The University of Alabama defense was too good for Florida quarterback Austin Appleby to overcome Saturday afternoon.
Appleby threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns against the Tide, but he also threw three interceptions and the Tide rolled over the Gators, 54-16, Saturday. The Tide, the only major unbeaten team in the country, outscored Florida 21-0 in the second half to pull away.
On this night, it is hard to believe that Florida’s greatest quarterbacks — Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel or Tim Tebow — would have dented the Alabama defense very much.
Is this how second place feels? Or is this how, say, Kentucky feels?
Alabama had been a 24-point favorite going into the game. It turns out that wasn’t enough.
Florida took a quick 7-0 lead, but the Gators were overwhelmed by an Alabama team that scored on offense, on defense and on special teams in the victory.
The Gators ran the ball 32 times, but had zero yards rushing (counting sacks, which counts against the run in college football).
“Obviously, you’re not going to beat anybody giving them the ball four times,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. “Especially against the team Nick Saban has put together. which I feel is the best top-to-bottom he’s put together.”
McElwain agreed the Gators have to find a quarterback. “It’s something we’ve got to do, and we’ve got to make sure it happens sooner or later.”
Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough had 91 yards and two scores. As a team, the Tide outrushed Florida 234-0.
The Tide has been considered to be one of the best teams of all-time. They led the nation in defense and rushing defense this season.
“I was really proud of the way our guys came out in the second half and played,” Alabama coach Nick Saban told CBS after the game. “This was a great win for our team. Florida’s got a good team. They got a little worn out in the game. Jim (McElwain) is doing a great job there.”
McElwain still has to break through against top-flight competition, however. He is 2-7 against ranked team.
“You don’t always get what you want in life, but you mostly get what you deserve,” Saban said. “And these guys have done a fantastic job all season long in winning 13 games and deserve to win the SEC.”
The 54 points were the second-most ever given up by Florida, behind only Nebraska in the 1995 Fiesta Bowl.
Alabama will probably be the top seed going into the playoffs, announced today. Florida will hope for a good bowl game.
