Tide, Gators fight to the end

ATLANTA — A brief scuffle broke out between linemen of both teams on the final play of the game.

Somehow, it seemed fitting the two teams wanted to keep battling even after it was over.

In a classic SEC Championship Game, Florida made the big plays down the stretch to end Alabama’s perfect season.

The scoreboard read Florida 31, Alabama 20 as glitter and long strips of colorful paper fell from the Georgia Dome ceiling to spice up the celebration.

It kind of felt like the finale of a high school prom, but there was no slow dancing in this one.

Everything on the football field Saturday was full speed between the two heavyweights of this league.

Where Alabama lost its chance to win this one can be traced back to a trio of bad decisions — a rarity for this team.

A fake field goal try by Alabama during the first series of the second quarter netted a gain of one yard when nine was needed. It was a bad coaching decision which led to a Florida field goal to make it 10-10.

Bama returner Javier Arenas messed up next, catching the ensuing kickoff as his momentum took him towards the sideline, and was out of bounds on the Tide 4. After failing to get a first down and punting, Florida got the ball in good field position and drove down for a go-ahead touchdown.

Another critical error came on the Florida’s first possession of the fourth quarter when linebacker Dont’a Hightower drew a facemask penalty on third down to keep the drive alive. Down 20-17 at the time, Florida would proceed to score what proved to be the game-winner.

Make mistakes like those against the Tulanes of the world and you can rebound. Make mistakes like that against Florida and watch dreams fade away.
Florida walks away with not only an SEC championship, but will likely be playing for a national title as well in January.

For Alabama, the first loss came in the very place its remarkable run began on the final Saturday of August with a thrashing of Clemson. A Sugar Bowl date is likely up next.

Alabama was the one ranked No. 1 going into the game, but No. 2 Florida was deemed a 10 and a half points favorite by the oddsmakers.

Some saw it as a lack of respect for Alabama. Others saw it as the ultimate respect for a Florida football team which put behind a home loss to Ole Miss in its fourth game and was never threatened again until lining up against the Crimson Tide.

Alabama wasn’t about to back down, and took the lead into the fourth quarter after totally dominating the third.
I thought the Gators were about to wilt. I thought wrong.

Gator QB Tim Tebow showed why he was the Heisman Trophy winner last year and is a strong contender again by leading the way in the final period.

Florida indeed flexed its muscles in the fourth quarter against one of the nation’s best defenses.

Gator coach Urban Meyer talked the day before about his team’s strength in the trenches, while others wanted to talk about his team’s speed.
When push came to shove, Florida pushed hard and was able to break through.

Having that speed didn’t hurt either.

The Gators have the total package.