FSU falls to in-state rival UF, 45-15

FSU falls to in-state rival UF, 45-15

TALLAHASSEE - As cold as it was for the Boston College game is how wet it was Saturday for the Florida game.

And while the entire University of Florida team was on the field, the game quickly turned into the Tim Tebow show as the fourth ranked Gators beat the 20th ranked Seminoles 45-15.

Junior quarterback Tebow dominated the first three quarters before getting pulled in the fourth quarter racking up more yardage on his own (265 yards) than the entire Seminoles offense (242).

"I've always loved playing in the rain," Tebow said. "Playing in the rain brings out more of the physical part of the game."

"I've always loved playing in the rain," Tebow said. "Playing in the rain brings out more of the physical part of the game."

Entering the game, Tebow was ranked fourth in the Heisman balloting. But after completing 12 of 21 passes for 185 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions and rushing 16 times for 80 yards and another touchdown in an intense rivalry game with horrendous weather conditions he may have improved his status

Jeff Elliot, sportswriter for the Florida Times Union and Heisman Trophy voter, said that Tebow definitely improved his standing with tonight's game.

"I'd say before tonight he was number four but he's definitely in my top three now but I want to see more."

During the first half, both teams traded scores evenly. Every time the Gators would score, the Seminoles would come back and score. However, the Gators scored four touchdowns while the Seminoles scored three field goals and passed up a short field goal trying a trick play as the half expired.

And the second half didn't start any better for the Seminoles. Ponder dropped back to pass on the first play of the half and dropped it right into the arms of Gator who returned it 26 yards.

Three plays later Tebow threw yet another touchdown.

During the second play of the drive, sophomore running back Emmanuel Moody coughed up the ball after a crushing hit by senior defensive end Neefy Moffett. However, Tebow fell on the ball recovering the fumble keeping the drive alive.

In a shocking move Ponder was benched early in the third quarter in favor of senior quarter back Drew Weatherford.

Weatherford holds many individual records as an FSU quarterback but lost his starting job at the start of the season in favor of the more nimble Ponder and then fell to third on the depth charts behind sophomore D'Vontrey Richardson.

After a series and a half of throwing wounded ducks Weatherford also was benched for Richardson who able to make a few completions.

Weatherford returned and was able to lead the Noles down the field for their first touchdown of the night midway through the third quarter.

FSU attempted an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff but the Gators recovered giving them the 

ball at midfield.

After the game it was revealed that Ponder had been injured during the game.

"We didn't know if Ponder would be able to play until Friday," FSU Coach Bobby Bowden said.

"I got hit in the back during the Maryland game and it just kept tightening up during the week," Ponder revealed after the game.

Ponder didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and finally did a walk-through Friday.

Injuries also struck the Gators with senior kicker Brandon Antwine and junior wide receiver Percy Harvin going down.

"I have two concerns with the game," Florida Coach Urban Meyer said. "The first is Brandon with his knee and Percy with a sprained ankle."

Meyer said he would evaluate the injuries and know more about the extent of the injuries Monday.

Coach Bobby Bowden in the "turf room" disgusted after 45-15 loss to Gators. "It was just a real good whippin...a good tail whippin is what it was."

The Seminoles finish the regular season 8-4, 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference and will wait to see which bowl will invite them. Their hopes of playing in the ACC championship were dashed when Boston College beat Maryland 28-21.

 The Gators finish the season 10-1, 7-1 in the Southeastern Conference and will travel to Atlanta next week to play the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

The winner of the SEC Championship Game will most likely play in the national championship game.