Florida looking to cap big rebound under Mullen by finally beating Michigan in Peach Bowl.
Dan Mullen knows he was hired to do more than just lead Florida to any bowl game.
Mullen’s mandate is to bring championships to the Gators. His first-year results show he’s on the right path.
There may be no better way for Florida to cap its dramatic 2018 rebound under Mullen than to finally beat Michigan for the first time in Saturday’s Peach Bowl. Michigan is 4-0 in the series, including a runaway win in the 2017 season-opening game.
Mullen has led Florida (9-3) to a dramatic turnaround from a 4-7 finish in 2017.
«I think you’re at the University of Florida, you expect to be playing not just in bowl games, you expect to be playing in New Year’s Six bowls and championship bowls,» Mullen said Friday.
Michigan (10-2) is a perfect measuring stick for Florida.
The Wolverines will play Florida for the third time in Jim Harbaugh’s four seasons as coach. Michigan opened the 2017 season with a 33-17 win over the Gators and beat them 41-7 in the 2016 Citrus Bowl.
Overall, Michigan is 4-0 against the Gators. The more important record to Michigan fans is Harbaugh’s 0-4 record against rival Ohio State, including a crushing 62-39 loss on Nov. 24 .
Michigan wanted to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004 and the national championship for the first time since 1997. The ugly loss to Ohio State dashed those hopes.
«Right now, to be frank, we have a bad taste in our mouths,» said Michigan offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.
