Florida ended a disappointing year on a high note, beating Ohio State 24-17 in the Gator Bowl. The Buckeyes finished with a losing record for the first time since the 1988 season.
As expected, neither team was very good on offense. Florida scored their only offensive touchdown in the first quarter when John Brantley passed to Deonte Thomas for a 16-yard TD. Brantley had just 129 yards passing in the game.
Ohio State's Braxton Miller was only slightly more productive. He found DeVier Posey, who missed the team's first 10 games, for a 5-yard TD strike to tie the game in the second quarter.
But then came the first of Florida's big special teams plays. Andre Debose returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to regain the lead at 14-7. Ohio State added a field goal to make it Florida 14, Ohio State 10 at the half.
Florida's second key special teams play came in the third quarter. A blocked Ohio State punt was taken back for a touchdown by Graham Stewart and the Gators led 21-10.
The Gators added a field goal to extend their lead to 24-10, but like most of the 2nd half both offenses were stifled and traded punts until Miller led a late drive and found Jordan Hall for an 11-yard touchdown. More than half of Miller's 165 passing yards came on that drive.
But it was too little too late when the Buckeyes' onside kick was recovered by the Gators to seal the win. Florida finished 7-6 while Ohio State fell to 6-7.
More previews and results: View the complete 2011-2012 bowl game schedule.
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ohio st. lost to michigan, lost their bowl game, lost a bunch of recruits, lost respect...urban meyer has his work cut out for himself!
Posted by: ron r. | January 06, 2012 at 04:50 AM