Significance of Florida's Loss in SEC Championship Game

by Mo Johnson
(SEC Country )

How big was Florida's loss to Alabama in the 2009 SEC Football Championship Game?

Well, the score was big -- 32-13 in favor of the Crimson Tide. But, the game was much more significant than that. It cost Tim Tebow, the Gators, and frankly, I think, the SEC, a lot.

To understand how much Florida lost, you have to first understand how much they had to gain with a win. Just imagine.

The Florida Gators would have won the SEC championship for the second straight year and 3rd year out of four. Florida would have been on track to win a second straight BCS Championship and 3rd in the last 4 years. Oh, and an undefeated season as well.

With a good performance, and a win against Alabama, Tim Tebow would have likely had the inside track to win his second Heisman Trophy. Tebow would also be on track to win his second straight NC and 3rd in 4 years (played some as a freshman in 2006).

What does all that mean?

It means a Florida win yesterday, followed by a victory of Texas on Jan 7 and a very strong case could have been made that this Florida Gators team is the best team in the history of college football

It means that with a win in the SEC Championship Game yesterday -- followed with a Heisman on Saturday and another National Championship next month -- and at least I'd be arguing that Tim Tebow is the best player in the history of college football.

All of that would have been great for Tim Tebow; the Florida Gators and Southeastern Conference football. Now, none of that will happen. Florida and TT were so close to college football immortality. So close.

Oh well. Alabama was certainly the better team. Even if Florida's suspended DL Carlos Dunlap had played, they still would have lost.

And, that may be the silver lining. At least, there's little doubt that Alabama will whip Texas in the BCS Championship Game. That will be the 4th straight for the SEC. Wow!!

Roll Tide.