Colleges

Gators prove Tebow, Harvin can't do it alone

The offensive stars can't carry the burden when the offensive line and defense falter.

By BRYAN JONES, Times Correspondent
Published January 2, 2008

ORLANDO - The Heisman jinx didn't do Tim Tebow in; poor pass protection did.

Nagging injuries didn't spoil Percy Harvin's performance. You can attribute that to the Gators' terrible defensive display.

Despite a combined 453 yards of offense and five touchdowns between Tebow and Harvin, No.9 Florida fell to unranked Michigan 41-35 Tuesday at the Capital One Bowl.

"I am very disappointed," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "We have some glaring errors that need to be corrected real fast."

Tebow spent much of the game trying to avoid pass rushers. Though he was sacked only once, most of his throws were hurried, including several he had to throw off his back foot or while falling. Tebow even took punishment on several of his completions, taking hits as he released the ball.

As a result, the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy threw for a season-low 153 yards.

On Florida's final drive, he was still unable to get set in the pocket. He threw four straight incompletions, and the drive ended as Tebow flung a ball in the air off his back foot, while falling backward, to avoid a sack.

"They had two blitzes we've never seen before," Meyer said. "I'm not sure we protected as well as we have in the past."

Harvin rushed 13 times for 165 yards and a touchdown and caught nine passes for 77 yards and another score. His 12.7 yards per rush set a bowl record.

"We don't thrive on individual (achievements)," Harvin said. "We didn't come out with the win, so I'm not satisfied."

While Tebow and Harvin carried the offense on their backs, they were forced to watch as Florida's defense continued to struggle, particularly against the pass.

Michigan quarterback Chad Henne threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns en route to being named the game's most valuable player.

"I'm just very disappointed with our pass coverage, to give up that many yards," Meyer said. "We expect more out of corner play than that."

[Last modified January 1, 2008, 21:46:16]