I saw that excuse.
Dan Mullen has a 13-38 career record vs ranked teams so his excuse doesn't hold much water. Given his track record vs quality opponents, Oklahoma probably beats them even if they played their best players.
Also, this is why Florida will probably never win anything with Mullen as their HC. What kind of message is that to send to your own players?
I've never seen a coach make excuses like that after a game. Usually they'll put their best foot forward with the players they have at their disposal but Mullens is basically saying he's a quitter as well. By comparison, Alabama had a disappointing season last year but Saban had his team ready to play in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.....an inferior bowl to the Cotton Bowl, and Bama blew out Michigan.