Gators defensive back Marcell Harris had the first interception of his career in Saturday's 32-0 win against North Texas. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Gators Climb Four Spots in AP Top 25
Sunday, September 18, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
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Florida is 3-0 heading into Saturday's SEC East showdown at No. 14 Tennessee.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators cracked the top 20 for the first time this season in the AP Top 25 poll released Sunday afternoon.
Florida (3-0) jumped four spots to No. 19 after a 32-0 victory over North Texas on Saturday night that included a historic defensive performance by the Gators. Florida limited the Mean Green to 53 yards of total offense, the fewest yards allowed in school history. Del Rio
The Gators check in at No. 16 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll.
The victory did come with a price as starting quarterback Luke Del Rio suffered an apparent left knee injury and is expected to be out for this week's SEC East showdown at Neyland Stadium against the No. 14-ranked Vols, who improved to 3-0 on Saturday with a 28-19 win over Ohio.
"It's not looking great,'' Florida head coach Jim McElwain said of Del Rio's injury.
Meanwhile, the Gators have won 11 consecutive games against Tennessee and are expected to start graduate transfer Austin Appleby, who replaced Del Rio on Saturday. Appleby played in 19 games at Purdue and started 11.
Alabama remains No. 1, followed by No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Louisville, a 63-20 winner against Florida State on Saturday, No. 4 Michigan and No. 5 Clemson.
No. 25 Miami made the biggest jump in this week's poll, moving up to 15. Eight teams from the Southeastern Conference are ranked.
