11 Florida in a 52-46 shootout for the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday night. “The resiliency this team has shown this season to win 11 games is pretty phenomenal.”After falling behind 35-17 by halftime, Florida (8-3, No. Alabama had won every game in the pandemic-affected season by at least 15 points until Florida gave the Tide a scare. Florida: The Gators might’ve pulled off the upset if not for some crucial mistakes in the first half. But Florida also had two silly penalties on apparent third-down stops, extending a pair of drives that turned into touchdowns.

With a defense giving up nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns a game, Florida’s preseason title hopes are in jeopardy. Florida’s defense ranks 13th in the Southeastern Conference and 72nd in the country (only 76 Football Bowl Subdivision teams are currently playing). “Well, first of all, as a defense we’ve got to take responsibility,” junior defensive tackle Zach Carter said. Now is a great time for us to come together.”It’s been a weekly debacle, really, with the team’s offensive prowess masking many of the defensive deficiencies. “I think we’ll be fine.”The schedule doesn’t get much easier, if at all, with defending national champion LSU (1-2) up next.