Gators’ defense hits historic lows

GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators’ defense has been the team’s backbone for the past few seasons.

But like everything else these days involving UF football, the once-vaunted unit is searching for answers. In fact, the Gators’ defense is experiencing a collapse of historic proportions.

Following a 45-16 loss Saturday at Missouri, the Gators are allowing an average of 28.4 points, the most since 1946. Add a 42-7 loss to Georgia a week earlier and UF has yielded at least 42 points during consecutive games for the first time since 1917.

“Today’s game wasn’t representative of the University of Florida,” said interim coach Randy Shannon, the team’s defensive coordinator until Jim McElwain’s ouster a week ago.

The Gators (3-5, 3-4 SEC) offered little resistance to Missouri’s offense, falling behind 28-3 during the first half and yielding a season-high 455 yards. To pick up their first SEC win of the season, the Tigers (4-5, 1-4) enjoyed remarkable balance, finishing with 227 yards rushing and 228 passing.

UF also did not generate even one quarterback pressure on Drew Lock, much less make a single tackle for loss.

“Didn’t get a chance to hit him up, not one time,” Shannon said. “That’s not like us.”

UF ranked sixth nationally in average yards allowed last season, the eighth time in nine years.

UF is 47th nationally entering Saturday’s visit to South Carolina. Next game: UF at South Carolina, Saturday, noon, CBS