The Gators are coming off their first loss of the season as they play host to the Volunteers, ranked No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1

Florida ’s legitimacy, in an arduous SEC race and nationally, is crystal clear after the Gators’ first week of conference play — capped by Tuesday’s 73-43 rout of No. 1 and previously unbeaten Tennessee.

Florida dropped three spots to No. 8 in the updated Coaches Poll released Monday after suffering its first loss to Kentucky. The Gators entered last weekend as one of three unbeaten teams remaining before losing to the Wildcats 106-100 in the SEC opener for both teams.