Tim Tebow didn’t need a deep dive to diagnose Florida’s halftime mess against Georgia. The scoreboard said enough: a 24-0 hole, and a first half that spiraled because the Gators kept handing the Bulldogs extra chances.
On ABC’s halftime show, Tebow pointed straight at the most basic parts of the game.
“When you talk about the fundamentals of the game, there are the basics: turnovers, penalties and time of possession,” Tebow said during ABC’s halftime show. “Florida’s getting killed in all three of them.”
Florida’s problems piled up fast. The Gators threw two interceptions before going to Tramell Jones Jr. at quarterback, and their best-looking drive of the half ended with a fumble that Georgia’s Chris Cole took 66 yards for a touchdown. A roughing-the-kicker penalty also kept Georgia’s first touchdown march alive, which led Tebow to fold that mistake into the turnover count.
“You essentially have four turnovers if you include roughing the kicker,” Tebow said. “You’re just not going to win.
You’re never going to beat a Georgia team (like that). They’re too tough, too talented, too physical.”
Roman Harper zeroed in on Aaron Philo’s first interception, calling it a needless third-down throw that gave Georgia a short field.
“You can’t make plays like that. That’s just unacceptable,” Harper said.
“It’s third down. The best thing you can do in this game is punt the football if you are Florida right now.”
Harper also backed the switch to Jones and said Florida might need more designed quarterback runs to create some momentum. Jones did show a few encouraging signs, but his late fumble wiped out a chance for the Gators to get on the board before halftime.
“Before that it was 17-0. If you get three, you’re feeling very good about yourself,” Harper said.
“Instead, a turnover right there at the end. Another scoop-and-score touchdown for Chris Cole.
It’s really ugly right now.”
Tebow said the second half would be as much about Florida’s response as anything else.
“You’re not just going to compete because you think you can win. That’s a long shot,” Tebow said. “Will you compete because it’s what you’re called to do?”
His read on the first half was blunt: Georgia had taken control, and Florida had helped it happen.
“They want to control time of possession; they want to win the turnover battle; they want to be able to dominate inside the line of scrimmage, and that’s what they’re continuing to do,” Tebow said. “Florida is playing right into their hands.”
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