Turnovers, poor defensive execution and a failed fourth-and-1 attempt had ended UF’s hope for an undefeated season.
The Gators were title favorites with the defending Heisman winner at quarterback.
The Rebels had entered the game 2-2 after falling at home to Vanderbilt the week before.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Tebow knew it.
So, after answering every question, he left with an apology — and a promise.
"To the fans and everybody in Gator Nation, I’m sorry. I’m extremely sorry," Tebow said.
"We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida has never done here.