ATLANTA — Florida came into the Southeastern Conference Championship Game with the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation, but the Gators hadn’t played Mark Ingram yet.
JACKSONVILLE — So far this season, the Gators have built their identity on defense, a sharp contrast to the team that lived and died by its 3-point shooting a year ago.
With nearly a week off to reflect on its latest loss, UF is ready to get back out on the court and under the lights.
With the more experienced swimmers back in Gainesville, Florida concluded the fall season with weak showings at the Georgia Invitational.
ATLANTA – All season Florida used excellent defense and a grind-it-out offense to win, often times in less-than-spectacular fashion.
ATLANTA — Heading into the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, No. 1 Florida was still looking for the high-powered offense it established in 2007.
ATLANTA — Alabama had no problem putting up points on the No. 1 defense in the nation, but Florida struggled to do the same against the nation's No. 2 defense.
For the last week, the Gators have had to hold it in.
JACKSONVILLE - So far this season, Florida's defense has made up for its lackluster 3-point performances. The Gators' outside shooters returned the favor Friday night.
The previous three teams that won the national championship finished the season with at least one loss.
Not much has changed in the last two years.
Do you want a college football playoff?
There’s a lot at stake this week in the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column this week, as the pickers are doing their final jockeying for the crown and trying to avoid embarrassment. Only two — Bobby Callovi and Kyle Maistri — are still actually picking for glory.
Florida’s 6 a.m. workouts and relays this summer have paid dividends beyond just improved conditioning.
After suffering an injury early this season, Florida sophomore Brian Howell returned to competition in November and has made the best of his opportunity since.
The success of the Gators in the SEC Championship Game lies in the hands of Tim Tebow and the offense.
The Gators’ season hit an all-time low as they traveled to face Kentucky on Nov. 22.
After being selected to the NCAA Tournament field for the 19th consecutive season, the Gators should be accustomed to the postseason by now – but that isn’t the case.
When the Crimson Tide take the field Saturday, they will not have lost a regular-season game in 743 days.
Solutions by The State News
