SEC Power Rankings: Alabama is SEC’s only elite team

Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) runs as Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) pressures during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Well, they weren’t technically shut out, but a 27-2 loss to Florida State is less than ideal preparation for the SEC Championship Game next week.

The Florida Gators, who earned their ticket to Atlanta four weeks ago, gained just 262 total yards on offense against the Seminoles Saturday. It was the third time in four games that the Gators have been held to fewer than 300 yards offensively.

Quarterback Treon Harris completed 19 of 38 passes for 134 yards and Kelvin Taylor gained 136 rushing yards on 24 carries, including a 22-yarder, but Harris was sacked four times and Florida managed just 3.2 yards per carry over the course of the game. And, most importantly, the Florida offense didn’t manage a single point.

The Gators played well on defense most of the night, and limited Florida State to 304 total yards, but couldn’t stop running back Dalvin Cook, who ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Based on their overall body of work this season, Florida has been the third best team in the SEC and could still capture the league crown with a win over Alabama next week. However, with a sluggish offense trending down over the last month of the regular season – and with the SEC’s best defense awaiting next week in the SEC Championship Game –  Florida could be headed for an embarrassing performance next weekend.

Next Game: Saturday December 5 vs. Alabama (SEC Championship Game)

Next: Ole Miss