Florida fans woke up today with mixed emotions about the SEC championship game and the 2020-21 season overall. Both ended in disappointment, but there was much to like along the way. In last night’s game, the Gators stood toe-to-toe and traded punches with the nation’s top team and program. Alabama sets the bar for the SEC and for the nation. When the season began, Florida would’ve been happy to beat Georgia, win the SEC east, and face Alabama in the SEC championship game. Even with these goals accomplished, the Gators know they left opportunity on the table in both the game and the season.
Florida’s offense lived up to expectations by refusing to crumble under a 28 - 10 second quarter deficit and then rebounding from a last minute strip sack that resulted in a 35 - 17 halftime hole. The Gators owned the third quarter (14 - 0) and won the second half (29 - 17). Kyle Trask, Kadarius Toney, and Kyle Pitts were especially impressive. Alabama head coach, Nick Saban, commented, “These guys have too much talent on their team on offense, with their quarterback who does a fabulous job. They have a really good receiving corps. 84 and 1 are really serious mismatch players. Both guys had phenomenal games tonight.”
On the defensive side, Florida had their characteristic struggles getting off the field in the first half. The Alabama success was fueled by 8 of 10 third down conversions, three enabled by Florida penalties. One third down stop was a Trey Dean interception that he fumbled back to Alabama on the return. On the other stop, Alabama converted a very short 4th down. The bottom line was the Crimson Tide never punted in the first half. The Gators were much better on defense in the second half, but yielded a critical long touchdown drive after Florida had pulled to within 7 points (38 - 45) with 6:33 remaining in the game.
From the big picture perspective, the Gators leave 2020 with the satisfaction they are relevant again in the SEC discussion. The loss to (#5 ranked) Texas A&M was away, early and a very winnable game. The LSU loss, on the other hand, was a painful reminder the Gators are still a step behind the elite level teams. The ability to win eight games, all against SEC caliber opponents, is special. Every week in the SEC is a battle. For many Gator fans, the biggest disappointment will be the missed opportunity with a truly special offensive unit. Had this group been paired with a typically strong Florida defense, this season may have ended with a championship.
A “New Year’s Six” bowl game (Cotton Bowl) against Oklahoma will provide additional exposure for the Gators. The game will also be a nice opportunity for the younger Florida players to gain valuable experience. Florida’s offense will lose some very special playmakers, but will return other playmakers with experience in Dan Mullen’s proven system. It’s important to understand the kind of job Mullen has historically done developing players. Kyle Trask and Kadarius Toney are prime examples. The Gators defense will add an excellent recruiting class to a number of talented, returning players. If Florida is able to add/develop quality depth at defensive tackle and improve play in the secondary, the defense will be improved in 2021.
The immediate next steps are to maintain momentum through the bowl game and to close out the 2021 recruiting class with three more quality additions in February.