In today’s only dramatic SEC bowl, the Florida Gators pulled away late to beat the Penn St. Nittany Lions in Urban Meyer’s final game as head coach. The Gators trailed until early in the fourth quarter, when Mike Gillislee banged in a one-yard touchdown run, followed by a Chas Henry field goal and an Ahmad Black pick-six to seal it.
The Lions outgained the Gators, but QB Matthew McGloin threw five interceptions, including two to Black. As always, a glimpse at Florida’s offensive stats leaves one wondering just how the Gators won — three players threw passes, with John Brantley’s 60 yards leading the way, while Jordan Reed led the team in rushing with a 2.8-yard average.
Black finished with 129 interception return yards, two pass break-ups, six tackles (I believe), and a postgame mention by Meyer as the hardest-working player on the team.
Meyer rides into the sunset having won over 80 percent of his games, and if Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden have anything to do with it that ride will end at an ESPN announcing booth.
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