Jim McElwain's job is in jeopardy at Florida./STEVEN MUNCIE
Sunday, 3 a.m.
If the game was meant to be the final arguments for Florida coach Jim McElwain, he had very little to say.
The Georgia Bulldogs trampled the voices clear from the Florida program in a 42-7 victory, ending one of the ugliest weeks in the history of the Gators. There was vague talk of death threats, an administration that seemed to doubt the comments, rumors of a buyout and then giving up six touchdowns to the Bulldogs to fall to 3-4 after their third straight loss.
It was all unseemly, unbelievable and unwatchable.
"I know what I was brought here to do," McElwain said. "Look, we haven't been good on offense. I get it. We've won a few games, but haven't won enough. We haven't won a championship. That's real, and I take full responsibility for it.
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Feleipe Franks looks for somewhere to throw as the Georgia defense attacks./STEVEN MUNCIE
“My concern isn’t about my job. My concern is about these players, our staff. We have a fantastic staff — coaches, support staff, their families. That’s the concern. It isn’t about me.”"
Well, who else? The Gators have struggled offensively throughout McElwain's tenure. Late Saturday night, there were rumors – despite Florida's denials – that the school was looking to fire McElwain and replace him with Randy Shannon.
Lamical Perine had 93 yards rushing for Gators./STEVEN MUNCIE
The Gators' quarterbacks passed for only 66 yards on the day. For Georgia, Sony Michel rushed for 137 yards. Starting quarterback Feleipe Franks threw for only 30. The offensive line had seven false-start penalties.
It was 21-0 in the middle of the first period. And still, the Gators didn't have as bad a time of it as McElwain.
“I’ve made mistakes in my life,” McElwain said. “And yet, I stand by everything that occurred. It won’t be the first to ever have happened to anybody. And I get that.
“As I go back, look, we’ve put a lot into this program. The people have been great to my wife and I. We’ll see what happens. That’s the stuff that’s out of your control.”
Florida is at home Saturday against Missouri. Whether McElwain is with them is anyone's guess.
The Florida defense tries to catch Georgia's Michel./STEVEN MUNCIE
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