Fans express their appreciation for what UF has done.

In Atlanta, loving the Gators, no matter what

A Florida fan watches from the stands during the second half of the 2009 SEC Championship game between Florida and Alabama in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Brian W. Kratzer/The Gainesville Sun

By Joe Byrnes
Staff writer

Published: Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 10:44 p.m.

ATLANTA - Heartbreak.

It was a feeling to which Gator football fans were unaccustomed.

As the final minutes wound down and Alabama led 32-13, as tens of thousands of jubilant 'Bama fans in crimson screamed "Roll Tide," while fireworks erupted and the opposing team rushed onto the field, Gator fans stood or sat in the Georgia Dome with devastated expressions.

"Despite the score, I love these boys," said UF sophomore Jeni Cardosi from her post behind an end zone. "And I'm so proud of what they've done over these last four years. I'm heartbroken, but I know whatever I feel they're feeling a million times more."

Doug Watson, an '81 UF grad now living in Southern California, looked down from his front row seat through moist eyes.

"[Tim] Tebow's not perfect, but you can't expect him to carry everybody," he said of UF's senior quarterback. "You've got to hand it to Alabama. They really pushed our defense around today."

Gator fans appeared stunned by the team's first loss in 23 games, but they were quick to assert undying loyalty.

"I love 'em, always will," Watson said. "[I'll] always be a Gator, through the good times and these times."

Some fans reflected on Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner famed for his leadership and athletic ability.

"Tebow's left an incredible legacy," said Kenny Loar, a 2004 UF grad. "It's sad to see him go out this way.

"I've watched Tebow for the last four years, and I'll cherish that forever," he said, even as the chance of a third national title in four years slipped away.

ATLANTA - Heartbreak.It was a feeling to which Gator football fans were unaccustomed.As the final minutes wound down and Alabama led 32-13, as tens of thousands of jubilant 'Bama fans in crimson screamed "Roll Tide," while fireworks erupted and the opposing team rushed onto the field, Gator fans stood or sat in the Georgia Dome with devastated expressions."Despite the score, I love these boys," said UF sophomore Jeni Cardosi from her post behind an end zone. "And I'm so proud of what they've done over these last four years. I'm heartbroken, but I know whatever I feel they're feeling a million times more."Doug Watson, an '81 UF grad now living in Southern California, looked down from his front row seat through moist eyes."[Tim] Tebow's not perfect, but you can't expect him to carry everybody," he said of UF's senior quarterback. "You've got to hand it to Alabama. They really pushed our defense around today."Gator fans appeared stunned by the team's first loss in 23 games, but they were quick to assert undying loyalty."I love 'em, always will," Watson said. "[I'll] always be a Gator, through the good times and these times."Some fans reflected on Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner famed for his leadership and athletic ability."Tebow's left an incredible legacy," said Kenny Loar, a 2004 UF grad. "It's sad to see him go out this way."I've watched Tebow for the last four years, and I'll cherish that forever," he said, even as the chance of a third national title in four years slipped away.

In Atlanta, loving the Gators, no matter what