For all of Tim Tebow's effort in UF's loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, his postgame performance was more impressive.
Shortly after being stopped on a game-ending fourth-and-one run, Tebow stepped to the podium beneath the south end zone stands to answer questions from the media with reddened eyes.
His black T-shirt seemed to sum up his demeanor. This was the last place he wanted to be.
He fielded questions with patience, even when reporters prodded him about whether he'd be able to sleep at night or what moments from the game would haunt his dreams.
He pushed through it, sometimes biting his lip or grabbing the podium to steady himself.
When the questions stopped, Tebow made his reason for gritting through the interview clear: He said he wanted to make a statement to UF fans.
Then, he took a long pause.
For a moment, I half expected him to just walk away, but he took a deep breath, fought off his emotions and the words poured out of him.
He said, "I'm sorry," something a player like Tebow should never have to do. He apologized for not leading the Gators to an undefeated season and promised to bring some good from the loss.
He was heartbroken, but in a flash, that sadness was replaced with something else.
He leaned forward, and the intensity that usually earns him those tough rushing yards was back.
Tebow promised to play harder for the rest of the season than any player ever and to push his team to play harder than any team.
Then, he said, "God bless," and walked away.
He might as well have said, "I'm going to stiff-arm every man, woman and child in the state of Arkansas next weekend."
The energy in the room was palpable, and I didn't know whether to give Tebow a hug, break something or punch someone sitting near me.
It was big talk, but I'm inclined to believe it, coming from Tebow.
The Gators' issue has never been, nor will it be, a lack of effort on his part. The question is how many of his teammates will follow his example.
The early indication is good for UF. The team called a practice Sunday night, a highly unusual occurrence. If the Gators want to keep their national title dreams alive, they'll have to run the table, win the Southeastern Conference and get a little lucky.
For that to happen, I think the offensive game plan needs to change.
So far, the strategy for the offense has been to make Tebow more of a manager, cut back on his running and try to spread the ball around.
I was a big proponent of that approach until this weekend, but as Urban Meyer would say, "It's time to ride that horse."
The offense is at its best when Tebow is breaking off runs, using the rocker step and launching passes. It's nearly impossible to defend him. He is the centerpiece of the team - more effective than Percy Harvin and the other playmakers combined.
There are dangers to that, such as how the system will suffer when Tebow is banged up, but even when he was hurt last year, the offense was usually good.
The defense was the problem, and now that it seems more solid, I don't see a reason to change the formula that worked for the offense last year.
Put it all on Tebow, and let him carry the team.
And if he fails?
Well, I don't want to be at that press conference.
