Tearful End

Last evening was a shocking night in college football. I was working yesterday when I received a phone call from a certain Michiganian who wanted to gleefully inform me my beloved Gators were choking at the SEC Championship Game. I got home at half time to finish watching the end of an incredible season and dynasty.

I'm trying to understand how the #1 defense in the nation doesn't show up to a game as important as this one. There were innumerable missed tackles per play, Alabama was allowed to slowly drive the ball down field, and basically dominate control of the ball most of the game. The defense should have shut them down, but failed to do so. Florida's weaknesses within the offense were apparent during the game. They have absolutely no running game, with the exception of Tebow's rushing yards, and the failure of the receivers to hold the ball is indescribable. I had noticed the receiver issue earlier in the season and had commented to the hubby, in the days of the Ol' Ball Coach, they would have been forced to carry footballs to and from classes in an effort to teach them to hold the damn ball. Don't get me wrong, I still believe in the Gators and will continue to cheer for them, but it was so frustrating to watch the game. Alabama was a formidable enemy going into the game, the Gators should have been better prepared in how to handle them. Alabama absolutely deserved the win.

I had another phone conversation where the individual asked why my quarterback was a "pansy" crying on live tv. All I can say is I was crying along with him, as I'm sure many fans were. It was a devastating blow to Tebow, who had won the 2006 & 2008 SEC Conference, 2006 & 2008 National Championship, and 2007 Heisman. He had hoped to go out in a blaze of glory with a 2009 overall win, but it all ended with the SEC Game. As did the wave of victories the Gator Nation has been enjoying. It was a crushing blow that ended everyone's dreams, especially Tebow's. He won't ever get the moment back. I feel for him. He's put his heart and soul into the team, game, and fans and it brutally ended. I will always admire his passion, love for the game, and his prowess on the field. The apology he made after the Mississippi Game will live in infamy in my mind as a standard that others should strive to accomplish. He will forever be remembered as being the Gator who beat all the records and made fans proud.

As for the other game of the night, what the heck happened at the end of the Big 12 Conference Game? Now I have an intense dislike of Nebraska since the 1995 disaster in Tempe (Gators know what I'm talking about). Why did McCoy drag out the play so there was a question at the end? I felt a tad bit for Nebraska believing they had won the game only to lose it. But great game!

So until next year, Go Gators!!!!