ChompTalk.com

Gainesville, FL – The conversations surrounding Florida and a potential College Football Playoff berth can be put to rest following the Gators upset loss to LSU on Saturday night. For that matter, it’s safe to say that Kyle Trask’s Heisman campaign has also come to an end. The senior quarterback did all that he could, going 29 of 47 for 474 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and a couple more on the ground.

However, Trask was also responsible for 3 turnovers in the first half. To some extent, the offensive line shoulders some of the blame for those turnovers. The unit allowed LSU’s defensive front to wreak havoc for most of the night, allowing 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 8 quarterback hurries. Despite this, Trask and the offense managed to move the ball efficiently… sort of.

Trask connected with 10 different receivers on the night. Turning in career performances, were Kadarius Toney and Jacob Copeland. The duo made big plays throughout the night, combining for 14 catches and over 300 yards receiving. Additionally, the tandem hauled in the only passing touchdowns of the night from the Gators’ Heisman hopeful. Toney was effective on the ground as well, racking up 56 yards on just 3 carries.

The Gators offense consistently gashed the Tigers’ defense, totaling 609 yards and recording 11 explosive plays of 20 yards or more. So, what went wrong? Basically, everything else. The defense found themselves out of position time and again, the offense turned the ball over four times (2 interceptions, a fumble, and a failed fourth down conversion), a heavy fog descended upon the field, and Marco Wilson gift-wrapped an opportunity for LSU to take the lead late in the game.

With 0:33 left in the second quarter, freshman quarterback Max Johnson connected with Kayshon Boutte for an uncontested 34-yard touchdown to take the lead just before halftime. Boutte was all alone behind the coverage because of confusion in the Gators’ secondary. On the play, the corner blitzed, leaving Boutte to be covered by Tre’Vez Johnson. Only, Johnson was late dropping into position, allowing for one of the easiest touchdown passes you’ll ever see.

There were several instances of blown coverages or Florida defenders providing too much cushion to the Tigers’ receivers. Johnson was consistently able to attack the middle with quick slants. As a result, the young quarterback went 21-36 for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first career start.

Three uncharacteristic turnovers by Kyle Trask resulted in 13 points for LSU and missed scoring opportunities for the Gators. But, as I said before, some of that blame lies with the poor performance of the offensive line. As if these self-inflicted wounds weren’t enough, the weather made things even worse. About midway through the third quarter, fog began to fill the Swamp. Not only did it make things hard on viewers across the country but it created real visibility problems for the receivers and punt returners for the remainder of the game.

After struggling through the fog for several possessions, Florida finally put a drive together to retake the lead late in the fourth. However, LSU responded quickly, going ahead 34-31. The Gators put together a 7-play 72-yard drive that culminated with a field goal, tying the game at 34. On LSU’s next possession, Marco Wilson made a mistake that will tarnish his legacy forever.

With just under two minutes remaining, Florida forced a three and out that would give them the opportunity to win the game in regulation. And then the flags cut through the murky fog that must have clouded Wilson’s judgement. After stopping Kole Taylor well short of the line to gain, Marco Wilson picked Taylor’s cleat up from the turf and threw it 20 yards downfield. The ensuing unsportsmanlike penalty gave LSU new life, allowing them to drive down the field where Cade York hit a 57-yard field goal to take a 37-34 lead with just 0:23 remaining.

Kyle Trask and Kadarius Toney went to work, quickly and efficiently, moving the ball 42 yards to set up a 51-yard field goal attempt by Evan McPherson. With just 2 seconds on the clock and the entire stadium holding its breath, McPherson attempted to be the hero that would send the game into overtime. Instead, he sent the ball wide left. With it went the Gators CFP and Heisman hopes.

Suddenly, next week’s SEC Championship seems more ominous than optimistic. Still, Florida has a reason to show up and give their best effort. They must put the disappointment of this game behind them and give their best performance of the season next week, if for no other reason than the fact that it is the Gator standard.