Media members react to Oklahoma's epic beatdown of Florida in Cotton Bowl
Wednesday night was not the Florida Gators’ night. They were without many of their top players on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma had most of its elite guys.
Heisman finalist Kyle Trask threw 3 first-quarter interceptions to spot the Sooners a 17-0 lead. Todd Grantham’s defense couldn’t stop anyone.
By the time the game mercifully ended, the Gators had lost 55-20, ending the season on a 3-game losing streak for an 8-4 final record.
So, what should we make of this finish from the Gators? Well, here were some of the media reactions to the blowout loss:
Do you want an overreaction – I don't care who opted out, this is a program changing type of loss because regardless of who is or who isn't out on the field, it changes the momentum going into the offseason and at the very least the perceived projection the team is going in.
— Mark Wheeler (@InsideTheGators) December 31, 2020
Florida had a nice season, winning the SEC East. But Florida also had some serious embarrassments:
"Pack The Swamp"
Thrown Shoe Game
This debacle— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 31, 2020
Halftime brawl/Darth Vader Mullen https://t.co/SY7WCTNNaT
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 31, 2020
One of the great aspects of expanding the #CFBPlayoff :
No more having to factor opt-outs or motivation in the outcome of a matchup of top-8 teams.
Looking forward to it.
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) December 31, 2020
Florida fans should be seriously pissed off. Not at the opt-outs so much as Dan Mullen. The lack of effort and preparation is appalling. His handling of the game hasn’t helped.
— Mark Passwaters (@mbpRivals) December 31, 2020
I don’t care how Trask played tonight. The guy had an unbelievable two-year run and played in a game he absolutely did not have to.
He will go down as one of the best QBs Florida has ever had and rightfully so.
— Derek Tyson (@DerekJTyson) December 31, 2020
#Gators have given up 600 yards for the second straight game, third time this season. Something gotta change on that side of the ball. What remains to be seen.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) December 31, 2020
Unless I'm missing one, the last time the #Gators gave up 55 points: the Fiesta Bowl loss to Nebraska at the end of the 95 season
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) December 31, 2020
Say what you want about the opt outs/motivation…Two facts exist coming from @CottonBowlGame.
1. Embarrassing effort from Florida. 8-4 season. Lost their last 3. Ruined a promising year. No moral victories.
2. Oklahoma is legit and their performance should come as no surprise.
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) December 31, 2020
Florida had some opt outs, but this isn’t a case of Florida “not wanting to be there.” The Gators just got their butts kicked.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 31, 2020
Obviously, not all is hopeless for the Gators moving forward. But, there are some big questions that need to be answered this offseason.
