We'll never know how good that team may have been because of how unexpectedly bad it was on both sides of the LOS against Tennessee that day. I was in the south end zone stands. Stephens averaged a ridiculous 11.89 a carry against a Florida defense that finished the season fifth overall in total yards.
We might not have been a great defense, but we certainly weren't bad except for that game. Even then, we nearly pulled it off late. Running backs weren't as good as '96 and certainly not with Graham out. We became completely one-dimensional, and that wasn't enough even with Grossman at QB.
Just as important, it helped Spurrier cement his mind on the NFL. He'd grown tired of the expectations, tired of chasing his own shadow, and was finally ready to scratch the itch. If Florida beats UT, and esp if it goes on to win another title, you can maybe argue that he doesn't leave.
Nevertheless, I wasn't ready for the announcement or the circus that was to follow from Foley futilely chasing Stoops and then Shanahan before settling on Zook.
Zook and Mullen, the ultimate settle coaches.