SEC pregame: Florida losing to USF crosses the river of no return for Billy Napier

Berry Tramel

Tulsa World Sports Columnist

Tulsa beat Oklahoma 31-24 on September 28, 1996. That game was John Blake’s third as the Sooner head coach, and Blake’s third loss. All to teams in the Western Athletic Conference.

Blake lasted 2¾ more seasons coaching the Sooners, but that loss to TU was the beginning of the end. Coaches at traditional powers are hard-pressed to recover from losses to mid-major teams. Especially at home. Especially to in-state foes.

Florida suffered that trifecta last week, losing 18-16 to South Florida, wiping out the momentum of last season, when the Gators won their final four games. Their victims were Louisiana State, Ole Miss, Florida State and Tulane (in the Gasparilla Bowl).

That winning streak, complete with true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, seemed