The ESPN analyst warns of a potential emotional hangover for the Rebels, suggesting the electric atmosphere at "The Swamp" could fuel a massive upset for the Gators.
The No. 21 Florida Gators have an opportunity send chills down the spine of people around college football this weekend if they can take care of business against No. 4 Ole Miss on Saturday at "The Swamp."
The Gators won their first contest against a Power 4 school last week, knocking off Auburn 44-39 on the road. Ole Miss is coming off an emotional win over its former head coach Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers.
During an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up" on Friday morning, Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Ole Miss' win over LSU could be a hinderance against Florida on Saturday. The former Ohio State quarterback said it was "human nature" for players to have a letdown the next week after a big win.
“When you get up that high, the whole world is watching your performance," Herbstreit said, via On3. "You have euphoria after that game and boom — you wake up Sunday and that’s over."
"Now, you have a bigger challenge, going on the road to the Swamp against a Florida team that, if they win this game, they become the toast of the town… It’s as much about the emotional battle of this game.”
Herbstreit also noted that Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding doesn't have a ton of experience navigating this situation, as he was promoted to head coach from defensive coordinator right before the College Football Playoff in January.
Golding understands the narrative that Herbstreit and Joel Klatt have brought up this week. It's a real phenomenon.
Golding's point to his team is that it would be a shame for his players to throw away all of the hard work they did in the heat of the summer by folding after beating LSU. Defeating the Tigers was important, but it counts as just one number in the win column in the SEC.
The Rebels have ambitions of making a run in the CFP and winning the SEC championship. Those goals would be made much easier by beating Florida on Saturday.
As for Florida, Sumrall will have his players amped up to beat Ole Miss and send a message to the college football world that his team is ready to win big games.
Florida has some uncertainty before the game
The Gators will have the crowd on their side for the contest against Ole Miss, which should be a huge benefit for the defense set to face Trinidad Chambliss, one of the best quarterbacks in college football right now.
Florida has some questions of their own about who will play on offense. Auburn transfer wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. is questionable to play Ole Miss. He has yet to record any stats this season as he recovers from an ankle injury he suffered against FAU.
The Gators will make a game-time decision on Singleton against the Rebels.
