WOOOOHOOOOO! The first game I went to this season and the Gators pull off an unbelievable blowout upset. Coincidence? I think not. Maybe you’ll see me at more games now. Aside from that though, there are a few notes to talk about regarding Florida’s big win.
1. The Offense
Snaps to the offense, they moved the ball down the field better than I have ever seen them play. Ever. There was simply no shutting down any aspect of our game, running or knifing the ball through the air. Will Grier, if I may, should and could be compared to the likeness of Michael Jordan and his flu game. He not only played with the flu, but just like Jordan, there was no stopping him. He completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and threw four touchdowns, according to ESPN. However, with all of those stats, it looked like a walk in the park for Grier to pull that off. The wide receiver core made Grier look phenomenal, the O-line protected him, and his running back pulled through for him. Unfortunately for the first time in a long time, Kelvin Taylor did not find the end zone. After this ridiculous win though, I don’t think he’ll be mad.
2. The Defense
Ole Miss, welcome to Painesville. Did anyone in their right mind think we’d force the Rebels into FOUR turnovers? I mean, I knew our defense was lights out, but I didn’t expect this. I did repeat right, the Gator defense forced four turnovers: one interception and three fumbles. Can I ask who is Chad Kelly? Personally, I thought he looked terrified. Perhaps he was scared looking across the line at some aggressive Florida defenders, or maybe the Swamp was just too loud for him to handle, but he could not execute. Chad Kelly gave up two fumbles and threw a pick to VHIII, which was returned to inside the ten-yard line. That not only sealed the game, but it started the celebration in the Swamp. The Gators looked like a team against Ole Miss that is not ready to lose. Led by the defense, all I can say is watch out NCAA.
3. The History
As I sit here, I have chills. Seven years ago, Tebow gave the Promise. Here it is to read over.
Not only was the Promise in every one’s minds, but it was in the hearts of the Gator players. They played with heart. The Gator football team managed to not only upset, but blowout, the number three team in the NCAA. Was that revenge? Absolutely. But, calling it a fluke? Absolutely not. We are here to stay. Thank you, Tebow, for the inspiring Promise, and we are glad to be able to return you the favor and honor of giving back to you what you were robbed of. The win over Ole Miss ends an 11-game losing streak against top three competition in the regular season dating back to a win against Tennessee in 1999. But we did it. Despite the odds, the doubters, and the haters, the Gators won.
So,..can we say the Gators are back? F**k yeah, they’re back! We’re 5-0 for the first time since 2012, and McElwain has showed us he is a god among men. His play calling, his trust in his players, and his players respect for him was clear to see. The Gators are a legitimate threat in the SEC, and I could not be happier. However, we have a tough road ahead with some key matchups we need to prepare for now, such as Missouri and LSU. Regardless of that, I am left speechless (quite literally, I lost my voice screaming) and am truly blessed to be a Florida Gator. I SAID IT’S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR.
