Tim Tebow didn’t need to look beyond the basics to explain Florida’s 24-0 halftime deficit against Georgia.
“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.”
The Gators threw two interceptions before turning to Tramell Jones Jr. at quarterback, then watched their most promising possession end with a fumble Georgia’s Chris Cole returned 66 yards for a touchdown.
A roughing-the-kicker penalty also extended the Bulldogs’ first touchdown drive, prompting Tebow to count that mistake alongside Florida’s three giveaways.
“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 was particularly critical of Aaron Philo’s first interception, an unnecessary third-down throw that handed 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 supported the move to Jones and suggested more designed quarterback runs could help generate a spark. Jones showed flashes of promise, but his late fumble erased an opportunity to put Florida on the scoreboard 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.”
For Tebow, the second half presents a test of Florida’s resolve as much as its execution.
“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 assessment of the first half was clear: Florida had allowed Georgia to dictate the game.
“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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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Tim Tebow blasts Florida's first-half mistakes against Georgia
