TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl: Florida, Ohio State Have Long Way To Go

Neither Florida nor Ohio State had created much offensive fireworks in a disappointing season for both former champions. Everyone knew Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, Tim Tebow or Percy Harvin were not stepping onto the field to save this year's TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl contest between two former college football powerhouses. Today's game in Jacksonville certainly suggests both offenses have a long way to go. The two teams were as even as their 6-6 records for the most part. The difference in Florida's 24-17 win over Ohio State in the Gator Bowl was special teams. Andre DeBose set a Gator Bowl record with a 99-yard kickoff return in the second quarter following a DeVier Posey touchdown reception for OSU. Chris Rainey, Florida's leading receiver and rusher for the year, also blocked a Ben Buchanan punt that Graham Stewart returned 14 yards for a touchdown. It gave Florida a 21-10 lead with 11:14 left in the third quarter. The Gators' defense stymied and stifled the ...