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FSU loss points to Gators' flaws on way to SEC title game (w/video)

 
Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) sits on the field after getting tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Josh Sweat (9) during the first quarter of the football game between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, November 28, 2015. EVE EDELHEIT   I   Times
Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) sits on the field after getting tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Josh Sweat (9) during the first quarter of the football game between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, November 28, 2015. EVE EDELHEIT I Times
Published Nov. 30, 2015

GAINESVILLE — After spending most of the season learning how to deal with success, No. 18 Florida has one week to figure out how to bounce back from failure — a bitter 27-2 home loss to rival Florida State and one of its ugliest performances in years.

"I think it'll be interesting in the building of this program, this organization, in how we handle disappointment like this," Gators coach Jim McElwain said.

How UF rebounds depends on whether it can break a monthlong trend by finally discovering some offense. The Gators have failed to crack 270 yards in three of their past four games. They enter Saturday's SEC championship game against No. 2 Alabama with an offense ranked No. 104 nationally out of 127 Division I-A teams.

Although the struggles have existed all season, Saturday's 25-point loss to the Seminoles marked a new low under McElwain.

UF had four three-and-outs in the first half, and quarterback Treon Harris missed on seven consecutive throws. The Gators' two points were their lowest in 60 matchups with FSU. Their 3.3 yards per play and 77.58 passer rating were their worst marks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in four years.

FSU's swarming defense deserves plenty of credit, but UF's problems will only get worse this week against an Alabama defensive front that's considered the best in the country.

"As long as we keep being consistent and keep getting better, I feel like we could play with anyone," said running back Kelvin Taylor, the offense's lone bright spot with his fifth 100-yard game of the season. "If we are not consistent, it is going to be hard to win at this level."

Specifically, Florida has to develop consistency at quarterback and in the red zone. Harris completed 19 of 38 Saturday and accounted for 129 total yards, his worst outing since taking over the starting job. Although the sophomore has completed more than half his passes in only two of the six games since starter Will Grier's suspension, McElwain said he hasn't considered benching Harris.

"No. Nope," McElwain said. "You know, he could've played better, but so could some other guys and so could some guys around him. He's our quarterback."

McElwain's statement says as much about the roster as it does about Harris; the Gators' backup is Armwood High product Josh Grady, a converted receiver.

And as UF's overall performance showed, the offense has more concerns than that position.

Senior tackle Mason Halter was plowed over by Derwin James, FSU's freshman safety. The Gators offensive line allowed three quarterback hurries, four sacks and two other tackles for a loss.

UF's problems compounded when the stakes were highest. The Gators ran nine plays on three trips to the red zone. They fumbled a snap, surrendered a sack, missed on every pass and ended with minus-9 yards and zero points.

"We just weren't able to finish drives and weren't able to get things going," tight end Jake McGee said. "We just weren't able to put things together."

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And they only have one week left to figure it out.

Contact Matt Baker at mbaker@tampabay.com.