Florida Climbs Multiple Spots in AP Top 25 Following Charlotte Victory

Florida managed to rise several spots in the AP Top 25 following a sluggish victory over Charlotte.

Photo: Florida QB Graham Mertz, OL Richie Leonard IV; Credit: Alex Shepherd

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Although the victory did not appear as convincing as Florida's upset of formerly No. 11 Tennessee a week ago, the Gators' 22-7 defeat of Charlotte on Saturday proved enough for UF to climb multiple spots in the Associated Press Top 25 entering Week 5 of the 2023 season.

After debuting on the season-long list at No. 25 last week, Florida now stands at No. 22. 

The Gators struggled to produce touchdowns in the red zone outside of their first offensive series, but were bailed out by stout defensive play paired with a successful outing by sophomore placekicker Trey Smack in his first start at the position. Smack connected on each of his five field goal attempts, with a long of 54 yards and four conversions within 36 yards, ensuring a two-possession win for Florida at home.

"It's hard to win. It's hard to win, and certainly we had to grind that one out," Florida head coach Billy Napier described Florida's Saturday night performance. "We all know the issues, red zone, forced to kick five field goals down there tonight. 

"But I will tell you, hats off to Trey Smack to step up and hit all five of those, and certainly defensively right around 200 yards, really gave up one possession with a couple big plays. But complementary football, and we moved the ball up and down the field. We've just got to have better red zone production."

Seven teams from the Southeastern Conference were included in this week's poll, with the Gators ranking No. 6 among the group. Florida will travel to face Kentucky, which received 41 votes but didn't make the latest AP Top 25, in Week 5, a game that will feature UF's first non-evening kickoff of the 2023 campaign. 

Find the updated AP Top 25 entering Week 5 below. 

1. Georgia (4-0)

2. Michigan (4-0)

3. Texas (4-0)

4. Ohio State (4-0)

5. Florida State (4-0)

6. Penn State (4-0)

7. Washington (4-0)

8. USC (4-0)

9. Oregon (4-0)

10. Utah (4-0)

11. Notre Dame (3-1)

12. Alabama (3-1)

13. LSU (3-1)

14. Oklahoma (4-0)

15. North Carolina (4-0)

16. Washington State (4-0)

17. Duke (4-0)

18. Miami (4-0)

19. Oregon State (3-1)

20. Ole Miss (3-1)

21. Tennessee (3-1)

22. Florida (3-1) 

23. Missouri (4-0)

24. Kansas (4-0)

25. Fresno State (4-0) 

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