Must-Win for Gators?

Is tonight's first-round SEC matchup with Alabama a must-win? It depends on how you look at it. Sure, it's a must-win if they're going to qualify for the Big Dance, but is anything in sports truly a must-win, especially when it involves academic athletes in pursuit of things far beyond an NCAA title?

The Gators will be just fine if they enter the NIT, maybe even better off (they could win it). Also, it's not as if this team has been cursed lately, winning the last two titles. Gator fans, don't be too sorrowful if they lose. Just reach into your back pocket and pull out your tri-championship banner.