Tebow throws 3 TDs passes, runs for 2 as UF routs FSU



GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida's cheerleaders did something Tim Tebow never would: strike the famed Heisman Trophy pose.

Tim Tebow did just about everything else to state his case for college football's premier award in the season finale against rival Florida State.

The Gators' quarterback threw three touchdown passes, ran for two scores and carried 12th-ranked Florida to a 45-12 victory over the Seminoles on Saturday night.

Tim Tebow led the Gators (9-3) to touchdowns on four of their first five possessions, staking them to big lead that eased the pressure on Florida's young defense, which has struggled much of the year.

Percy Harvin did his part, too. After missing the last two games because of migraine headaches, Harvin returned and ran 16 times for 157 yards. He scored on a 24-yard run with 3 minutes to play.

Tim Tebow and Harvin burned the Seminoles (7-5) all over the field, helping extend Florida's dominance in the series.

The Gators have won four in a row, the longest streak since winning their sixth straight in 1986. With Tim Tebow and Harvin on board for at least another year, Florida State's outlook for ending the streak doesn't look so promising.

Tim Tebow, who could become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, finished 19-of-28 for 262 yards. The sophomore also carried 13 times for 89 yards.

Drew Weatherford completed 20 of 37 passes for 188 yards for the Seminoles. Preston Parker ran 12 times for 48 yards and caught six passes for 55 yards.

Tim Tebow ran around and over defenders all game, and stirred the crowd into a frenzy after every big play.

He had most of the 90,664 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium chanting "Tim Tebow, Heisman" with 5:37 to play.

Maybe Geno Hayes should have joined in. Florida State's junior linebacker said early in the week that Tim Tebow was "going down" Saturday.

Hayes was right, sort of.

Tim Tebow went down the field and down in history.

His second rushing touchdown gave him 22 for the season, tying the major college record for a quarterback. Chance Harridge of Air Force also had 22 in 2002.

Tim Tebow has accounted for 51 touchdowns this season. He will get to add to that total in Florida's bowl game.

Although the Gators probably missed out on a chance to earn a Bowl Championship Series berth because of wins by Tennessee and Georgia, they certainly secured a spot in a New Year's Day bowl.

Florida also won a rivalry game that has recruiting implications and bragging rights.

The Seminoles beat Florida in women's and men's basketball Friday night, getting off to a good start in schools' "rivalry weekend."

But the Gators turned things around in a hurry on the football field.

Florida scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, added a field goal just before halftime and then extended the lead to 31-12 with an impressive TD drive to start the third quarter.

Harvin ran three times for 46 yards, Kestahn Moore had a 20-yard gain and Tim Tebow picked up 15 yards and a score on two carries.

Florida had five consecutive runs that gained at least 10 yards, then capped the drive with Tim Tebow's 5-yard scamper that tied the NCAA mark for quarterbacks.

The Seminoles moved the ball well early, but had to settle for four field goals in the first half.

Gary Cismesia connected from 21, 38 and 28 yards, then drilled a 60-yarder on the final play of the first half. It was the longest field goal in the school history and the longest in the nation this season.

It wasn't nearly enough, though.

The Gators finished with 541 yards, including 279 on the ground.

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