Florida QB Austin Appleby looked great as injured starter Luke Del Rio’s replacement during the first half of Florida’s game against Tennessee on Saturday.

However, Appleby and the entire Gators team fell apart in the second half, leading to a 38-28 defeat.

Appleby, a transfer from Purdue, shared his thoughts on the loss during a press conference on Monday, saying he thinks the Gators should have won:

"I truly believe the better team didn't win on Saturday." – #Gators Austin Appleby — Andrew Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) September 26, 2016

Appleby tipped hat to Tennessee, acknowledged electric atmosphere, but still said that… — Andrew Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) September 26, 2016

Appleby continued, saying the Gators took the loss especially hard:

"It looked like we lost the national championship." Appleby on #Gators locker room after UT loss — Andrew Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) September 26, 2016

The Gators will have a chance to bounce back this weekend when they travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt.