Charting the Gators: Margin calls
Thursday, January 31, 2013 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
In the big picture, the Florida Gators have done nothing yet. If you don't believe it, just ask Coach Billy Donovan.
The Gators (17-2, 7-0), ranked fourth in the nation, have a measly one-game lead in the Southeastern Conference race heading into Saturday's home game against second-place Ole Miss (17-3, 6-1). But after yet another blowout victory Wednesday night, a 75-36 pummelling of South Carolina, UF's domination of the SEC and its average victory margin of 28.2 points against conference foes are getting a lot of attention for a number of reasons; because the Gators look really good; because the league looks really bad; take your pick.
Whatever the case, Florida is running roughshod on the SEC in these early goings of the 2013 conference campaign. How roughshod? Here's a snapshot of how this UF team compares -- or doesn't, actually -- through seven games to the SEC's six national champions during the shot-clock era.
Team Year W-L Margin Avg. Closest game or losses
Arkansas 1994 5-2 +100 +10.0 Lost 66-64 at Alabama; Lost 72-71 at Mississippi State
Kentucky 1996 7-0 +153 +21.8 Won 82-77 at Georgia
Kentucky 1998 7-0 +68 +9.7 Won 70-67 in OT vs Arkansas
Florida 2006 5-2 +58 +8.3 Lost 80-76 at Tennessee; Lost 68-67 at South Carolina
Florida 2007 7-0 +104 +14.8 Won 70-67 at Mississippi State
Kentucky 2012 7-0 +99 +14.1 Won 65-62 at Tennessee
Florida 2013 7-0 +198 +28.2 Won 64-47 at Georgia
