A shot at redemption was the last thing Jeff Chandler thought about on Oct. 2 when he walked off of Florida Field, having missed the extra point that would wind up being the difference in the Gators' 40-39 overtime loss to Alabama.

"I'd never had that happen before," Chandler said of his missed kick, which was wide right. "I hope it never happens again. I blame myself for the loss. I realize that's not right, but I was down on myself. I felt a lot of emotions that day."

If he was down that day, imagine what the junior from Jacksonville, Fla., will be feeling Saturday night, when his No. 5 Florida Gators (9-2, 7-1 SEC East) get another shot at No. 8 Alabama (9-2, 7-1 SEC West) in the Southeastern Conference championship game in the Georgia Dome at Atlanta.

"I'm both surprised and excited that we're playing Alabama," Chandler said this week. "I felt we'd be playing Mississippi State. I didn't think I'd see Alabama again.

"I'm excited, because I owe them one. This gives me a chance to put the other game out of people's minds so we can have a good memory about playing Alabama."

The irony of Chandler's missed kick is that he has been the Gators' most consistent offensive weapon this season -- much to Florida coach Steve Spurrier's displeasure.

Spurrier doesn't like to think in multiples of three, as in field goals, but rather in terms of sixes, as in touchdowns. However, this season Spurrier's "Fun 'N' Gun" offense has more often resembled kickball. The Gators' 21 field goals are the most in a single season under Spurrier and the third most in Florida history.

But that's what happens when touchdowns suddenly become hard to come by. In the past three games (Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida State), Florida's offense has scored only four touchdowns. After scoring touchdowns 70 percent of the time inside the opponents' 20-yard line from 1990-97, this season the touchdowns have come only 55.6 percent of the time (30 of 54).

"I feel like I've done a good job of putting points on the board," Chandler said.

Chandler is ranked second in the nation in field goals, making 21-of-24 (87.5 percent) and averaging 1.91 field goals per game. He is ranked 14th in the nation (second in the conference) in scoring with 100 points, on 21 field goals and a league-high 37 extra points (out of 40 attempts).

Perhaps more shocking, Spurrier -- notorious for not having much to say about kickers -- actually seems to like Chandler.

"He's the leading field goal kicker in the country," Spurrier said. "He's kicked exceptionally well. He's been sensational."

Certainly that kind of talk surprises -- and pleases -- Chandler, who remembers all too well the relationship Spurrier has had with kickers in the past.

"Normally around here, kickers are not well liked," he said. "I came here because I was friends with (former Florida kicker Collins) Cooper (whom Spurrier benched after missing an overtime kick against Tennessee last year). I only played one year of high school football and walked on here. I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to be part of a winning team.

"But Coach (Spurrier) and I talk every day. He watches the kickers. He gives us pointers. And he gives me a high five after every kick in a game. I think it's a good relationship."

Still, Chandler is constantly amazed at how many opportunities he has had.

"I was talking to my parents before the Florida State game, saying how I'd never get a chance to try a 50-yard field goal, because coach Spurrier doesn't go for that," Chandler said. "Then I go out and kick one (from 50 yards) against Florida State.

"That says a lot about his confidence in me. I hope I get the chance to do it again."

But it's not the long kick that Chandler regrets when it comes to Alabama. It was the short one, the extra point in overtime.

Adding to Chandler's frustration was that, on Alabama's subsequent possession and touchdowns, Tide kicker Chris Kemp (Ryan Pflugner was injured) missed his PAT attempt, but he got a second chance when the Gators were flagged for jumping offsides.

"I was thinking how lucky he was," Chandler said of Kemp. "I wish I'd gotten that chance. When he missed that first one, I was happy. Then I saw the flag. I knew it was on us. It was terrible to see it happen.

"I want to forget that game. I hope to get the chance to make everybody forget that game now."

(Ray Melick writes for the Birmingham Post-Herald in Alabama.)