The college football national championship game is fast approaching as the Georgia Bulldogs get ready to take on the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in a battle for the coveted College Football Playoff Trophy. For the ‘Dawgs, Monday night’s game represents an opportunity to repeat as national champions — a distinction few programs have earned. But also presents the possibility of ignominy if UGA fails to prevail.
USA TODAY Sportswriter Paul Myerberg brought together its 10 best teams narrowly missing out on repeat as national college football champions, in no particular order. In what should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the sport for the past two decades, Florida’s 2009 season stood out. Here’s what Myerberg had to say on the matter.
2009 Florida (13-1)
The only thing that stopped Florida from playing for a second straight title and third in four seasons under Urban Meyer was the bud Alabama dynasty, which defeated the then-No. 1 Gators 32-13 in the SEC Championship on course to win Nick Saban’s first of six titles with the Crimson Tide. Florida bounced back to overwhelm Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl in the final game of Tim Tebowhis college career to finish 13-1 and No. 3 in the coaches’ poll.
No doubt this season has been heartbreaking – perhaps quite literally, given that the stress of failure ostensibly resulted in Meyer being placed under medical observation. cope with illnesses many believe they were heart-related. The Gator Nation wouldn’t mind seeing Kirby Smart denied his chance to do what Meyer couldn’t, and if TCU emerges victorious, the schadenfreude of the orange and blue faithful will be palpable.
Related
Florida gets Michigan transfer linebacker commitment
2024 RB commit locked with Florida, return visit planned
Two Gators selected in first two rounds of ESPN’s final mock draft of 2023
Bucs S Keanu Neal (hip) doubtful to return against Falcons
WATCH: Texans DE Jonathan Greenard returns a six-pick against the Colts
Listing
Colin Castleton climbs Florida’s all-time shot blocker list
Listing
College Football National Championship Game Betting Odds
Listing
Takeaways from Florida’s first SEC win over the Georgia Bulldogs
follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow the Florida Gators’ continuous news, ratings and opinion coverage.
Let us know your thoughts and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!