GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tim Tebow stood on the sideline with his eyes closed. He couldn’t bear to watch, not after seeing so much go wrong all afternoon.
Maybe he should have peeked. After all, he missed what might go down as the most important field goal in Florida history.
Tebow directed a 69-yard drive in the final minutes, setting up Caleb Sturgis’ 27-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining that gave the top-ranked Gators a 23-20 win against Arkansas on Saturday.
“Once I heard everybody cheering and opened my eyes and saw we made the field goal, that was fun,” Tebow said.
The rest of the game wasn’t nearly as enjoyable.
On a day when little went right for the Gators (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference), Tebow took over down the stretch and helped extend the nation’s longest win streak to 16 games. He threw for 255 yards and a touchdown, ran for 69 more and saved his best plays for when Florida needed him most.
That final drive may have been Tebow’s Heisman moment. It kept Florida unbeaten and likely No. 1 in the country. It also may have preserved the team’s chances of repeating as national champion.
“I always knew we had a shot,” Tebow said. “We were just going to keep believing until the last second.”
The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 30 yards and ran for 22 on the final drive. Three plays stood out: His 12-yard pass to Riley Cooper on third down (Cooper fell down, then caught the ball on one knee) and consecutive runs that gained 16 yards and put Sturgis well within his comfort zone.
Sturgis overcame an early miss and finished with three field goals, including a 51-yarder in the third. For much of the day, it was Florida’s best play.
Just about everything that could go wrong for the Gators did. They had four turnovers, three dropped passes, were gashed against the run and gave up more big plays in one game than they had all season. They missed a field goal and scored once in their first four trips inside the 20-yard line.
“You usually don’t win that kind of game,” coach Urban Meyer said.
But after struggling to move the ball on a relatively cool, sun-drenched afternoon, Tebow led the Gators to scores on three of their final four possessions.
He hooked up with Deonte Thompson on a 77-yard TD that gave Florida its first lead of the game, 13-10 with 2:59 to play in the third. Another deep pass to Thompson drew a pass-interference penalty and set up Jeff Demps’ 10-yard TD run that tied the game at 20 midway through the fourth.
Tebow put Florida in position for the game-winner with a 14-play drive that took almost all the time off the clock.
“When it came down to it, you knew we were going to play with a little bit more heart and our guys were going to dig a little bit deeper, and they did,” Tebow said.
The Razorbacks (3-3, 1-3) entered the game with the league’s worst-rated defense. But they hardly looked the part Saturday. They stuffed Florida’s high-powered running game, sacked Tebow six times and forced the Gators into several mistakes.
“I think somebody held onto the ball too long,” Meyer said, putting much of the blame on his star player. “Six sacks and four turnovers? I’m going to get him in here and start yelling at him. We’ve got to get that fixed immediately.”
A week after knocking off Auburn, Arkansas showed it’s making fast progress under second-year coach Bobby Petrino.
Ryan Mallett threw for 224 yards, Dennis Johnson ran for 107 in place of injured starter Michael Smith (hamstring) and Greg Childs caught four passes for 135 yards.
Arkansas made a few costly mistakes, though.
Mallett overthrew fullback Van Stumon, who was wide open in the end zone, and Arkansas settled for a field goal that tied it at 13 late in the third. Then Alex Tejada yanked a 38-yard field goal with 3:08 remaining that would have put his team ahead.
“We played our hearts out all night,” defensive end Jake Bequette said. “It hurts. Right there with No. 1 team in the nation. Take the positives from this: Can play anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
Added Mallett: “We had a chance to win against the No. 1 team in the country and we couldn’t pull it out.”
Tebow did. The finish, though, probably won’t let Florida forget the start.
The Gators had three turnovers on consecutive possessions in the first half, including two fumbles by Tebow and another by tight end Aaron Hernandez.
“The worst first half we’ve ever play,” Meyer said. “I’m not pleased with where we’re at. But I understand the game and understand where we’re at.”
Defense kept the Gators close. They sacked Mallett four times and pressured him often enough that he completed just 12 of 27 passes. They did it without three starters, too.
Star linebacker Brandon Spikes, who entered the game with a team-high 32 tackles and three sacks, injured his left groin early in the game and did not return. Defensive tackles Lawrence Marsh (ankle) and Jaye Howard (knee) didn’t even suit up.
“I don’t think they really missed a step,” Mallett said. “We just have a good offense. You’ve got to give us a little credit. They’ve never seen an offense like ours all year and probably won’t for the rest of the year.”
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Comments » 111
volzcrushm writes:
Gators dodged a big bullet today and should have lost.
golfballs03 writes:
The officials helped
volcycle writes:
They need to make sure they send that fruit basket to the SEC officiating office on Monday!
PepperGrinder (Inactive) writes:
I hope gator fans are enjoying that homecooking. Overhyped and overrated.
CRFVols writes:
They won't beat bama.
Anyone see Jarvis Giles is suspended. Maybe we didn't lose anything after all. Besides...BBrown seems better.
chargervol writes:
The truth is, nobody but florida fans believe the gators won. Mallett missed an open receiver for a touchdown, then the missed FG. Mallett again missed a wide open fullback for a touchdown, another missed FG. The interference call in the end zone where the arkansas defender played a perfect cover play. He shouldn't have breathed. Then, the unsportsmanlike conduct call on the arkansas lineman that was only protecting himself from a cheap shot from a gator lineman, that was funny, the gator got bulldozed. Then, you have the offensive interference by riley cooper that was not called. Everybody but the gator trolls know that arkansas won the 11 on 11 game, but, they couldn;t overcome the 12th man(REFEREES). That is the absolute facts of the game, simple and true. If that game was played anywhere but the swamp, arkansas wins it by 10. gators you got lucky the refs were with you. I've said it before and I'll say it again, florida and aladama are not as good as last year, but, I hate to say it, aladama is the better of the two. GO VOLS!!!
imnochumpvol writes:
The 4th q is all i saw but it was enough for me to see the hogs got hosed. No way was the refs gona let the gators lose this game. I saw at least 4 bad calls or no calls that should have been called.
NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:
And again it is proven that UF is a one trick pony. And the Gatas will ride Timbow only as far as he can take them.
orgbleglory writes:
Yep...u'all are right as rain....overhyped, orerrated and most importantly...undefeated!!! No morale boosting losses for this group...just onward to the next game....
caverunner writes:
I agree. Some of the worst officiating I have seen in a long time. You could definitely tell which team was the home team and the officials made sure they stayed unbeaten. They may be ranked #1, but they're not even the best team in the SEC. That ranking would have to go to Alabummer. GO VOLS!!!
RoadTrip writes:
The Hogs got it in the jorts. It was really obvious to anybody watching that game. Can't wait to hear what the SEC head of officials has to say, or not say about this one. They are the laughingstock of all NCAA refs. Reminds me of Matthews and Gaffney.
chargervol writes:
It looks like to me that aladama is the number 1 team in the country. texas looked horrible, usc was lucky to get by notr dame and then you have all this BS about va. tech, please people, they have never won a championship and they never will. But, that is not Beamer or Foster's faults, overall, I think va. tech has the best coaching staff in college football. Its not like they get top 10 recruiting classes every year. I hate that aladama is the best team in the nation right now, but, the Vols have a chance in that game. aladama is not out of reach. We will see next week. GO VOLS!!!
caverunner writes:
Was it Tebow’s Heisman moment? Now THAT'S funny! GO VOLS!!!
volnbig11land writes:
I'm shocked, the game has been over for almost an hour and the gaye tor lopers still aren't on here.....
Nice officiating, reminds me of the gaffney ghost catch.....
Can't wait to hear the town idiots explain this VERY poor showing.
Anyone other than me think they are going to be hurting next year when their leading rusher (and qb) is gone????
chargervol writes:
At this rate Boise St. might get to play in the BCS National Title game. WTH! GO VOLS!!!
DennisVols writes:
I wonder how much the SEC paid the ref.s to throw that game. 3 calls in the 4th qtr kept UF from losing that game. Even the announcers saw it.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
chargervol writes:
The gator trolls know down deep that they got there buttocks handed to them. They will come up with excuses, but, everybody but the gator trolls know they lost that game. They have absolutely nothing to speak about, they know they got this one gift-wrapped. Again, they don't cover the spread, that is an on going theme. They are nowhere near as good of a team as they were last year, and, they are going to drop another tier or two next year. GO VOLS!!!
Volfan1 writes:
Is Verne Lundquist a grad of UF? He is the most unprofessional, biased announcer CBS has ever used. When Danelson would say something positive about Arkansas, Verne was silent. Yet, he would gush about UF if they had a one yard gain on third and 10.
Where did they get those refs? Gainesville Middle School? They blew so many calls it was ridiculous.
Yes, it was homecoming at UF this weekend. The refs and Lundquist were welcomed as honorary grads.
halloffamebowler writes:
A perfect recap of the game.The zebras made ever effort to see that Florida won this game.I am not against Florida,and do not care which team actually won,but the dang refs should call the game right.This sucks big time.These Kids on both teams played their hearts out only to have a stupid ref decide the outcome.I believe Bama will win over Florida BIG TIME.
volnbig11land writes:
Agree with most of what you say except for Virginia Tech. For whatever reason they are the media darlings every year only to not live up to the hype. Somebody will lay the wood to them before it's all said and done (could be tonight).
As for bama, they are by far the team I dislike the most (but dang, those gaye tors make it difficult), but I really think they will take uf out behind the woodshed!
mdvol writes:
Just thought I would mention that Louisville lost again today. They are 2-4. Watch for Phillip Fulmer to become the new head coach for the Cardinals.
GR82BaTennesseeVOL writes:
WOW. I'm really glad to see that i'm not crazy. I wondered if my hatred of the Gators was skewing my perception of the hack-job the refs did on Arkansas, but i'm glad to see that everybody else saw the exact same thing as clearly as i did.
Nothing left to be said.
volnbig11land writes:
hahaha, I was thinking the same thing when I saw the score.
Can't wait (actually I can) for that news conference when he raves about the great opportunity L'ville is giving him....
Govolsps writes:
I couldn't agree more. I get tired of watching the gators with those two....especially lundquist.
volnbig11land writes:
I bet those calls against rcansaw will be discussed among not only the media, but the SEC office over the refs!
I immediately had a gaffney ghost catch flashback!
the10sevol writes:
"on a chilly, sun-drenched afternoon" ????
chamber of commerce weather here, i'm in central fla. it was a perfect afternoon for football.
flu? already been used.
injured tebow? already been used.
weather? ahh, that must be the excuse this week.
GBO
Govolsps writes:
I'm a junior at Louisville....but a die hard Vols fan. Anyway, all the fans are upset up here...obviously. And Larry Slade is already up here coaching d-backs. I hope Fulmer comes to Louisville. I think he might be able to handle the Big East.
Go Vols!!
volnbig11land writes:
Stick to your studies, L'ville is a great school! I like the Cards and have a lot of family in the Hillview area.
I like it when they are on track and wrecking the mildcats season (other than that little losing streak against us).
I just know that if CPF goes there (or anywhere else for that matter) he'll go on and on about the great opportunity when he had the best place in the world and let it get away from him.
I agree with you about the Big East, he should do well against them.
Go Vols!
volnbig11land writes:
Usually agree with your posts, and agree with this one, they are beatable.
p.s. my take, the rcansaw kicker should have to walk home.
windy writes:
You know, I totally agree with you. I was glad to see that I am not the only person to see how Fl. was handed the game. It happens all the time down there. N.D. and Fl get all the bogas calls when they are playing at home. The refs tried to give ND that game against S. Cal. Something should be done about these refs in these games. Ala as much as I hate to admitt it is No 1
chargervol writes:
Thats some funny stuff right there, LOL! Its about time for g8trgal to try to excuse this one away, she'll try, but, again, show her trollness. There is no excuse, florida got this one gift-wrapped to them. If the gator trolls don't want to believe us, they can go on any team site but the gator sites, and they will see that this is not Vol hate, it is fact. For all the gator trolls, go check out other team sites besides this one and you will see that every site agrees with the Vol posters on this one. Good luck convincing yourselves that you can stay close with them aladama critters. The gators are going to get eaten alive in the SECG. Remember, the gators did not hear it here first. Go to other SEC sites. GO VOLS!!!
Govolsps writes:
I'm in full agreement. Knoxville is the best place in the world.... I'd be at school there had I not had the disadvantage of growing up in the state of kentucky. Not that it's bad....just not as good.
kman29 writes:
The Gators got their butts handed to them huh? lol! 6-0! At some point when do you all give up on this continual searching for why Florida's win wasn't really a win and they got lucky? Certainly there were questionable calls. There were on both sides. Arkansas had in their favor a tripping call not called. It was clearly a leg whip toward Rainey that ended up hitting the ball. There was the no call on what should have been a delay of game on Arkansas's last drive. Clock was at zero before snap. In the end, Arkansas LOST because they could not capitalize on turnovers and good field position. Instead settling for field goals. Blame the refs all you would like, but Florida is 6-0 at a point a bunch of you said they would already have a loss or maybe 2.
Next up Miss. State and 7-0 pretty or not!
mtvols writes:
The SEC wants Alabama and Florida both undefeated for the SEC championship game!
mdvol writes:
You are correct. Next week against the Tide, the Vols will have TWO opponents......Alabama and the Referees. It's bad enough playing in Tuscaloosa but lets face it....the SEC wants Alabama vs Florida in the SECCG.
volnbig11land writes:
hahaha, we have our first troll on site "justifin"!
kman29 writes:
lol! why do you care so much? repeat after me...... 6-0! and #16 in a row and #50 for Meyer at Florida. I know its painful to accept, but it will be alright!
volnbig11land writes:
p.s. they are happy they barely won at home against an unranked team. I'll never forget the tv picture of them cheering like idiots about this massive win!
This game reminded me of a Beetle's classic, "I get by with a little help from my friends"......
volnbig11land writes:
I can't help myself, I usually try not to acknowledge sludge (I mean trolls), but WHY do you come on our site immediately after your game is over?
No friends?
kman29 writes:
sorry, I must have missed where the Vols could critize any team for winning, barely or not. Its great how angry Florida winning makes you all.
volnbig11land writes:
If I go back and look at your hundreds of posts on our site, I would probably see that you were the leading idiot talking smack about our "moral victory" against you. Yet, you come OUR SITE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR GAME and start talking $h!t.
Pretty sad really...
p.s. please see my previous post and try to keep up. Mom's computer slow?
windy writes:
My friend Fl didnt win They had it handed to them by the refs.
volnbig11land writes:
Windy, she's not your friend...
p.s. and no matter what you say, she'll never understand what just happened (and what is most certain to happen before the season is over) no loper, I don't mean another NC!
NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:
I give you credit for admitting that Arkie LOST the game. But I guess when your team consists of one guy, you'll take whatever is GIVEN to you.
volnbig11land writes:
hahaha, they will be "hurtin for certain" next year when the qb and coach are gone.....
urban crier just got one step closer tonight, notre dumb lost
windy writes:
Thanks for reminding me, I had a mental lapse there for a minute.
NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:
Angry? Hardly! It is more like pity. Without Timbow you would not be 6-0.
windy writes:
Hope Bama is ranked number 1 next week. Should give us extra zip down there. What do you think?
volnbig11land writes:
I think kwoman went to bed. Her Mom must have realized she was up past curfew....
Maybe she went to her teams site? naahhhhh
Regulator writes:
I have a question that I'm sure the Gator lurkers that are here or will be here can answer. How much does it cost to rent a SEC officiating crew for the weekend? It would be nice to rent today's UF/Arkansas crew for next week. Just post the contact info here in the forum. Thanks.
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