Florida Gators 2012 -- Week #13

What a wonderful way to end the regular season! Truth be told, I was a little nervous at the end of the first half when it seemed like Florida had been dominating yet only led 13-3. Then the third quarter came and my concerns were realized when Florida State scored 17 straight points. And, again, like last year, Florida State's touchdown drives came after Florida lapses. A poor punt and coverage led to a 25 yard touchdown drive followed by a Florida fumble that led to a 17 yard touchdown drive. And a field goal came when FSU started at the Florida 48 yard line. That's some third quarter!

Thankfully the good guys settled down and remembered that they were the better team and scored the next 24 points in the game. After having 39 plays (to FSU's 11) in the first half, Florida coaches had to be itching to get back on offense in the second half to continue wearing down the Seminoles defense. Without much time of possession in the third, when the fourth quarter rolled around, the offensive line took full advantage and did its domination thing. Even though FSU had the number one-ranked defense in all of college football, Coach Muschamp said it best going into halftime, "We feel like we've played against better defenses."

After a solid 37-20 win, my attention turned to the Notre Dame/USC game where a USC upset would have put the Gators into the national championship game. That didn't happen so I'm figuring that the Sugar Bowl will be the likely destination.

To begin the year I said UF's offense would be inconsistent due to the new offensive coordinator and a true sophomore starting quarterback. Unfortunately the part about being inconsistent was true. Jeff Driskel will have to take a lot fewer negative plays next year. I also said UF would only need to average 24-27 points per game to finish up with more than nine wins because the defense would be so good. Well, the offense ranked 76th  in the country averaging 26.8 points per game and the defense was ranked third in allowing just 12.9 points per game. It's difficult to be disappointed with how close the team came to playing for a national championship. I think the team over achieved slightly this year as I figured them for 9-10 wins and they earned 11 wins. Next year we'll have to see fewer field goals and more touchdowns to achieve championship status. I hope the team and the coaches are ready for those expectations next year because it is their success this year that has raised the bar.

GO GATORS!


Just Joe