The Florida Gators defeated the LSU Tigers in “Death Valley” for the first time since 2009. With a goal-line stand to finish off the game, the Gators made a statement and took care of business on the road. The game was mostly defined by the many miscues of LSU, but don’t take any credit away from the Gators defense, who played relentlessly in the toughest position possible.
With the consideration of Hurricane Matthew that canceled the initial LSU-Florida game, being forced to move this game away from the Swamp, Florida played with a little more fire. To add, Florida’s recently retired athletic director, Jeremy Foley, was incredibly critical of LSU's Athletic Department for doing little to nothing in the rescheduling of the game.
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Prior to kickoff, tensions were flaring at warmups on the field. Videos showed that even LSU running back Leonard Fournette shoved a Florida Gators’ defensive backs coach. He even decided to try to play right after this incident, when he was ruled out for this game. LSU players had talked a lot of trash about Florida.
In the second half of the game, it was clear that Jordan Scarlett was not going to lose this game. He continued to run through contact right at LSU and wear them down tremendously. Though he was not able to score a touchdown, he made his presence felt by every single person in that stadium. In the end, the goal-line stand vindicated his performance.
After the game finished, Jim McElwain made sure LSU remembered this loss. He commented about how Florida had been disrespected for not playing a football game during Hurricane Matthew, at a time when, to quote the coach, “lives were involved”. He emphatically stated multiple times that LSU had gotten what they deserved.
LSU will now have to play the Gators in Gainesville for the next two years. LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva will have to remember this as a humiliating defeat. Interim head coach Ed Orgeron may not be in consideration for the full-time head coaching position for the future after this loss. The lack of professionalism from LSU and the bevy of disrespect will forever shame LSU. Florida Gator fans will remember this game as a symbolism of LSU’s disgusting attitude and unprofessional manner. Both Orgeron and Alleva should leave the program immediately for such heinous acts that go against the sportsmanship of the game. With the possibility of Alleva remaining at LSU for a while, expect more of this same disgust.
Don’t worry. The Gators will be ready to smack them in the mouth.
