Post-Game Analysis: Florida Gators (5-7, 3-5) vs. FSU (12-0, 8-0)

Florida goes cold in the second half to fall to Florida State in the BackUp Bowl.

Trey Benson falls backwards to for a TD - Photo Credit Brenden Martin

The Florida Gators stormed to a 12-0 lead early in the second quarter and looked primed to pull the upset in front of a sold-out Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Looking for their sixth win as well as a victory against their hated rival, the Gators began with a brand of defense that had been absent all season, moving the ball efficiently. Unfortunately that initial burst of energy would slowly be devoured by stagnant offense, penalties and enough missed opportunities that allowed Florida State to outscore the Gators 17-3 in the second half to complete an undefeated regular season and take its second straight win in the Sunshine Showdown.

What We Thought: The play of both quarterbacks would be the main attraction in this contest. Florida would be without quarterback Graham Mertz while Florida State would be without the services of Jordan Travis. In their absence Max Brown and Tate Rodemaker would be tasked with leading their teams in the game. While Brown would have a limited bag of tricks his ability to stress the Seminole defense with his legs could possibly be the x-factor to allow Florida to run the ball against a very good defensive front. Add to that the ability to attack Florida State horizontally with Eugene Wilson III could give Max Brown an opportunity to gradually work himself into the game as it progressed. For Florida State, Tate Rodemaker would have a full complement of weapons to attack the Gators with including running back Tre Benson and receiver Johnny Wilson. Ultimately that would prove to be the difference between the two quarterbacks as Florida State would have too many weapons for the Florida defense to deal with.

Florida State would arguably be the best defensive front the Gators had faced this year with Jared Verse and Fabian Lovett making life hard for Brown as the game progressed. The Seminoles would be vulnerable to passing plays over the top as they would crowd the line of scrimmage to keep the Gator run game in check. The Florida defense would need to play the best it has played since September as an upset would be hard to come by without at least two turnovers.

The Florida defense - Photo Credit Brenden martin

What We Got: For most of the game the Florida Gators were playing to a stalemate with the nations #5 team. The Gators needed more than that. Late in the second quarter an inspired Florida defense sacked Rodemaker for a safety to go up 12-0. On the ensuing drive, another head-scratching call that has been the theme of the season led to an intentional grounding penalty essentially killing the drive before it started. FSU would score on its next possession and breathe a little life into what had been a listless Seminole team. Florida failed to bring much creativity into its offensive attack and the Nole defense was able to pin its ears back and pressure Max Brown most of the second half. The Gators had success in the first half running the football and throwing it on occasion. That success slowly waned as the game progressed. While there were key (questionable) penalties and near misses by both teams. Florida State was able to muster just enough in the running game to squeak out a win. The Gator offense lacked the consistent diversity and imagination it has lacked all season, with limited touches for Wilson in the second half and only 3 targets for Ricky Pearsall Jr. The defense played inspired, the lack of consistent playmaking once again was its undoing.

Austin Armstrong talks on headset during the loss to FSU - Photo Credit Brenden Martin

The Skinny: Forget the second guessing -- it’s time for a change. Billy Napier has stated that he will evaluate “each and every part of our organization” and make the necessary changes if needed. The problem is there are issues both on and off the field. Looking back on the 2023 version of the Gators, the consistent mistakes that initially showed themselves in Salt Lake City, remained until the final play. The army of individuals that have been enlisted into duty by Napier have failed to harp on the little things during the week that eventually get you beat on Saturdays. Nearly from top to bottom this was not a very good football team based upon talent and worse based upon the way it was coached. When a coach is constantly defending moves with empty answers, changes need to be made. Too many times, the Gators failed to utilize the few weapons it had on a consistent basis and with a historically bad defense leaning on those players should have been more of a priority. Communication issues, a lack of transparency and numerous excuses lend itself to a third straight losing season and the second under Napier. While many will point to the youth of this football team as reason for its shortcomings, many of the mistakes that were made were by some of the programs most experienced members. To add more food for thought, in Week 12 are you truly young anymore? There is not much to say because Napier doesn’t give you much. What has been offered is 14 losses with consistent questions. What will become of this offseason? The Gators currently have a top five recruiting class that is primed to bring the program back to prominence and is full of talent, for now. With the transfer portal and the changes going on in college football transformation can take place quickly but without a change in the organization it may be tougher for Napier and the Gators.

Final Score - Prediction-Florida State 38 Florida 17 - Photo Credit Brenden Martin