College Football

Florida Gators Football: Austin Appleby Fulfills Dream In Final Game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:33 p.m. ET

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Embattled quarterback Austin Appleby silenced his critics, achieved his dreams, and led the Florida Gators football team to a victory in the Outback Bowl.

The Florida Gators football team has completed one of the most emotional seasons in program history. Despite losing eight starters and facing unfathomable adversity, Florida kept pushing and secured a victory in the Outback Bowl.

During the Outback Bowl, embattled quarterback Austin Appleby fulfilled a lifelong dream and ended his career on a high note.

Appleby was one of the most scrutinized in the quarterback in the country during the 2016 season. Despite being thrown to the wolves after Luke Del Rio suffered a season-ending injury, nothing he did appeared to be enough for his critics.

According to Ryan Young of SEC Country, Appleby has finally fulfilled his dream of playing for Florida and winning a bowl game in the orange and blue.

Appleby has ended his Florida football career in a way that should only improve his local legacy.

Appleby stepped up in the Outback Bowl by completing 14 of 25 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The picks weren’t necessarily his fault, but regardless of who shoulders the blame, the senior quarterback responded well to adversity.

Appleby threw touchdowns of 85 and six yards, including one that separated the Gators from a 3-3 tie and gave UF an everlasting lead.

Appleby completed passes to six different players and accounted for more points than the entire Iowa football team.

Matched up against one of the best defensive teams in the country, Appleby maintained his poise and composure. He overcame turnovers that could have rattled his confidence and helped lead a strong offensive showing.

For all of the criticism that he faced in 2016-17, Appleby responded to his critics with a vital performance in the Outback Bowl.

In his final performance as a member of the Florida Gators, Austin Appleby fulfilled a dream. It doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

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