Florida 51 Cincinnati 24

All photos from the Enquirer

When I wrote the preview for the Sugar Bowl, I said that one of the 3 possibilities for the outcome of this game was a Florida blowout victory. Sadly for the Cincinnati Bearcats and the fans, that was the case. The Florida Gators curb stomped the Bearcats all over the SuperDome to win the Sugar Bowl 51-24. In case you missed it, relive it in the live blog.

The story of the game was Tim Tebow.

And Tim Tebow.

And Tim Tebow.

Did I mention Tim Tebow?

In his last game in the blue and orange, the 1 time Heisman winner and 3 time finalist put a whopping 533 yards of offense on the Bearcats. 533! Tebow was phenomenal through the air going 31-35 for 482 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran for 51 yards and a touchdown. It was all out domination by Tebow and his teammates. It was like you were playing NCAA 10 on easy mode, or against a DII school. I've never seen a quarterback dominate so much. In fact, no player has put up that many yards in a bowl game ever. His 31 completions and 482 yards are Sugar Bowl records. It was his last game as a Florida Gator, and it was great to be a Florida Gator Friday night.

The Bearcats had nothing going on Friday night. After a penalty stopped the first drive, Florida marched down the field and scored on a Tebow touchdown to Aaron Hernandez, who had 9-111 and torched UC all night. The Bearcats blocked the extra point. That was the only first half highlight. After the second drive failed, the Gators got a field goal. UC needed to do something here down 9-0, and when they didn't Tebow and the Gators marched down the field and got a TD pass to Deonte Thompson. The first quarter ended with Florida having 159 yards and UC 19. A 3 and out, and Florida would score in about a minute as Emmanuel Moody walked in from 6 yards out. Down 23-0, the Cats had a scoring drive. Jake Rogers, who did a wonderful job punting putting 3 inside the 20 with a 42 yard average, hit a 47 yard field goal to get the Cats on the board. The UC 'comeback attempt' didn't last long. Tim Tebow hit Riley Cooper (7-181) with a 80 yard touchdown pass where Cooper blew by whoever was supposed to be covering him, and the rout was on in full. Tebow was 18-20 297-3 TDs in the first half. It was a show.

This was an utterly disappointing effort on the biggest stage of the season. The Bearcats had a magical 12-0 regular season, and ended in a way that will sadly tarnish the season. You can blame Brian Kelly. You can blame Jeff Quinn. You can blame Butch Jones for not coaching. You should not blame the players. They tried the whole game, they just didn't have the talent, or the game plan. There were no adjustments by the offense. There sure as shit weren't any adjustments by the defense. The Cats played the same way all 4 quarters, and you really have to blame the coaching staff for not setting things up better. The same goes for the offense. We all knew Brian Kelly had a lot to do with the offensive machine, and it showed Friday night. Jeff Quinn was in over his head going up against Urban Meyer. After UC was shut down the third time, it was over. The Bearcats couldn't stop the Gators, and falling behind 23 was the death knell. It was a terrible, terrible way to go out. Andre Revels said this after the game. "Don't take anything away from our credibility. Our record speaks for itself." I agree with that statement. People are going to say, "how were they #3?" "This team could have played for the National Title?" And to that I say fuck you. The Bearcats had a great, great regular season and their worst game in years against an elite team who took advantage of every failed drive, who had a QB have the game of his life, doesn't change that. I think they wouldn't have gotten so disheartened after 3 drives in the National Title game. They definitely wouldn't have had a lame duck coaching staff. Some of that, ok most of that, is anger about the outcome. But, I don't think you can discredit going undefeated because of 1 game. A game that everyone decided meant nothing beforehand. I doubt Iowa, or Georgia Tech, or Boise State, or TCU is going to take this much a beating if they get blown out, but oh well. We had a great season, and we'll always remember it.

A final note on things. I kind of liked the white helmets. They did give off a stormtrooper  look, and that's never a good thing. Stormtroopers weren't good warriors. Isaiah Pead ran hard. He had 48 yards, and he earned every one. Tony Pike was alright. He a couple of drops hurt, and he didn't have a game from hell like the Orange Bowl. Tony went 27/45 170 3 TDs. There was nothing going downfield. Would have liked Tony to be more accurate. 3.8 an attempt is bad too. Armon Binns made a spectacular touchdown catch. He was running towards the corner of the end zone, Pike threw it to the pylon. Binns leaped left and turned all the way  around to his right to pull it in. Great catch. Binns had 5-29. Mardy Gilyard set a Sugar Bowl record for return yards with 209. He also tied the school record for catches. He may have broken it, I'm not sure, I didn't see anything official. He had 7-41. Mardy took a lot of hits. He also laid out Florida stud linebacker Ryan Stamper on a nice block. Tough way to go out 1. The defense played in the game. 659 yards, a Sugar Bowl record, is fucking embarrassing. I blame the system more than the guys on this one though. Florida took advantage of every opening and there was always someone open. This one made me, and Tony Pike, a sad Panda.

Sugar Bowl-ed Over

That was my hacky attempt at a headline that people will use as Cincinnati went down in flames to the Florida Gators 51-24. There will be a write up tomorrow morning, and then a basketball preview around 2. This one sucked. Right Jeff Quinn?

Getty Images/Matthew Stockman

Sugar Bowl Live Blog: #3 Cincinnati Bearcats v. #5 Florida Gators

Welcome to the first ever live blog. Depending on how the night goes, it could be the last. It probably won't be.

Pre-game
8:36- The Cats come out in all white. First time ever for white helmets. They don't look as ridiculous as Florida's fail helmets did. Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick and Fox are getting their mouths warmed up for the 3 and a half hour Tebow/Meyer blow job. The Gators come out in their classic home unis.

8:41- Dennis Haysbert is doing the coin toss. President Palmer better flip a UC logo or we'll know the world is full of evil. Oh, it's a traditional coin. And Florida wins. Dennis Haysbert does not seem to give a shit and might be hung over from last night. UC will get the ball. And here's another commercial.

8:45- The obligatory Urban Meyer interview. Pretty sure he's not going to answer a real question Chris Meyers.

First Quarter
15:00- Mardy Gilyard takes the kick return to the 26 for a 18 yard return or so. Pike and co march on the field. I'm very nervous a pick 6 is coming.
14:50- And the first pass is complete. Exhale
14:40- Ben Guidugli a first down catch. And a personal foul. UC to the Florida 42.
13:56- Ramsey gets the first carry and there's a hold. I'm not going to blog every play, don't worry. Just this drive probably. Maybe. I'm very nervous.
13:23- Incompletion and a 2 yard run. This is not going well.
12:52- Rainey does nothing with the punt. Florida will start at the 18. Get ready for the Teblowing.
12:10- Tebow's first pass to Riley Cooper gets a 1st down across the 30. It's going to be interesting if the defense can get pressure.
11:48- Tebow's first run goes nowhere. Alex Daniels made the stop.
10:20- The Gators convert a 3rd and 8. Hernandez has 2 catches. He's the man the Cats have to stop in the passing game.
9:29- Tebow completes another one and is 5/5 41. Not the best start. Demps for 5. The defense needs to not give up 7.
8:23 Tebow goes down.  Alex Daniels son. 3rd and 9 for the Gators. And it's converted to the UC 21. Whoever 6 is needs to be covered.
7:08- There was a whistle blown and UC stops paying attention. Tebow runs to the 4. That was questionable.  Demps is hurt.
6:13- Tebow to Hernandez and he got the ball over the goal line. You can never show the Demps injury again  Fox. Extra Point blocked! Walter Stewart jumped over the snapper and blocked the kick!
Florida 6 Cincinnati 0
6:13-Gilyard breaks the return to the UC 45.
5:24- Halfback throw back pass almost gets a huge play to Guidugli. A Pike sneak on 3rd and 2 does not work. Why not bring in Zach if they are going to do that?
4:48- Punt taken by Rainey across the 19. Come on D. The offense needs to keep going and not stall at midfield
3:40- Tebow down the middle to Nelson to the UC 40. This is not good. The Cats are giving up huge plays.
3:15- Like this 25 yard pass to Hernandez. Tebow is 9/9. Not great. There is a block in the back on Florida. thank god.
2:10- Tebow thrown down for a loss. 3rd and 16 at the 35. Tebow completes to Cooper to the 23. Not enough for a 1st down. Field goal attempt coming.
1:20 Sturgis makes this one from 40.
Florida 9 Cincinnati 0
1:20-Mardy can't do much with the return only to the 23.
:07- Pike is sacked on 3rd and 12. This is officially not good.
End Quarter 1


15:00- Jake Rogers blasts one 59 yards to the Florida 36. Let's see if there is a stop coming.
14:20- Florida has 165 yards to UC's 19 after Moody catches a 7 yard pass for a first down. Tebow still perfect.
13:14- UC can't stop Florida. This is like the Pitt game, except there are less signs of hope.
12:32- Tebow throws his first incompletion. Drew Frye got a good lick in.
12:28- UC stops a Tebow sneak on 3rd and 1. Florida is going for it. And Tebow runs for it. The chances of winning this game are looking pretty slim. This was the worst case scenario
10:24- Andre Revels blows up an option hand off. Another Gator is hurt, this time a lineman. It's 3rd and 6 or 7 and UC needs this stop big time.
10:10- Tebow hits Hernandez and he rumbles down to the 7. JK Schaffer can't cover him.
9:07- Deonta Thompson makes a great catch on a pass Tebow throws to the corner of the end zone. At least we'll always have the win over Pittsburgh. And we don't block this extra point
Florida 16 Cincinnati 0
9:07-Mardy not returning the kick as the Gators kick away from him. Williams' return was to the 28. Pike is sacked at the 22. This is pretty suckalicious.
8:06 Binns can't hold on to a long pass by Pike. Rogers put the pun to the Gator 34.
7:46- Tebow stays on fire and flips one to Rainey who gets to the 45 of UC and is horse collared. Great.
7:30- Tebow throws a dart to Hernandez to the UC 6. This is a slaughter. No signs of stopping the Gators.
7:05- Emmanuel Moody walks in from 6 yards out.
Florida 23 Cincinnati 0
7:05- Total yards 267-11. 11 fucking yards. Embarrassing. UC will start at the 28 again
6:24- A first down! Celebrate the small things peeps
5:26- Guidulgi makes 2 catches for another chain mover. It only took being down 23 for the offense to move the ball.
5:08- After UC gets the ball to the UF 34, Isaiah Pead gets chippy when he thinks he got hit out of bounds and there's a personal foul. Jesus.
3:52- On a 3rd and 15, Jacob Ramsey catches a pass for 12 and is shoved by Hicks of the Gators for a 15 yard penalty to the 28 and first down. Best Cats drive of the day. That's saying little.
3:23- 3rd and 10 and Pike overthrows Guidugli. Rogers is coming in for a 47 yard FG. It's good
Florida 23 Cincinnati 3
3:11- Tebow throws to a wide fucking open Riley Cooper for an 80 yard TD pass. Official embarrassing.
Florida 30 Cincinnati 3
2:12- Armon Binns makes his first catch. For nothing, but it's a catch
1:32- Carlos Dunlap blows by the offensive line and sacks Pike. 4th sack of the night for UF. Sigh
:49-A Tebow run and pass put the Gators at the UC 30. A rare Tebow incompletion. 18-20 307 3 TDs for the star.
:14- Nelson makes a grab to get UF to the 23. 3rd and 3. Tebow throws it away.
:08- Caleb Sturgis out for the field goal attempt from 39. He missed it.
:04- Ramsey runs out the half with a 10 yard run.
HALFTIME: FLORIDA 30 CINCINNATI 3


This was the ultimate nightmare scenario for UC and the fans. Just horrible


Third Quarter
15:00- Rainey takes the kick to the 45. Great start. Here are the stats

• Rushing UC -5 Florida 63 
• Passing UC 60 Florida 320
• 1st downs Uc 5 Florida 18
• Yards a Play UC 1.9 Florida 9.1

Yikes.
13:45- A couple first down completions and a loss of 4 and Tebow throws a strike and Florida is down to the UC 11. Tebow has 356 yards, a career high.
12:39- Brian Billick fucking sucks. I hate his arrogant fuck face. And him responding to the producers on air.
11:39- 3-7 at the 8 and Tebow runs for 6 1/2. Florida going for it.
11:13- Emmanuel Moody walks in for this second score after Tebow pitches on a speed option. The domination continues. Drink your drinks Cincinnati fans, this one is over. And sad.
Florida 37 Cincinnati 3
9:49- DJ Woods gets his first catch. The referee talked fast on the Florida declined penalty. He wants the game to be over. Me too. Me too.
8:43- Pead a strong run to the Florida 38. He should have gotten more carries. Quinn doesn't love him like BK did apparently.
Butch Jones is being interviewed. He says this has been a good time to evaluate the program and recruit. He said he wanted to stay out of the way of the seniors for their big moment. He has taken the time to get the coaching staff, which probably won't be most of the men coaching tonight. After the comma were my thoughts. He wants to continue the process and win more Big East titles. He adds UC needs to do a better job at tackling, and making plays on offense. Duh.
6:05- Pike runs on 3rd and 5 to the Florida 15. The Bearcats finally enter the red zone. Speaking of red zone, it's the deodorant I wear. You should try it.
5:24- Pike almost picked and DJ can't recover to make the catch. 3rd and 10 at the 11.
5:19- Woods makes a 9 yard catch. 4th and 1. Jeff Quinn and his gold chain are going for it.
4:46- Touchdown Marcus Waugh from Tony Pike. Waugh was lined up at fullback. He was really happy to score. I was too.
Florida 37 Cincinnati 10
3:34- Florida has a 3rd down. UC needs to get off the field, and Riley Cooper makes a catch to the UC 49. He has 128 yards, and more because Tebow hits him deep again. Good coverage, just a great catch to the 5.  6 for 174 and a TD. Domination
2:06- Tebow can't find an open receiver, but runs in for the score. 8th game of the year with a passing TD and rushing TD. He has been phenomenal.
Florida 44 Cincinnati 10
Tim Tebow has broken some records in this game. He is 28-31 435 yards 3 TDs and a rushing TD. The 28 and 435 are Sugar Bowl records. He has 471 total yards, which is a bowl record. For every bowl. He passed Vince Young's 467 in the Rose Bowl. It's been remarkable. He might be the greatest college quarterback ever.
Pike is 19-30 110 1 TD. Hooray
:21- UC faces a 3rd down. Pike airmails DJ Woods.
Total Yards UC 139 Florida 507
:06- Jake Rogers pins UF back at the 4. He's had a good game
:06- Tebow still in the game. Tebow stopped for a loss and Davis gets up and does the Gator Chop. That's fucking stupid. You are down 4 fucking 4 to 10. 44 to 10. You have done jack fucking shit tonight. You have no right to taunt. Grow the fuck up man. Come on.
End 3rd Quarter


4th Quarter
14:18- UC forces a punt and a Florida 3 and out for the first time this game. I'll stick with this until the bitter end if you do people.
14:05- Pike still in and slings one to Mardy. Cats to the Florida 41. Quick pitch to Pead for 12. UC still not to 200 yards offense. It's going to suck writing a write up on this one.
11:45- The Cats have 4th and 1 at the 19. Pike sneaks to the 16 or 15. First down.
10:21- First and goal for the Cats at the 4. Pike overthrows Mardy. I'd like to see #1 get a score tonight. He has taken a beating
10:16- 2nd and goal- Pike has a pass intended for Pead in the flat batted down.
10:11- 3rd and goal- Under center and Pike throws one to the end zone. Armon Binns turns in mid-air to make a jumping catch for 6. Nice grab.
Florida 44 Cincinnati 17
10:04- Tebow still in the game. Florida runs on first down. Tebow busts a huge run on second down and does a Gator chomp and fires up the crowd. As if they needed it. 49 yards rushing, 491 on the game.
8:54- Tebow throws to a wide open Rainey. Over 500 yards. 475 for Tebow.
I don't care about running up the score. Cincinnati can't stop them if they run it or if they throw it. Just keep the clock running
7:06- Chris Rainey hurdles Battle and the Gators score from 7 yards out. Meyer and Tebow hug, and that's probably it for Tim.
Florida 51 Cincinnati 17
6:53- It's the Wild Kelce. Travis has a nice run on first down
6:34- Out of the Wild Kelce, UC runs a reverse pass from Pike and Gilyard can't make the catch because he was face masked.
5:41- Mardy can't hang on to a screen at the UF 24. He's had a rough night. 3rd and 10 coming up. John Goebel catches a dump off and falls down after a yard. 4th down coming.
4:54- Pike hits DJ Woods and DJ gets down to the 1. People sent me condolences messages on twitter. That's how bad this has been.
4:33- Darren Williams gets a rare carry and fumbles. But, he falls on it at the 5. 2nd and goal. UC running the clock
3:43- Pike is pressure, but rolls out of the pocket and completes to Alli for a touchdown. Nice way to end it for the offense
Florida 51 Cincinnati 24
3:35- Tebow takes a snap before he goes out to a rousing ovation by the Florida and hopefully Cincinnati faithful that's left. Thom says the tears are coming. I hope so. Cry baby gonna cry? Cry baby cry!
2:29- Some Gators back I never heard of, Gillislee, breaks a 52 yard run. Pretty sure they won't go for 2 to break 60. Alex Daniels limps off.
1:14- Florida running the last couple plays of the game. Urban Meyer gets the gatorade bucket, but Fox cuts away right before he gets hit. The Gators run a dive up the middle, and the Sugar Bowl is finally over.

Final score: Florida 51 Cincinnati 24 MVP: Tim Tebow

Urban Meyer stepping down at Florida

NOTE: Urban Meyer is not leaving Florida. He's taking a leave of absence. But, still coaching the Sugar Bowl. And may still coach next season. It's an odd situation to say the least. (12.27)

(AJC.COM)

In news that rocked the college football landscape, Urban Meyer will coach his last game at Florida January 1 against the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl. The reasons for Meyer leaving are said to be health related. It's not known at this time if it had anything to do with his hospitalization after the SEC championship game. Meyer had a piece in SI where he said he had a cyst on his brain, but it wasn't life threatening. I have seen this mentioned a few times on a few sites, but no one really knows what's happening.

To repeat, Meyer will coach against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. This adds a huge layer to the game Friday. The Sugar Bowl is racked with coaching turmoil, from Cincinnati having Brian Kelly leave, to Butch Jones being coach and not coaching, to Jeff Quinn accepting the Buffalo job, and now Urban Meyer is stepping down from Florida. Here is what Meyer had to say about everything in a released statement by Florida.

“I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,” said Meyer. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.”

“After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family.

 “I’m proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.

“I’m very appreciative for the opportunity I’ve had to be a part of a tremendous institution – from Dr. Machen to Jeremy Foley and the entire administrative staff at UF. I’m also very thankful for the chance to work with some of the best assistants in college football and coach some of the best college football players and watch them grow both on and off the field as people. I will cherish the relationships with them the most.”

 And here's AD Jeremy Foley, by the Palm Beach Post (HT: Alligator Army)

“Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,” Foley said. “But, the bottom line is that Coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.”