Meyer inspires Gators
Florida’s defense and special teams too much for Ohio State
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s Jaye Howard timed the snap perfectly, blew through two defenders and violently slammed Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller to the ground.
“I had a lot of frustrations, man,” Howard said. “Urban (Meyer) brought it out in me today.”
Meyer’s future team got a good look at his former team, and the Buckeyes learned just how fast the Gators can be.
Florida’s defense and special teams came up big in the Gator Bowl, recording six sacks and scoring twice as the Gators beat Ohio State 24-17 on Monday.
Andre Debose returned a kickoff 99 yards – the longest scoring play in bowl history – and Chris Rainey blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown.
The speedsters helped the Gators (7-6) avoid their first losing season since 1979.
“We don’t want to be remembered as the team that lost, so it was a big game for us,” Howard said. “Not only for the seniors, but the program as a whole.”
Ohio State (6-7) dropped four straight to finish below .500 for the first time since 1988, and lost seven games for the first time since 1897.
The Buckeyes can take solace in knowing that Meyer, who officially takes over for interim coach Luke Fickell at Ohio State this week, will make it a priority to improve special teams. Meyer did that in his six seasons in Gainesville, and Rainey and Debose were two prized recruits.
“When you have two good teams play each other, it’s usually special teams that will make the difference,” Ohio State defensive back Tyler Moeller said. “That’s what it was today.”
The Gators also dominated the defensive line of scrimmage. They had a season-high six sacks, harassing Miller on nearly every passing play.
Florida was up 14-10 at halftime and essentially put the game out of reach on the opening possession of the third when Rainey blocked a punt and Graham Stewart returned it 14 yards for a TD.