Yes, Saturday’s loss in the Southeastern Conference Championship game was heartbreaking. And yes, Florida’s dreams of an undefeated season were once again quashed. But we must remember that the season is not over yet. The Gators still must represent the SEC in a New Year’s Day primetime bowl game against the undefeated Big East champion Cincinnati Bearcats. After the University of Alabama suffered its first loss last year to the Gators in the conference title game, the Crimson Tide gave up on the season and got thrashed by a determined Utah team out of the Mountain West Conference. We must not allow ourselves to suffer the same fate.
We must show the best senior class in conference history that The Gator Nation is behind them. We must show that Gators pride is not dependent on success, but loyalty. Because if one loss deters you from representing your team when the eyes of the entire nation are upon us, you are not a Gator in my book. New Year’s Eve, you’ll find me on Bourbon Street.