name
Cooper---just flat out speed
Brandon James---speed
There are several other studs here that cannot even get on the field. Oh, and of course, Tebow. You just cannot cover all these guys. Its impossible. The only way you can is if Florida's offense itself self-destructs. They have guys that can easily take it the distance at any moment all over the field yet people focus on Tebow. This is the best offense in college football...no doubt.
Florida may not be the best team in the Nation this year but they belong and they could play with anyone.