College Football

Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison: Josh Pate Sparks Debate After 52-28 Ole Miss Win

The Florida Gators 2019 LSU comparison has arrived, and fans are not having it.

Florida wrecked Ole Miss 52-28 at the Swamp in Week 4 and jumped to No. 8 in the AP Top 25. It’s the Gators’ first top-10 ranking since 2021. Now analyst Josh Pate says the next step is predictable: people will start calling this team the 2019 national champions.

Why the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison Is Happening Now

Gainesville is buzzing, and the offense is the reason. Florida ran away from the Rebels, and PFN’s CFB Playoff Meter named the Gators the week’s biggest mover at +49.5.

Hype tends to find a historical comparison. That’s where LSU comes in.

What Josh Pate Said About the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison

Pate raised it Wednesday on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast. He didn’t say Florida is LSU. He said the Gators are one week from the label being slapped on them, and that people will make the comparison.

Fan Reaction to the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison

X lit up within hours. The mood was mostly eye-roll.

Fans Say the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison Is Too Early

  • One fan told everyone to stop after four games, noting a lot of football remains.
  • Another called the idea ridiculous, arguing Florida has one big win so far.

Why the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison Falls Short at QB and Receiver

  • Critics call the 2019 Tigers a once-in-a-generation team, and some rank them among the best ever.
  • They point to Joe Burrow at quarterback and receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Florida has no equivalent, they say.
  • Florida’s identity is different. It runs through its backs, including Jadan Baugh.

The “Curse” Behind the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison

One fan warned that teams tagged with the LSU label tend to crash. An LSU fan shrugged it off, joking that it isn’t football season until someone gets the comparison.

Jon Sumrall’s Rise Behind the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison

Florida hired Sumrall on Nov. 30, 2025. He first finished the season at Tulane, where he won the AAC title and reached the College Football Playoff. He went 20-8 in two seasons there.

He took over a program that had spent years missing the playoff under Billy Napier. The turnaround is why the conversation exists at all.

Remaining Schedule That Will Test the Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison

The easy part is over. Florida still faces four currently ranked opponents:

  • Missouri: road
  • Texas: road
  • Kentucky: road
  • Georgia: neutral site in Atlanta

That stretch will decide whether this is a breakout or a mirage.

Florida Gators 2019 LSU Comparison FAQs

Who made the Florida Gators 2019 LSU comparison?
Analyst Josh Pate, on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast.

Are the 2026 Gators really like the 2019 LSU Tigers?
Fans mostly say no. They cite the quarterback and receiver gap and the small sample of four games.

How good are the Florida Gators in 2026?
They’re No. 8 in the AP poll after a 52-28 win over Ole Miss, their first top-10 spot since 2021.

Who is Florida’s head coach?
Jon Sumrall, hired Nov. 30, 2025 after leading Tulane to an AAC title and a playoff berth.

What games could break the LSU comparison for Florida?
Missouri, Texas, Kentucky and Georgia, all ranked right now.

The Florida Gators 2019 LSU comparison may be premature, but the next four tough games will say whether it ever fits.

About this article

Follow Beatrice Nshum:Instagram

Last updated: 1 October 2026

Next Florida Gators Football Matchup

DateOpponentTime
Oct 3, 2026Missouri TigersSat, October 3rd at 3:30 PM EDT

View Full Florida Gators Football Schedule & Results »


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Written by

Beatrice Nshum

I am a passionate sports content creator and digital storyteller with a strong focus on Florida Gators athletics. I… Read full bio →

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