No. 11 Florida undefeated after 4 games again

Players and coaches don't expect it to happen again. They insist there's a completely different feeling this time around — stemming from more talent and experience, increased confidence, late-game success, a developing quarterback and several key players returning from injury.

"We are a better team," Florida coach Will Muschamp said following Saturday's 38-0 win against Kentucky. "We are a more physical team on both lines of scrimmage. I think we're deeper and more mature, and I think we handle things a lot better. We are a year older and more experienced, and I think all of those things factor in when you're dealing with young guys.

"I think we are a more talented team than we were a year ago in some critical spots, but we have to continue to press forward because we are not where we want to be."

The 11th-ranked Gators are off this week before hosting No. 3 LSU on Oct. 6. Games against No. 6 South Carolina (Oct. 20) and fifth-ranked Georgia (Oct. 27) also loom next month.

But Florida feels it's better equipped to handle the tough slate.

"Last October was rough," quarterback Jeff Driskel said. "We don't really like to mention that around here. It was definitely a tough time, but we're really confident going in this year and we feel like we can really close out. Last year we got outscored by these guys tremendously in the second half and in the fourth quarter, and we've shown this year we're really a second-half team and can really finish in the fourth quarter."

Florida has been stout at times, even dominating Texas A&M and Tennessee down the stretch on the road. The Gators have outscored opponents 64-13 in the second half, including 34-0 in the fourth quarter, this season.

Driskel continues to make progress. The sophomore is keeping plays alive with his feet and maintaining eye contact with receivers while scrambling. He has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 698 yards, with four touchdowns and an interception. He also has 148 yards rushing and a score.

Senior Mike Gillislee has been the offense's main threat, running for 402 yards and five touchdowns behind an improving line.