Even five days later, this loss still stings. It hurts.
The Gators fumbled away a golden opportunity. If Jordan Reed scored, Florida would have had a chance to tie the game and pull out an overtime win. In all likelihood, UF would have been undefeated heading into a matchup with FSU on Nov. 24.
Sure, No. 7 Florida could still reach the national title game, but it will need a 2006-like domino effect.
Florida’s hope for Atlanta hinges on Ole Miss or Auburn beating Georgia.
Now five days removed from a crushing loss, the Gators are left to wonder, “What if?”
Still, all is not lost.
Coach Will Muschamp has UF on the verge of one of the school’s most successful seasons ever. Only Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer have won 10 games at UF.
Florida faces Missouri this Saturday. The Tigers, playing their first season in the Southeastern Conference, just won their first SEC game.
They even made shirts celebrating their 33-10 win against Kentucky. Florida didn’t play its best in a 38-0 shutout of Kentucky.
After Missouri, Florida pays for Louisiana and Jacksonville State to suffer through four quarters in The Swamp.
Who would’ve guessed this team heads into Tallahassee with a 10-1 record?
Only one writer on the alligatorSports staff (me) picked UF to win at least eight games.
Florida entered the season ranked No. 23 in the AP and Coaches’ poll.
Unfortunately, the discussion following “The Largest Outdoor Turnover Party” was centered around “I told you so.”
Nobody thought a team ranked 102nd in total offense could remain a contender for any title. Florida proved it on Saturday. The Gators know they screwed up.
While Spurrier said the Gamecocks gave the Gators fumble after fumble on Oct. 20, the Gators delivered the SEC East title to the Bulldogs on a silver platter.
Jordan Reed losing the football at the 5-yard line stands as the lasting image of the 2012 season. Not because of the mistake, but because of how fitting it was.
Florida is close, just not on that national title level. But the season isn’t over.
There’s no use delving into the scenarios in which Florida can make this bowl game or that one.
“We’re just focusing on Florida,” cornerback Marcus Roberson said. “Getting back to where we need to be.”
Here’s where Roberson is wrong. Florida doesn’t need to go anywhere.
While this team isn’t near perfect, what they’ve done this season is impressive.
The Gators have inherent issues on offense, defense and special teams.
Running back Mike Gillislee has slowed since his career day against LSU. He doesn’t have a solid backup, which is a death sentence in the SEC.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel can’t put together a consistent passing game.
The offensive line manhandled the defensive lines of LSU and South Carolina, then fell flat against previously underperforming UGA.
Florida’s defense faltered late on Saturday.
While kicker Caleb Sturgis and punter Kyle Christy have been stellar, the Gators can’t find somebody to return kicks.
There are no “moral victories” in the SEC, but if they can help soothe the pain of “What if,” then they’ll have to do.
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
