The Quick Slant: Instant Analysis from Florida's 37-7 loss to Florida State
Saturday, November 30, 2013 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators kept it close for a while. And then it was over.
No. 2-ranked Florida State (12-0) capped its first perfect regular season since 1999 with a 37-7 victory over the Gators on Saturday afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Fortunately for Florida, its injury-ravaged season is over. The Gators trailed 3-0 late in the second quarter when FSU Heisman hopeful Jameis Winston threw two late first-half touchdown passes to Kelvin Benjamin.
The Gators avoided getting shut out for the first time since 1988 when quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg hit fullback Hunter Joyer for a 5-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, cutting FSU's lead to 27-7.
THE QUICK SLANT
WHAT IT MEANS: The loss closes the door on the Gators' first losing season since 1979. Florida finished 4-8 and ended the season with a seven-game losing streak. The losing streak is Florida's longest since it lost nine in a row to end the 0-10-1 season of '79.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Gators honored 17 seniors Saturday on Senior Day. One of those had a short day. Receiver Trey Burton had the Gators' biggest play of the day when he ran 50 yards on a direct snap from center in the first quarter. Burton injured his left shoulder on the play and did not return.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: FSU receiver Kelvin Benjamin hauled in nine catches for 212 yards. Benjamin had touchdown receptions of 45 and 29 yards late in the first half to break the game open. Benjamin caught his third touchdown pass on a 4-yard score in the fourth quarter.
SUBPLOT: The Seminoles kept their national title hopes alive with their third win in four years over the Gators. FSU plays in the ACC Championship game next and with a victory, will likely play in the BCS national championship game.
UP NEXT: The Gators are not going to a bowl game for the first time in 23 years. To get back to one, the next major date on the calendar is Feb. 5: National Signing Day. Florida will try to add a talented class that can contribute immediately in the wake of the program's first losing season in 34 years.
