The folder read "Presbyterian," but Florida Gators coach Jim McElwain knew better.
"I'm like, 'Wait a minute,' " McElwain said Monday. " 'Something's wrong here.' "
Indeed.
A week that was supposed to be a much-needed breather, a chance to heal and a celebration of the senior class instead had become the toughest game on the 2016 schedule.
The Gators (7-2, 5-2 SEC) will limp into LSU's Tiger Stadium on Saturday with a decimated lineup and the SEC East on the line to face one of the nation's hottest teams in one of college football toughest environments.
When the season began the Gators were supposed to host Presbyterian College, a Football Championship Subdivision school with a little more than 1,000 students and a football team that plays in a stadium that seats 6,500.
Hurricane Matthew had other plans.
The Category 4 storm postponed an Oct. 8 visit from LSU, and after contentious negotiations to reschedule the game, UF reluctantly agreed to travel to Baton Rouge to face the Tigers.
"I mean, you can sit and cry about it or do whatever or you can just move on," McElwain said, "That's what we've got to do. We're going there to play and that's the way it is."
But McElwain also realizes what could have been.
The Gators were nursing injuries along the defensive front six weeks ago, but the Tigers did not have All-America tailback Leonard Fournette.
Fournette is back at full speed for Saturday's game and coming off a three-touchdown performance at Arkansas. Fournette and talented sidekick Derrius Guice combined for 349 yards and five total scores against the Razorbacks, who held the Gators to 14 rushing yards a week earlier.
Asked if he had considered Fournette would have missed the Oct. 8 visit, McElwain paused.
"I guess so, come to think of it," he said, with a laugh. "That's where I'll give something different. To me, you want to go play somebody at their best.
"I don't ever look for a win to have an asterisk on it, does that make sense?"
The Gators' defensive depth chart should have a red cross next to it.
Florida is preparing for the game without at least seven starters. Four are on defense, including the team's top three tacklers _ linebackers Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone and safety Marcus Maye.
During last Saturday's 20-7 South Carolina, freshmen linebackers David Reese and Kylan Johnson combined for 18 tackles _ 11 by Reese _ and backup safety Marcell Harris finished with a career-high seven tackles and an interception.
"It was fun to see," McElwain said. "Now, here lies the question: Can you put two back to back? Right? You could go rub their bellies all they want. They can go feel good about themselves but maybe not prepare because they think they've arrived."
The Tigers (6-3, 4-2) should have the Gators' undivided attention.
LSU has won four of five games, the only loss 10-0 against No. 1 Alabama, which did not score until the fourth quarter. The Tigers' defense has allowed just 10 touchdowns, fewest in the nation.
Meanwhile, the Gators continue to search for answers on offense and could be without three starters up front against LSU. Sophomore center Tyler Jordan (ankle) might return, but the key for Florida will be to maximize its opportunities.
Three turnovers against South Carolina, including a fumble by quarterback Austin Appleby on the Gamecocks' 5-yard line, cost the Gators points.
To beat LSU, UF will have to be close to perfect on both sides of the ball.
"Our good players have to play good," McElwain said. "Our secondary has to play good. Our strengths have to play and accept the challenge. That's really the key to me. We'll see.
"We'll see if they accept the challenge or not."
