Florida’s men’s basketball program falling to Florida Atlantic — never solving the problem of guarding the Owls on the perimeter, blowing a lead earned midway through the second half — was not good for the Gators.
Florida State’s 2022-23 season has three losses like that. And so avoiding giving the Seminoles their first win is going to be very important for perception reasons.
The Gators have been fairly good through three games, at least outside of being bombed from three by FAU. Colin Castleton has been a consistent contributor at both ends, Kyle Lofton has been a mostly steady hand at point guard, and the collection of wings that Todd Golden has assembled around that duo has taken turns flashing.