GAINESVILLE — The memories of John Brantley slowly seem to be fading into the abyss. With a 3-0 start to the 2012 season, the Florida Gators seem to be on their way back to the top of college football's elite.
Florida's season started shaky in the first half against Miami, but the Gators used a second-half shutout against the Hurricanes on way to a 32-14 victory.
The Gators went 10 quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown starting in the second half against Miami. It provided the jump start to Florida's 3-0 start which also included a 38-3 win over then No. 7 West Virginia and a 37-28 win at Texas A&M.
Florida's schedule doesn't get any easier from here out however.
The Gators travel to Tennessee this week for a matchup with the up and coming Volunteers. After a few down years, the Volunteers seem to be making their way back into the fold for contenders in the SEC.
Florida coach Will Muschamp was asked about Florida's chances.
"Obviously, they're a very fundamentally sound football team," Muschamp said. "We like to base our team around defense and so far this year we've played the way I expect us to play. Play ball like that the rest of the year and last year's far in the rear view."
Jeff Driskel has led the team to the 3-0 start with 512 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and two interceptions. He was questionable against Texas A&M, but had a gutsy performance according to running back Mike Gillislee.
"That's what you ask for out of a leader," Gillislee said. "It was obvious that Jeff wasn't 100 percent, but he gutted it up. He came out there, put on the pads and led our team the way a leader should."
Will Florida's run continue this week and have the Gators at 4-0 for the first time since 2009? Or will Tennesee volunteer an ass whooping?
Those questions and more will be answered in week 4.