Florida 45 - 15 6Florida State
Final
  for this game

Tebow, Florida hope to stay in BCS title hunt

Nov 29, 2008 - 12:09 PM (3) Florida (10-1) at (24) Florida State (8-3), 3:30 pm EST

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Ticker) -- Tim Tebow and Florida already have booked their tickets to the SEC title game.

But in order to stay in the hunt for a spot in the BCS championship game, Tebow and the third-ranked Gators will have to survive Saturday's inter-conference clash with No. 24 Florida State.

Since a stunning home loss to Mississippi on September 27, Florida (10-1) has won its last seven games in dominant fashion, crushing opponents by an average margin of 41 points.

Florida's latest blowout came Saturday against The Citadel, which suffered a 70-19 loss in Gainesville.

The following day, the Gators remained fourth in the BCS standings, behind Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. If the one-loss Gators beat the undefeated Crimson Tide in the SEC title game, they likely would land a spot in the BCS championship game.

But Florida first needs to win its showdown with Florida State (8-3), which has lost four straight meetings with the Gators and will look to avenge last year's 45-12 thrashing in the Swamp.

Tebow put the finishing touches on his Heisman Trophy campaign in last year's win against the Seminoles, throwing three TD passes and running for two more scores.

After getting off to a slow statistical start, Tebow has thrust himself back into Heisman consideration by putting up outstanding numbers against a tough SEC schedule.

Tebow, bidding to join Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman winner, has passed for 2,114 yards and 22 TDs with just two interceptions this season. The junior also has rushed for 427 yards and 11 TDs.

Tebow delivered another terrific performance Saturday against The Citadel, passing for 201 yards and three TDs despite getting pulled after the second quarter.

Florida State also figures to be confident entering this contest after crushing then-No. 23 Maryland, 37-3, to take sole possession of first place in the ACC Atlantic Division.

The Seminoles, who have completed their league schedule, can win the division and secure a berth in the ACC title game if Maryland beats Boston College on Saturday.

But Florida State figures to be solely focused on the Gators, who own a 31-19-2 record in this series.






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