I-Team Extras: Secrets in the Soil
Nov 21, 2009 9:59 pm US/Eastern
Tebow, Gators Too Tough For FIU
By Solange Reyner
Miami (CBS4) ―
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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Running back Chris Rainey #3 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown run against the Florida International University Golden Panthers, November 21, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Brandon Spikes intercepted Paul McCall's pass on the Golden Panthers' opening drive and returned it for a touchdown.
Yep, No.1 Florida set the tone early against Florida International.
Tim Tebow had three touchdowns, one on the ground, and the Gators extended the nation's longest win streak in routing Florida International, 62-3, on Saturday.
Tebow completed 17 of 25 passes for 215 yards, and had 102 yards on seven carries. His rushing touchdown – a 55 yard scramble on a third-and-2 play, was the longest run of his career.
Tebow rolled left after faking a handoff, then took off against man-to-man coverage and ended up tiptoeing the sideline.
"They forgot to account for me," he said.
The touchdown also put him in the record books – it was the 54th of his career, breaking the SEC record held by former LSU star Kevin Faulk.
After a tough Southeastern Conference schedule that saw the Gators struggle at times, Florida liked playing on cruise control.
"It was real nice," guard Mike Pouncey said. "We had a long SEC run, then to go out there and have a game like this, where we can rest starters the second half, was real good for our team. We'll be ready to go Saturday."
FIU was held to 189 yards and 11 first downs against the top ranked scoring defense. Quarterback Paul McCall finished with 134 yards on 9 of 21 passing, with T.Y. Hilton catching four of those passes.
The Golden Panthers were stifled on offense, and couldn't get a balanced attack with their rushing game. Kendall Berry only had 25 yards on the ground, and Wayne Younger had 16.
"We played hard, but we're not at the level of the Florida Gators right now," FIU coach Mario Cristobal said.
Florida State will see if they are next week.
The Gators face the Seminoles and then head to Alabama in what's sure to be their toughest game this season. They win there, and they go 11-0 and get a shot at their second consecutive national championship.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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