TALLAHASSEE — It wasn’t in the cards for the Gators and Will Muschamp.
Instead, Florida’s 24-19 loss to No. 3 Florida State on Saturday turned out to be just another game that ended the same way that far too many of Muschamp’s games ended.
What could have been the perfect ending for Muschamp resulted in another turmoiled finish.
But this time, it was his last.
The Will Muschamp era is over.
“We have had our opportunities,” Muschamp said. “You look at two other games where we have the game in hand and we had our opportunity to get it done and we didn’t get it done. It falls on my shoulders and that’s why they are going to be looking for a coach.”
The Gators had their fair share of opportunities to pull out the win over the Seminoles.
They forced Jameis Winston to throw four interceptions — a career high for the Heisman trophy winner — and came out with just six points on two Austin Hardin field goals.
In total, Hardin scored 13 of the Gators’ 19 points on four field goals, a feat that tied for the third most in program history.
But early field goals don’t equal wins, especially against a Florida State team that has come out with comeback win after comeback win this season.
"You've got to get seven points in those situations,” Muschamp said, “especially against a team like that, especially as explosive as they are."
They started five drives in FSU territory — and two inside the red zone — but only found the end zone once on a 15-yard pass from Treon Harris to Clay Burton.
They had 10 penalties for 105 yards, marking the fourth time the Gators had double-digit penalties in a game this season.
It all compounded.
“We tried to overcome adversity as much as we could,” UF senior center Max Garcia said. “We kept fighting.”
Tevin Westbrook had another chance to make a much-needed play for the Gators and couldn’t get it done.
After Winston’s second interception in the first quarter, UF began play at the FSU 9-yard line.
On first and goal, Harris looked for Westbrook in the end zone only to have the senior tight end drop the ball and see Seminoles linebacker Terrance Smith intercept the pass and return it 94 yards for a touchdown.
The play brought back memories of UF’s 30-27 loss to LSU earlier in the year, when the potential game-winning score slipped out of Westbrook’s hands on fourth and goal.
“He has had some opportunities to make some catches,” Muschamp said. “In that situation, catch the ball. … We put you on scholarship at Florida, catch it.”
Muschamp’s time at Florida is over, but the Gators still have work to do.
"As a player, as a coach, just got to keep fighting,” Mike Taylor said. “There's always another down to be played, there's always another game. There's one more game for us, so just keep fighting on and just keep playing and keep playing hard. Good things will come to those who fight and give effort."
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
UF coach Will Muschamp walks off the field at Doak Campbell Stadium with his wife and kids following Florida's 24-19 loss to No. 3 Florida State on Saturday in Tallahassee.
