GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 20 Florida and coach under investigation Todd Golden are about to get an idea of ​​what to expect on the road this season.

It could be a lot more hostile than usual when the Gators (3-0) play at rival Florida State (3-0) on Friday night.

“Honestly, to me, it’s no different than any other road game,” Golden said Thursday. “We anticipate it will be a loud environment, a crowd that will be after us and we will do everything we can to be prepared to compete as well as possible.”

The crowd could really come after Golden, who admitted a ongoing school investigation in sexual harassment and stalking allegations. Golden said he was considering “defamation claims.”

Golden declined to discuss the case again Thursday and passed up another chance to deny the allegations.

“I will not comment at all regarding the investigation out of respect for the process,” Golden said. “And to be clear, I would like to be able to comment on more elements of the investigation. But I’m simply not allowed to do this outside of the requirements due to privacy.

“I am also actively working with my legal team to see what potential proceedings I will have the ability to take as I go through this, if I wish to do so.”

The Independent Florida Alligator reported last week that the university is investigating Golden for allegedly sexually harassing, sexually exploiting, stalking and cyberstalking multiple women, including students.

According to the student-run newspaper, the claims include unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, soliciting sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitals. The newspaper based its report on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on Sept. 27.

Despite the allegations, Golden received a standing ovation during pregame introductions before Florida defeated Gramling State on Monday. It’s unlikely to get the same reception in Tallahassee.

“It’s a rivalry game. We’re definitely expecting a lot of hiccups and stuff,” guard Will Richard said. “But we’re focused on winning and we’re out there to do a job, so that’s what we’re focused on.”

Richard receives slurs, jeers and signs in the crowd.

“I hope they say the craziest things,” he joked.

It will definitely not end in Tally. The Gators have two neutral-site games near Orlando around the Thanksgiving break and two more in December before their next real game: at Kentucky to open Southeastern Conference play on Jan. 4.

Golden hopes to have some closure on his case before these games. But the allegations aren’t likely to be forgotten anytime soon, and certainly not by opposing fans this season.

“We all rallied around him,” Richard said. “We’ve emphasized that in practice and stuff like that that it’s all about us just keeping the circle tight and controlling what we can control. The main thing for us is to focus on winning.”

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AP College Basketball: and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll