Going into Florida’s matchup Saturday with Tennessee, Gator fans were sure they were on the slippery slope to irrelevancy. The Vols were openly talking about being “back” while we were pretty sure we weren’t.

Know this Gator fans: We’ve got a title to compete for!

I mean, we almost lost to Kentucky, who can’t beat anyone. Some experts said we were only the 12th best team in the conference. Pessimists and haters saw only two more wins on the schedule: Eastern Kentucky and maybe Vanderbilt. The coach is as good as fired.

Well well well, what a difference a win makes. Let’s just check out the new view of the SEC and the Gators prospect going forward:

Kentucky Win Looking Better

The Wildcats dropped the Gamecocks on Saturday night and looked pretty good doing it, getting clutch plays on offense and defense to seal the win. They are now 4-1 and clearly a much improved team. And we’ve already beaten them.

This program is changing. This seals the deal that things are looking up in Lexington! GREAT win for the Wildcats over USC 45-38! — WildcatBlueNation (@WildcatBlueNatn) October 5, 2014

Gators D is Getting Right

But but but … Alabama. The ‘Bama loss looked bad then and the Tide’s loss this weekend to Ole Miss, while highly personally satisfying, doesn’t really help the Gators. But that Gator loss was punctuated by monumental lapses in the defense. Saturday, the best news might be not that the Gators made big plays on defense, but they didn’t give up any big plays to Tennessee’s offense.

Don’t get it twisted about Florida’s run defense — strength of that unit. 39 yards on 10 carries for Hurd. 22 on 10 for Lane. — Richard Johnson (@RagjUF) October 4, 2014

Two Winnable Home Games

The Gators next two games are at home against LSU and Missouri. LS who? You know, the team that got destroyed on Saturday night. LSU’s blowout loss shows that they are certainly beatable. The Tigers gave up several big plays to Auburn, presenting an opportunity for Gator playmakers to step up. Missouri is ranked 23rd, has a 4-1 record and beat the Gamecocks on the road. But they couldn’t beat Indiana at home so that alone makes the Missouri game winnable.

This picture. RT @GatorZoneFB: Get ready #Gator fans, it’s going to be another Saturday night in the Swamp! #UFvsLSU pic.twitter.com/t4EYIYgU4Z — Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) October 5, 2014

Worry About Wins, Not the Polls

Isn’t it better that we play ranked teams? Shouldn’t we be ranked? Possibly maybe, but in the current playoff system, the Gators should consider SEC games as playoff rounds, regardless of the ranking. Win those, and we can get to Atlanta. Win the SEC Championship and we’ll have a rock-solid case for the playoffs. The polls will work themselves out, we just need to win.

Gus Malzahn: “I think it’s safe to say the SEC champion will be in the final four (CFB playoffs).” #SECMD14 — Antonya English (@TBTimes_Gators) July 14, 2014

Whatever happens, happens. LSU won’t be easy, they’ve got talent and they’ll be fired up after the loss, for sure. But know this Gator fans: We’ve got a title to compete for!