Swamp Sinks Seminoles

Legend's Last Lace-up

The SEC Championship game rematch between Florida and Alabama is set for next Saturday after the Gators’ 37-10 drubbing of in-state rivals, FSU. The Seminoles sunk in the swamp in Gator quarterback, Tim Tebow’s, home finale. Tebow accounted for five touchdown flings to complete Florida’s perfect 12-0 regular season. Florida State fell to 6-6, dropping their second contest in the last six in what could be longtime coach, Bobby Bowden’s last game. Both schools will represent the Sunshine State in NCAA bowls this winter. The Seminoles locked up a spot last week against Maryland for their 28th straight season. Urban Meyer’s Gators are poised to return to the championship game and extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 22 games at home on Saturday. Florida needs a win over the Crimson Tide for a trip to the big game.
There aren’t enough accolades to describe Florida’s senior signal caller. Tebow solidified his candidacy for another Heisman Trophy season in 2009. Yesterday, he passed for 221 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Tebow also scored a pair of touchdowns on 15 carries and 90 rushing yards. The Gators quarterback finished an efficient 17-of-21 against Bowden’s dreadful defense. The Seminoles trailed 30-0 before opting to kick a third quarter field goal. Dustin Hopkins completed FSU’s 11 play drive with a 20 yarder through the uprights as time expired in the third quarter. Hopkins missed a field goal from 41 yards earlier in the quarter. Tomahawk freshman quarterback, EJ Manuel, was picked off two times and pressured throughout the game in the 27 point loss. Meyer’s diligent defense harassed State’s offensive line and held the young passer to just 18% on third down tries. Manuel finished with 186 yards, and was additionally the team’s leading rusher in a very frustrating day for the visiting Seminoles. It was Manuel’s third start ever. He completed 19 of 31 passes, finally firing a touchdown in the final quarter. Jarmon Fortson’s acrobatic catch in the end zone provided FSU a nine yard score with six minutes remaining.
Tebow connected with Aaron Hernandez twice in Florida’s sixth straight win over FSU. Hernandez grabbed the first touchdown of the day, an 18 yard shovel pass offering from Tebow with less than seven minutes in the first quarter. The receiver hauled in another, for 37 yards, just before halftime. Caleb Sturgis booted a 37 yard field goal and Tebow surged for an 18 yard touchdown to begin the second quarter. The Gators continued to find the end zone following a 24-0 halftime advantage. Riley Cooper commenced the second half with a 39 yard Tebow toss. Cooper had three receptions for 62 yards in the game. Running back, Jeffrey Demps, raced for 106 rushing yards for the unbeaten Gators. Tebow’s one yard scramble in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter finished Florida’s scoring, giving them a more than comfortable 37-3 lead.
Top-ranked Florida was dazzling in Tebow’s farewell. The Gators racked up 545 total yards on Senior Day. Florida caught the Seminoles off guard and the Gator receivers eluded FSU defenders. It was never even a game for Bowden’s bunch. The Gators jogged untouched into the end zone, much to the delight of a sold out Swamp. The Seminoles were embarrassed in the first half. Florida outgained FSU 291-55 and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over ten minutes. The Seminole starters were pulled in the third quarter after ending their first seven possessions with five punts and a turnover. The only thing being turned over now will be another page in Florida Gators history. Tebow is a legend in Gainesville and if Meyer wins another title, a dynasty will be a guaranteed chapter in the school’s book.

Parting Points: Toss-up artist for Sunday- Toni Braxton or Jimmy Eat World?
I don’t know what’s worse: The media hounding Tiger Woods about his accident or Brian Kelly going on about his future job possibilities to the press. Or, the fact that Lawrence Frank ‘s job is not one of their concerns at all.