Gators Finish Strong Again, top FSU

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Florida outscored their archrivals a staggering 24-6 in the game's final period, the Seminoles' lone score coming with no consequence as time expired.

For a team that entered the weekend ranked 12th in their own conference in total offense, Florida's final regular season tally is the only number that counts. A deeper look into the total suggests it may be the most impressive resume in the country. Florida has a remarkable four wins over teams (through week 13) ranked in the BCS top 12: #7 LSU, #9 Texas A&M, #10 Florida State and #12 South Carolina.

Though that won't be quite good enough to get them in the SEC Championship Game, it has positioned the Gators right in the national discussion.

"I think it was a really sexy win," explained UF head coach Will Muschamp to the media. "Our resume speaks for itself. You guys have covered the southeast, you have covered the SEC. You see where we have played, who we have played and the quality of football teams we have beaten. We will play anyone anywhere."

Florida ruined senior day in Tallahassee 37-26 with a resilient, even-keeled performance in an emotionally-charged game. Will Muschamp's commitment to the ground game, UF finished with 244 yards rushing, helped the Gators weather the storm of momentum in Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida dominated time of possession, won the line of scrimmage and avoided the key mistake while Florida State handicapped themselves with five turnovers.

As the Seminoles crumbled during the pairing's stretch run, the Gators toughened up. Florida changed the game's direction with a devastating blow to FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel that, not only forced a turnover, but knocked Manuel out of the game for the following possession. The Gator defense again rose to the occasion with a key sack of Manuel on the Seminoles' final meaningful drive.

Mike Gillislee finished with 140 yards rushing and two touchdowns, Jeff Driskel was 15-of-23 passing and Matt Elam totaled seven tackles as UF won a road game in this series for the first time since 2008.

"I think they controlled the line of scrimmage up front. They've done that on defense all year," explained FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher. "Hats off to Florida, they have a very good football team and they're well-coached. They did a great job."

From the beginning, clutch play has been the theme to Florida's 11-1 season. In the opener, the Gators pulled away from Bowling Green with a 10-0 fourth quarter. Florida then held Texas A&M scoreless in the second half in their SEC debut. With ESPN Gameday in Knoxville, the Gators overwhelmed Tennessee with a 27-6 second half. Florida held LSU scoreless in quarters three and four. The Gators shutout Mizzouri in the second half. The following game, they scored two fourth quarter touchdowns and returned a blocked punt for a score with two seconds remaining to top Louisiana. Saturday night's showing against the Seminoles was par for the course.

"I think that was kind of the culmination of our football season. Very fitting fashion," acknowledged Muschamp. "Our guys just continued to press forward, regardless of the situation or the circumstance. You guys have been watching it all year."

Florida outscored their archrivals a staggering 24-6 in the game's final period, the Seminoles' lone score coming with no consequence as time expired.

In a season where critics have often cited what the Gators haven't done, Florida just finished November with a resounding exclamation point on what they have. It's a resume few, if any, can match.