[jwplayer W93oxLtY]
Florida’s loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship looked like it was going to be ugly at halftime. But the Gators fought back, and they even had a chance to win at the end. They came up just short, though, falling 52-46.
Their performance in the game, which was the best a team has given the Crimson Tide all season, impressed the College Football Playoff Committee, as UF didn’t drop at all in the final CFP rankings. The Gators remain at No. 7 heading into their Cotton Bowl matchup with No. 6 Oklahoma.
But ESPN’s Chris Low was less impressed. He ranked Florida No. 15 in his post-championship weekend college football power rankings.
Despite their strong game against the No. 1 team in the nation, Low points out UF’s three losses and poor defensive play as justification for the low ranking.
15. Florida Gators (8-3)
There will be a lot of “what ifs” for the Gators when they look back on this season. They fought back time and time again Saturday before losing 52-46 to Alabama in the SEC championship game. Florida lost three games this season and scored 34 or more points in all three of those losses. The Gators simply didn’t get enough defensive stops when they needed them.
It’s hard to believe that UF, with three losses, remained ranked above teams like undefeated Cincinnati. But at the same time, after the SEC Championship, it’s hard to believe there are 14 teams better than Florida.
[lawrence-related id=31290,31276,31273,31264,31232]
[listicle id=31298]
[vertical-gallery id=31025]