Embarrassing loss ends playoff hopes for #11 Florida

FINAL: ARKANSAS 31, FLORIDA 10

FAYETTEVILLE, AK-  In the matchup between the Florida Gators and the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday it was expected that Florida would do everything they could to improve their rankings in the College Football Playoff poll.
And maybe Florida did do everything they could, which could be the problem.

Arkansas allowed 543 rushing yards to Auburn in their most recent game.  Many predicted Florida’s four headed running back stable to run wild.  However, Florida was trailing after one offensive play, and completely abandoned the run game with only 14 attempts (three of those were actually Arkansas sacks) while gaining a total of 12 yards.

Luke Del Rio looked unsteady the entire night.  His first pass was thrown into a tight window and bounced off two defenders before being returned as a pick-six.  Although his final stats read 19-37 for 229 yards, don’t be fooled.  Most of those yards were picked up in the garbage time of the fourth quarter while Arkansas was playing prevent defense.

Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen commanded the Razorbacks offense throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown against what statistically was the top defense in the SEC.  Perhaps even more concerning for Florida’s defense, was the fact that Arkansas ran for 223 yards.

Florida has a huge division matchup against South Carolina at home next week.  South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp will be returning to the Swamp for the first time since being fired after 2014.  You can bet that Muschamp would love to end Florida’s hopes at repeating as SEC East champions.

COMING THIS WEEK:

-We will be discussing the injuries suffered in this game as more information becomes available.

-We will also discuss in a separate article what the Florida offense must do to contend with (gulp) South Carolina

-We will also be providing a pointed article at the failures of Jim McElwain as he fell to 16-6 in his UF coaching career.

SEC EAST STANDINGS:

1. FLORIDA          6-2     4-2
2. KENTUCKY        5-3     4-2*
3. TENNESSEE  6-3     2-3
4. GEORGIA 4-4     2-4*
5. CAROLINA 5-4     3-4
6. VANDERBILT 4-5     1-4
7. MISSOURI 2-7     0-5

*Teams are playing at time of publishing

Game Summary:

SCORING:

• 1^st Quarter: L. Del Rio pass intercepted by S. Ramirez 24 yards (McFain kick)
• 1^st Quarter: R. Williams 6 yard run (McFain kick)
• 1^st Quarter: A. Allen pass intercepted by D. Dawson 37 yards (Piniero kick)
• 2^nd Quarter: Morgan 7 yard run (McFain kick)
• 4^th Quarter: A. McFain 36 yard FG
• 4^th Quarter: E. Piniero 49 yard FG
• 4^th Quarter: R. Williams 41 yard run (McFain kick)

PASSING LEADERS:

RUSHING LEADERS:

RECEIVING LEADERS:

TEAM STATS:

WHAT’S NEXT:

FLORIDA GATORS VS SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

NOVEMBER 12, 2016

BEN HILL GRIFFIN STADIUM