Wow......just wow.
LSU steamrolled Florida for their only loss earlier this season. The Gators knew that even though they weren't going back to Death Valley, they would need to abandon their spread offense--which produced no rushing attack--and use more power inside to have a chance against the Tigers. The Gators went into the SEC title game expecting a bloody fight....instead, what they got was a win that not only came easier than they ever dreamed, it put them into the Sugar Bowl and makes them wonder what could have been.
Tim Tebow went 13/15 for 229 yds and 3 TDs, and S Major Wright had the game of his life--recording three interceptions, one of which he returned 76 yds for a touchdown, and forced two fumbles, as the Gators rolled to a 44-10 win. Florida also recorded three sacks, and forced three fumbles, recovering two, and also recovered a muffed punt that set them up for their first FG. LSU dominated the first quarter, but trailed 10-7 thanks to two fumbles, an interception, and a blown coverage that allowed Tebow to hit Thompson for 66 yds. In fact, LSU's only TD came in the quarter--on a 67 yd scoop-and-score to make it 7-3.
Florida knew they had to negate LSU's speed, and to do that, they had to get it off the field. So Florida employed a power running attack with Rainey, instead of the spread option look, and got LSU to commit an eighth man into the box. Once that happened, Tebow was ready to make them pay, as he ran play action three times on the day, and scored on it twice--first with a 77 yd strike to a WIDE open Thompson on the second play of the third quarter to make it 20-7, and then on the second play of the 4th quarter he hit TE Hernandez for a 38 yd score. LSU simply could not get anything going on offense, as they had to abandon a very fruitful rushing attack with Charles Scott (who kept getting hurt), and once that happened Jefferson was simply unable to get anything pass Wright.
Florida outgained LSU 360-192 but it was the turnover battle--six for LSU, two for UF--and the rushing battle (135 yds to 39 yds) that decided the game.
Game balls go to:
Florida--Chris Rainey (24 carries for 117 yds with none longer than 13 yds) and Major Wright
LSU--Charles Scott (6 carries for 42 yds when healthy) and FS Danny McCray (8 tkls, 1 FF, 1 FR, TD)
Will upload vids when I can. VGG Packsy....if I'd beaten you the first time, I'd no doubt be in the national title game over Penn State
