* Shorty's is always terrific. It tasted awesome after a victory like that. This is the first Canes/Gators game after both of my parents have passed away. I made sure to uphold the tradition of the post game meal, and I remembered and visualized their celebrations after the 2003 comeback.
* Florida fans launched an Orange/Blue chant when we played the alma mater prior to the game. Talk about low class. But so predictable. You could sense they do it all the time, regardless of venue, because it was spontaneous and widespread
* Crowd was in the 70/30 range, which is what I expected. But that was sheer numbers. The Gators were nicely muffled in the normally tarped upper corner areas of the upper deck, diminishing their impact. Effectively it was more like 80/20. The Canes also made a wise move by shifting the student section from exclusively in the west end zone to a wraparound which ended in the middle of the Gator bench.
* It was awkward as heck walking amidst so many Gators. But surprisingly few conflicts. Far fewer than the Orange Bowl, which had an atmosphere that naturally promoted that type of thing
* If Florida had pulled it out, particularly after trailing throughout, they would have been other worldly obnoxious. With that in mind, and perhaps 15 to 20 years until we play them again, I rooted more intensely in the 4th quarter than any game other than our title matchups
* Gator Gals aren't remotely comparable to Seminole Gals. At least not the ones who attend these roaders
* Game itself? Felt like a great escape. It unfolded the way I dreaded, with the flash plays available early and then taken away by the more rugged opponent. I'm thrilled we got past them and wouldn't want a rematch. I watched the rushing attempts mount in lopsided fashion in the second quarter, until it reached 28-9 in Florida's favor. I've made applied estimates like this for decades. A 3-point road favorite with that type of rushing attempt edge has at least a 70% likelihood of winning the game, even while trailing 14-6. It can't be understated how tenacious and resourceful the Canes were, to hang in there without buckling. I worried the 3 yard rushes would mature to 8 or 10 but we refused to allow it to happen. Remarkable, remarkable effort.
* The defense won't look this good over the balance of the season. Can't get carried away. But the glimpses of special talent are finally there again. I was glad we weren't scared to use Figueroa, even if I thought he should have played more
* Coley erred by throwing the ball during the late second quarter possessions. Our offensive line hadn't wilted at that point. The quick hitting runs were still effective. Once we refused to run the ball the Gators were invigorated on the defensive front and it naturally carried over to the second half. I knew we would run too often to open the second half, especially on early downs. That's a residue of the stats sheet. Golden and Coley saw the 28-10 rushing attempt deficit and knew they had to balance it a little bit. Hence the early third quarter runs on first and second down...going nowhere.
* I haven't watched the tape or read the threads. I'm sure there have been comments about Dorsett and the offense. Dorsett has to be one of the most frustrating players in program history. The deep back shoulder throw appeared to be the correct choice in the first quarter. Dorsett kept sprinting downfield. Early fourth quarter we finally had some field position and plays were available. I have no idea what Dorsett was thinking on that play. It unfolded like a cheap touchdown after Florida finally made a key mistake, yet Dorsett appeared to be clueless the ball might arrive. It looked like he was blocking. I was so stunned and disgusted I'm not even sure I saw it clearly
* Driskel missed at least one open touchdown pass, when Dunbar broke free and ignored. I was very happy that Florida didn't attempt more deep balls. They figured it out too late.
* The blocked kick may have been the most predictable play of all time. I worried about that throughout the offseason. I know I mentioned it here at least 4 or 5 times. That's what the more physical team will do, stun you with speed and intensity level on special teams that you aren't prepared for. IMO, Florida goofed by not making it a priority again. The Canes still seemed vulnerable, although we did smartly quick snap a couple of times
* Morris is not close to Aaron Murray's level, to pick one name. I still have no idea how Morris was so overhyped during the offseason. He's pressing more this season and often releases early or late. Less touch than last season, if anything. At least the late releases are low and otherwise harmless. When he missed Dorsett high on 3rd and long I really didn't think we'd be able to keep Florida out of the end zone after that pick. Amazing sustained defense
* Coley's offense still didn't explore centerfield or create much spacing. But this is no time to criticize and we've now bought weeks for corrections and adjustments
* I almost forgot -- you've got to love it when the opposing coach blows time outs early in the second half. For years that was us. Muschamp was apparently scared of a fake punt on one of the blown time outs. The way our special teams were being handled? I had to laugh.