Colleges

GatorShotz

By TOM JONES
Published January 9, 2007

Brandon Siler, right, and Steven Harris celebrate after defeating the Ohio State at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
	[Times photo: Getty Images]

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Brendan Fitterer] Florida fans celebrate in the fourth quarter as an Ohio State fan watches the Gators win. Gators 41, Ohio State 14 Game photos Download wallpaper for your PC | Page 2 | Page 3 Buy Times front page Gainesville reacts: An audio slideshow Nothing matters but that trophy Gators flatten high-flying OSU Leak makes mark on UF history in farewell GatorShotz Ginn provides big start, bigger disappointment Key underclassmen pondering early exits More coverage

Best insight

Fox pregame analyst Jimmy Johnson astutely pointed out the long layoff for both teams, especially for Ohio State, was a recipe for a mistake-filled start. In the first half, the Buckeyes had half as many yards in undisciplined penalties (35) as total yards (71) and two turnovers that led to 14 Florida points.

Worst special guest

Six minutes into Fox's pregame coverage and we get a taped routine from comedian Richard Lewis, who was neither funny nor has a show on Fox, as far as I know. So, uh, why?

Most shameful moment

Yeah, I know Eddie George is an Ohio State grad, but he was paid Monday to work for Fox as a pregame and halftime analyst. I don't know what was worse: George strutting around and generally exhorting on the sideline after OSU's opening TD or that Fox was stupid enough to show a replay (twice!) of his lack of restraint. I didn't need to see Emmitt Smith doing the "Gator chomp" at halftime, either.

Worst break

Even if you're a Gators fan, you hate to see a great talent like Ted Ginn miss most of the game. You should want to beat the best when they are at their best.

Good coverage

For a network that covers very little college football, Fox's broadcast was slick and well-directed. Play-by-play guy Thom Brennaman showed why he is one of the better play-by-play guys around and the analysts, especially Charles Davis, brought their A-games. The only better coverage was by the Florida defensive backs.

Best redemption

Honestly, how many people out there thought Florida's Chris Leak would outplay (and out-poise) Heisman winner Troy Smith? If you raised your hand, you're either lying or your last name is "Leak."

THE latest edict

I could not have cared less who won, but here's a new rule: THE Ohio State cannot call themselves THE Ohio State for five years since it got THE stuffing kicked out of it.

Craziest decision

Jim Tressel's decision to go for it on fourth and 1 from his own 29 in the first half wasn't gutsy. It was downright stupid. Fox halftime analyst Jimmy Johnson hit it right on the screws: "That's panic to me."

Chris Leak's biggest fan

I wonder what Ron Zook was doing Monday night. Even more, I wonder what he was thinking. Ditto for Steve Spurrier.

Best half

How shocking was the Gators' first half? Consider this: only twice this season did Florida score 34 in the first half - against weaklings UCF and Western Carolina.

Once and for all

After getting pounded by USC and watching Florida do what it couldn't do, Michigan should feel free now to sit down and shut up.

Two is a charm

Urban Meyer has now coached three teams for two seasons. His combined record in his second season at each school is 34-4. He was 9-3 at Bowling Green, 12-0 at Utah and 13-1 this season with Florida. And give him credit. For the first time ever Jim Tressel was outcoached in a big game.

Most appropriate music

The Ohio State band played music from Titanic at halftime.

[Last modified January 9, 2007, 07:00:32]