Gator defeat a bit like old times

Alabama beat Florida 32-13 in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta Saturday.

It could have been 100 to 0, or worse. Alabama was that much better in this championship game and played that way. The Tide absolutely destroyed the Gators, who were simply hapless on defense. Missing All-Star lineman Carlos Dunlap, who must have been enjoying a Coke or some other beverage of his choosing as he watched the game on television, since he was banished from playing by Coach Urban Meyer for misbehaviors the week of the game. He was surely missed, considering that score, and the generally lousy play from the defense. The defense lost this game.

Perhaps a sad part of the result is the farewell for offensive star Tim Tebow. It was not the way he wanted to go out. It was not a way anyone associated with the Florida program would have wanted Tebow to be involved in a game that was so lopsided in favor of the Tide.

Alabama led only 9-3 in the second period and Florida appeared to be a good match. The game got away from the Gators in the last two periods and with nearly a quarter to play, the Tide was still within range for the Gators, who then began to make mistakes and played themselves out of the contest.

All that proves to most of us that Alabama is the better team and was better coached in this showdown. For whatever the reason, the Gator defense could not get the ball back to its offense, which played Alabama almost to a standstill, until the final period when Alabama moved to a three-score lead and demonstrated it was superior.

Most viewers, I think, after a half had to think this was a good match and either team could have won. I know I did. Each time Florida had the ball, the Gators moved it, usually scoring either a touchdown or a field goal and through the first half, the defense played effectively.

I know it will be easy to say that Alabama geared up and mowed down Florida. Florida was actually favored before the game by a few points and both teams were undefeated, but once they had played, I don't think anyone could have thought that Florida had the better team. It was the best offensive showing of the year by Alabama, so some said and most thought it was as they outscored the Gators in this game.

It ended when Tim Tebow was intercepted in the end zone after throwing a pass that was too low. The interceptor, Tampa native Javier Arenas, just stood still in his tracks and picked it off to end the game. Had it not been an interception, but a completion, Florida would have pulled within two touchdowns of Alabama and back, if barely, in the game.

Alabama now will play for the national championship and should. Florida was not good enough to win and may not be good enough to beat Alabama tomorrow. Florida will go to a bowl game, perhaps the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Alabama remains in the national championship competition.

Florida does not.

Just like old days.