travisduncan
Gator Fan
Nov 24, 2012; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Gators defeated the Seminoles 37-26. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE
By Travis Duncan
Gator Envy writer
"Heck of a season, pulling for fight on (USC)... I've always been a real big Lane Kiffin fan," a gratified Florida coach Will Muschamp Saturday night following a 37-26 victory over Florida State on the road.
The win puts the Gators at 11-1 and guaranteed a spot in a BCS title game, likely the Sugar Bowl, and with an outside chance they could move into the Top 2 BCS spots should undefeated Notre Dame lose Saturday against USC and into the National Championship game.
"Last time we were in this stadium it was a 31-7 football game, and it wasn't tonight," Muschamp said.
Muschamp's goal this season was simple: turn the Gators into a tough football. Win the line of scrimmage. They did that Saturday. His ultimate goal is to win a national championship at Florida.
"You can be fast and all that, said Muschamp, perhaps alluding to the Urban Meyer era.
"But you better be physical and you better win the line of scrimmage."
Muschamp said he told offensive coordinator Brent Pease during the game that they needed to continue to pound the ball, and not allow the Seminoles to rush Jeff Driskel, and the other team would wear down.
Mike Gillislee rushed for 140 yards on 24 carries, including a 37-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter.
Gillislee is the first 1,000 yard back at Florida since 2003. He is the eighth Gator all-time to total 1K rushing in a season.
The Gators totaled 394 yards of total offense (244 rushing, 150 passing) – Florida State had been giving up an average of 236.3 yards per game coming into the game.
Credit Driskel who toughed it out with an ankle injury. The sophomore finished with 147 yards passing on 15 of 23 with a touchdown and no interceptions.
"At the end of the day, you want to be in the conversation," Muschamp concluded. He also stated he knows the Gators' resume stacks up against anyone in the country and they deserve to play for the National Title.
The players bought into Muschamp this season. They played down to the competition a few times, but they did just about everything they set to accomplish and more. At the end of the day Gator Nation has to be well pleased with Muschamp and the remarkable success of the Gators this season.