The Florida Gators lost in a close one to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 29-31. Overall, the effort on the Gators’ end was impressive, but they did have some slip-ups early in the game. These teams could definitely meet again in the SEC Championship, and Emory Jones seems to finally be in rhythm. Here’s an analysis of Florida’s close loss against Alabama:
Recap
Offense
Initially, the Gators’ offense didn’t look too great, for they got into a 21-3 deficit early on. Dan Mullen later called some plays dedicated to the run game, which saw both Malik Davis and Nay’Quan Wright gain a bunch of yards. Anthony Richardson did not see any action, for Mullen said his hamstring injury from last week was still lingering.
Of course, Emory Jones was a man on a mission on Saturday. After throwing his only interception in the game, Emory proceeded to finish with 195 passing yards and 77 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown. There was a controversial two-point play that seemed to be the fault of Emory, but you can’t really put any other blame on him.
Surprisingly, Jacob Copeland only finished with one reception in Saturday’s game. However, other receiving threats such as Keon Zipperer, Trent Whittemore, and Kemore Gamble stepped up for the Gators. Overall, it was a very aggressive and laudable effort by Florida’s offense. There are supposed to be no moral victories in football, but you can’t ignore the heart of Emory and his playmakers.
Defense
Alabama had three touchdowns in the first quarter, and it looked like they were going to pull away in the second quarter. However, Todd Grantham’s defense stepped up, and the Gators forced three straight three-and-outs to end the half.
Honestly, Bryce Young looked pretty impressive in this game. It seemed that he was the one making all the plays, for the Gators completely shut down the running game; the Gators controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Florida’s secondary was also great in coverage, which is surprising given the lack of discipline on the defensive side last season.
Some of the playmakers on Alabama’s side were just too talented. Whenever Jameson Williams, John Metchie, or Jase McClellan got out in space, it seemed like an impossible task for the Gators to even tackle. Regardless, those guys on the defensive end did the best they could.
If the Florida defense proceeds to play how it did in the last three quarters against Alabama, the Gators are bound to meet the Tide in the SEC Championship in December. Every single player on the defense really fought and showed the urge to win this game.
Concluding Thoughts
The last two times Alabama has faced Florida, Florida lost by a combined eight points. In the past two years, the next closest team lost by 15 points in one game: Ole Miss.
It’s clear that the Gators are headed in the right direction. The big game against Georgia will determine the trajectory of the season for the Gators, but if they can replicate a game plan similar to this, good things are bound to happen.
Again, moral victories shouldn’t be rewarded. But there’s a lot to like and learn from the Gators’ performance against the Crimson Tide.
Next up, Florida will host Tennessee on Saturday, September 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.