This time last season they watched Florida stagger into Columbia after coach Jim McElwain’s firing and surrender 45-16. They saw Tennessee stumble in the next week and capitulate 50-17, prompting coach Butch Jones’ dismissal.
Rebounding from their devastating 15-14 loss to Kentucky — which will stand forever on Mizzou’s Pantheon of Nightmarish Losses — the Tigers dominated No. 13 Florida 38-17.
That it came the week after the Kentucky fiasco spoke volumes about Odom’s leadership ability and the belief he inspires from his players.
“I kept saying, I kept preaching to the guys, (the Tigers have) lost some close games this year,” Florida coach Dan Mullen said during his postgame news conference.