Meyer, Gators players cry over LSU loss
<img> Everyone knows that there's
no crying in baseball. And I thought that there was no crying in football, but apparently there is.
Florida football coach
Urban Meyer couldn't contain himself following the Gators loss to LSU.
Urban Meyer got a few minutes into his postgame autopsy of the 21-17 loss before it happened. First, he talked about how LSU was very good, like Alabama and Tennessee, and how the SEC was a "tough conference." He mentioned the great stadium environment, some great Florida defense and … "And our punter did an excellent job," Meyer said. "I'm not sure what our net was … I think it was a 43 net."
Then someone asked the first question. It was about Chris Leak, Florida's equally lost quarterback. Meyer began, "You know, I got to watch …"
He paused. He choked on his words. He fell silent. It got weird. After 24 seconds, Meyer went on with red-rimmed eyes. He choked up again a few minutes later.
Was this really happening?
...
It was as if LSU had studied game film and Florida hadn't. When the Gators went to an empty backfield and spread five receivers out wide, LSU blitzed. And blitzed. Just like Georgia will. LSU didn't disguise a thing.
"Blitzed every time," Meyer said.
And covered Florida's receivers one-on-one.
"You're really not supposed to be able to do that," Meyer said.
And you can't -- in the Mountain West.
Want a mountain?
This is a mountain.
...
The shame was that this game was there to be stolen and help Meyer's team back onto the SEC stage and national picture. Florida fell behind 14-0, Alabama-like, but rallied to take the lead. The defense took it back. LSU tried to give it back. But the Florida offense would have none of it.
LSU had five turnovers, three of which set up Florida's points. The Gators had no turnovers. How do you win that stat, 5-0, and lose?
But you didn't need a stat sheet in this one. You only need have followed the tracks of Florida's tears. Meyer consoled Leak.
"Chris is a tough nut," Meyer said. "I just gave him a big hug. He's bawling his eyes out like some of those other guys."
Urban Meyer is a tough nut, too. He'll bounce back. He'll have to learn from this. But he must know just how far he has to go. His cracking voice said it. His eyes said it. Gator Nation is shattered right along with him. The Answer had no answers. Again.
It gets worse, the
Florida football team broke down in tears in the locker room.
The Florida team and
fans are disappointed. It will be interesting to see if the Gators are able to get up off the mat or if they're down for the count.
Posted by
Kevin Donahue Click to expand...