More than a loss for the Gators

Let me begin by saying that I do not like Alabama football.

It's my passion for the Florida Gators, Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, being told Julio Jones is actually an All-American wide receiver, and Nick Saban that fuel my dislike for the Crimson Tide.

However, Alabama's 31-6 victory over the Gators this past Saturday showed me something: I can no longer argue that Florida is on the same level as Alabama.

Alabama has shown that they are the new class of the SEC, separating them greatly from the rest of the conference.

They run the ball well, manage games well, shut offenses down, and force turnovers. They recruit well and are well-coached.

Alabama's defense is clutch.

Florida was able to move the ball down the field and reach the red zone five times Saturday. Out of those five red zone trips, Alabama gave up two field goals and forced three turnovers.

This inexperienced defense is learning quickly and showing it on the field.

The Crimson Tide was able to seemingly dominate in a game where their offense did not put up the numbers they are accustomed to producing.

While Alabama had their way, Florida desperately needs to find answers.

Florida's defense has been a cornerstone this year and very reliable for the young Gator team, but the offense is a different story.

I excused the offense's lack of chemistry the first couple weeks and chalked it up to inexperience and first week jitters.

However, with the snap problems still evident and John Brantley unable to establish true chemistry with the offense, the Gators have a lot to improve on before they can have a shot at the best.

Sure, not having Tim Tebow causes somewhat of a setback, but it's the lack of playmakers that is killing the Gators.

They got a flash of playmaking ability against Kentucky when freshman "all-position" athlete Trey Burton scored six touchdowns, setting a new Gator record. Right now, Burton is at best a "change-up" option in the offense.

Jeff Demps has displayed his speed in big runs this season, but an injury has hurt his consistency. Chris Rainey is too busy stalking girls and sending death threat texts, and the offensive line cannot snap the ball or buy Brantley enough time to make plays and go through his reads.

Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio needs to realize there is no Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, or Aaron Hernandez lined up and his play calling thus far can also be part of the reason for the offensive woes.

It's clear the Gators are not the team that Florida fans have been used to.

Florida is going through the growing pains of a first-year starting quarterback and struggling to find its identity on offense.

With the way Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina and Arkansas are playing right now, the Gators need to rebound quickly or they could be finishing the season as the fifth best team in the SEC this year.

Florida could potentially lose the SEC East, which it has dominated the past few years.

Good game, Alabama; thank you for bringing us to reality.

Nevertheless, go Gators.