Aaaaaaaand we're back. A combination of both James and I having a steady amount of work at our real jobs (yes, Gatorsfirst.com isn't our real job, even though it's cool to think about), as well as a mild case of depression led us to take a few days off. Now regrouped, I'd like to give a few thoughts about last Saturday's SEC championship game against Alabama...

Firstly, let's give Alabama their credit. They were more physical than us at the point of attack, completely prepared for this game, and had the talent to pull off the upset. After seeing them handle us, knowing that they are representing the SEC, and both James and I living in Texas, I think I speak on behalf of both of us when I say ''Roll Tide'' in the BCS championship game (while it pains me to say that phrase, I just wouldn't be able to handle living here for the next eight months if Texas took care of business).

There were some clear reasons why Alabama won:

1. Alabama Offensive Line vs Florida Defensive Line - It was obvious to me after the first two drives that Alabama's O-line simply outmatched our defensive front. It seemed like they could pick up five to seven yards on the ground at will. If you give a smart RB open lanes, he'll find them, and that's what Mark Ingram did.
2. Greg McElroy had the game of his life - If you look at other games this season, I knew he didn't make many mistakes, but didn't think he was someone that could shoulder the load if needed. Saturday night was his showstage as it was apparent that he has all the tools to succeed. He made crisp passes, evaded the rush well, and made gamebreaking plays with his legs when he needed (see the tippie-toe routine along the sideline on third down)
3. Florida's penalties - The Gators made a ton of costly penalties throughout the course of the game, and they all seemed to happen at the worst possible time. 26 yard kick return by Brandon James nullified by a personal foul. 14 yard rush by Brandon James brought back because of a holding penalty. Personal foul on the defense after letting up a big 28 yard gain deep into Gator territory. On 3rd and 7 near midfield, Florida jumped offsides making it a short 3rd and 2 (see point #1).
4. Florida's abandonment of the running game - What happened here? Besides Tim Tebow (who played tremendously IMO, 247 passing, 63 rushing, 1 TD, 1 late INT after the game was out of reach), we ran the ball FOUR times. WHAT?!?! We led the SEC in rushing this year, yet we ran the ball four times. Completely irresponsible. I haven't said much about Addazio all season, but I hope Urban thinks about who is running the offense all off-season.

I also want to argue against the notion that Alabama wanted it more. Even though some players had first-round draft picks waiting for them last following last season, Florida had a ton of players stay for their senior season to win another championship. You would be hard-pressed to convince me that Florida didn't want it. No way.

Now we move on to the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati. Today, reports are out that Brian Kelly will be taking over at Notre Dame and will not coach in the game. Likewise, Charlie Strong took over at Louisville, but will be coaching the Gator defense stating ''I feel like we need redemption from the way we played Saturday. I owe it to this coaching staff. I owe it to the University of Florida, and I owe it to the players to finish out in a much better way than we played against Alabama''. I'm looking forward to seeing the last performance by the greatest set of seniors in Florida history!