GLENDALE, Ariz. – When the University of Florida moved up to No. 2 in the final BCS poll, some critics questioned whether Michigan – and not the Gators – deserved a shot against No. 1 Ohio State in the BCS National Championship game.
Any questions now?
The Gators crushed the heavily favored Buckeyes 41-14 here in the Valley of the Stun, capturing the BCS national title. It's the Gators' second football national title, along with the 1996 season, and also is the Gators' second national title in nine months. In April, the Gators won the national championship in men's basketball.
"This is too much, this is too much," Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said. "This is unbelievable.
"We got the double now. What can I say? What a night. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I know how hard [Coach] Urban Meyer works. What can you say? National champions."
Again.
"Confetti landed on my head at both places," Foley said. "The exact same feeling. Unbelievably awesome. I can't believe it. I couldn't believe it in April. Can't believe it tonight."
Believe it. The Gators (13-1) not only won the national title, but they embarrassed the Buckeyes (12-1). Led by Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, Ohio State was averaging 410 yards offense. The Buckeyes managed 82 yards against the Gators.
"Our defense did a helluva job," Florida center Steve Rissler said. "Nobody gave us credit. We played close games in the SEC, but it is the SEC. We knew our defense was one of best in the nation.
"You saw the Heisman Trophy winner. He couldn't do much."
Smith, who earlier in the week, talked about his fondness for In-N-Out Burgers, looked like he had a few too many cheeseburgers since the Buckeyes' last game against Michigan 50 days ago. He looked a step slow against the Gators defense all night, finishing 4-for-14 for 35 yards and he had minus 29 yards rushing as the Gators sacked him five times.
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