5BLACK E5 DAILY 01-08-07 MD SU E5 BLACK

The Washington Post S Monday, January 8, 2007 E5 Florida vs. Ohio State When: 8 p.m. | Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. | TV: WTTG-5, WBFF-45. | Radio: WWXX (92.7 FM), WWXT (94.3 FM), WXTR (730 AM) Gators . Buckeyes [12-1] [12-0] Florida Opp. Running Men Heisman Burden Ohio State Opp. First Downs ...... 264 208 First Downs ...... 253 181 Rushing ...... 111 76 Rushing ...... 112 63 Passing ...... 138 113 Several Ohio State players have expressed amusement this . Gino Torretta. . Jason White. Chris Passing ...... 134 104 Penalty ...... 15 19 Penalty ...... 7 14 Third-Down Efficiency ...... 64-148 60-177 week at the suggestion that Florida has a significant speed Weinke. says those Heisman-winning who Third-Down Efficiency ...... 77-150 48-157 Fourth-Down Eff...... 7-15 6-17 advantage because most of their players are from the South. struggled in national title games are different from him. He says the Fourth-Down Eff...... 7-10 8-14 Total Net Yards ...... 5,175 3,494 Total Net Yards ...... 4,917 3,276 Total Plays ...... 795 791 What does warm weather have to do with running fast? Sure, does not mean anything right now. He says he won’t Total Plays ...... 783 719 Average Gain ...... 6.5 4.4 Florida wide receivers and have fall into a trap of trying to do too much. And nothing that occurred Average Gain ...... 6.3 4.6 Net Yards Rushing ...... 2,084 968 Net Yards Rushing ...... 2,161 1,122 Rushes ...... 313 316 blazing speed, and the is generally during the season indicates Smith is poised to stumble. But some Rushes ...... 457 341 Average Per Rush ...... 4.8 2.8 Average Per Rush ...... 4.7 3.3 TDs Rushing ...... 21 7 considered a league filled with speedy players. But there is one Gators suggested that Florida is going to be revved up to try to fluster TDs Rushing ...... 24 6 Net Yards Passing ...... 3,091 2,526 player on Ohio State who can match any SEC player a Heisman winner, saying they are not afraid of him. Smith has never Net Yards Passing ...... 2,756 2,154 Completed-Attempted ...... 229-362 240-444 Completed-Attempted ...... 217-326 216-378 Had Intercepted ...... 14 20 step-for-step: Ted Ginn Jr., who has world-class entered a game with a bigger target on his back. Had Intercepted ...... 5 21 Yards Per Pass...... 8.5 5.7 speed. Yards Per Pass...... 8.5 5.7 Sacked-Yards Lost ...... 22-159 29-207 Sacked-Yards Lost ...... 14-95 37-271 TDs Passing ...... 27 10 TDs Passing ...... 31 8 Fumbles-Lost ...... 25-10 20-7 Winter Vacation Fumbles-Lost ...... 17-11 19-6 Punts-Average ...... 51-40.5 71-37.7 Salvaging a Legacy Punts-Average ...... 43-41.0 73-38.4 FGs-FGAs...... 4-13 10-19 Ohio State was undoubtedly the finest team of 2006. The Buckeyes FGs-FGAs...... 9-13 9-12 PATs ...... 45-49 17-18 PATs ...... 55-58 12-12 Kickoff Ret.-Yards ...... 25-422 55-988 entered college as a heralded began the year by throttling Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. In Kickoff Ret.-Yards ...... 24-458 41-741 Punt Ret.-Yards ...... 45-471 18-58 prospect expected to win a Heisman Trophy. That has not September, they handily beat then-No. 2 Texas, the defending national Punt Ret.-Yards ...... 29-293 11-91 Interception Ret.-Yards ...... 20-150 14-117 Interception Ret.-Yards ...... 21-342 5-0 Penalties-Yards ...... 110-838 76-545 happened, and the Florida senior quarterback has endured a champion. And in November, they edged Michigan in another 1 vs. 2 Penalties-Yards ...... 57-514 43-337 Time of Possession ...... 30:24 29:36 world of criticism during his four years as a starter. While some duel. But the clash with the Wolverines was 50 days ago, and there is Time of Possession ...... 31:46 28:14 RUSHING of the criticism was over the top, Leak has demonstrated a some doubt whether Ohio State will perform as flawlessly as they did RUSHING Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD Lg Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD Lg Wynn 124 630 5.1 5 26 tendency to self-destruct at inopportune times. He is a talented for much for 2006. “I don’t feel as if we have had a layoff,” Ohio State Pittman 232 1,171 5.0 13 56 Tebow 79 430 5.4 7 29 Wells 102 567 5.6 7 52 Harvin 36 406 11.3 2 67 on-the-move passer who has set several school records. Fans in Coach Jim Tressel said. “We have been working pretty hard since the Smith 62 233 3.8 1 34 PASSING Gainesville will probably only remember that if Leak delivers day the season was over.” PASSING Player Cmp. Att. Yds. TD Int the school its first national title since 1996. — Eric Prisbell Player Cmp. Att. Yds. TD Int Leak 207 329 2,729 22 13 Smith 199 297 2,507 30 5 Tebow 21 32 357 4 1 RECEIVING RECEIVING Player No. Yds. Lg. TD Player No. Yds. Lg. TD Ginn 59 781 58 9 Baker 56 897 33 9 Gonzalez 49 723 33 8 Caldwell 55 571 66 5 Florida’s Ohio State’s Robiskie 29 383 39 5 Cornelius 29 473 34 3 Percy Harvin. Ted Ginn Jr. PUNTING Player No. Yds. Avg. Long PUNTING BY JOHN BAZEMORE — BY MATT SULLIVAN Player No. Yds. Avg. Long ASSOCIATED PRESS — REUTERS Trapasso 43 1,763 41.0 60 Wilbur 49 2,067 42.2 64 PUNT RETURNS PUNT RETURNS 33 Player No. Yds. Lg. TD Player No. Yds. Lg. TD Ginn 24 266 60 1 James 29 335 77 1 KICKOFF RETURNS KICKOFF RETURNS Length, in yards, of the Player No. Yds. Lg. TD Player No. Yds. Lg. TD longest field goal made by Ginn 17 347 37 0 James 20 350 38 0 Florida’s Chris Hetland, SACKS SACKS Player No. Yds. Player No. Yds. who has made only 4 of Pitcock 8 42 Harvey 8 58 13 attempts this season. Gholston 7.5 66 Moss 5.5 40 has suggest- TACKLES TACKLES Player Solo Ast. Total TFL-Yds Player Solo Ast. Total TFL-Yds ed the Gators may go for it Laurinaitis 43 57 100 8.5-44 Everett 45 33 78 6-11 Smith 38 28 66 10-51 Siler 46 27 73 9-36 on some fourth-down Freeman 25 31 56 2.5-8 Joiner 31 27 58 4.5-9 plays outside the red zone. Jenkins 37 14 51 2.5-8 Moss 40 14 54 9-48

Time to Cue the BCS Music: A One and a Two MIKE WISE BCS, From E1 and players have downplayed the ef- With his team leading by four points, Smith and talented wide receivers First in the Record Books, fect of a 50-day layoff, but the fact is Smith scrambled, paused at the 48- Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez. try.” the Gators have played two games — yard line, then set his feet and fired a But the rushing attack, specifically Ohio State (12-0) has a coach, Jim against Florida State and then Ar- 37-yard pass to Brian Ro- long touchdown runs by Antonio Second in His Fans’ Hearts Tressel, who is 3-0 in Bowl Champi- kansas in the Southeastern Confer- biskie. Pittman (56 yards) and Chris Wells onship Series games; a quarterback, ence title game — since Ohio State’s In this year’s back-and-forth clas- (52), proved a critical factor in the WISE, From E1 Troy Smith, who is the undisputed regular season finale against Michi- sic against Michigan, the Wolverines 42-39 victory over Michigan. Flori- best player in the game; and a de- gan on Nov. 18. managed to stay in the game in large da’s rushing defense will be tested Part of it was for Urban fense that has allowed as many as “We haven’t sacked our quarter- part because they did not commit against Pittman, who has 1,171 Meyer, the coach who replaced two in only two games back in 50 days,” Tressel said. “We any turnovers. Ohio State has 21 in- yards and 13 touchdowns this sea- freshman with Leak this season. What’s more, the Buck- haven’t splattered our receivers as terceptions this season and is led in son. after Tebow had turned upfield eyes have already defeated two No. 2 they catch the balls for 50 days. How the secondary by Malcolm Jenkins, a “To think about us on defense, in Florida’s spread-option teams, Texas and Michigan, and look we protect will have more to do with shutdown cornerback who has four they are going to move the ball on offense, making Gators fans go to become the first to beat three in a our timing.” interceptions. us,” said , Florida’s co- absolutely ga-ga over their season when they meet the second- If anything can be plucked from Florida may have more playmak- defensive coordinator. “We can’t fuel-injected offense. ranked Gators (12-1) at University of Ohio State’s last loss, a 17-10 defeat ers on the perimeter, including jump out and think we will shut them Tebow in Gainesville today is Phoenix Stadium. before a hostile Penn State crowd on speedy wide receivers Andre Cald- down.” Damon Bailey in Bloomington, The last team to look omnipotent Oct. 8, 2005, it is that opponents well and Percy Harvin, to test Ohio If Ohio State does win, it will mark Ind., circa mid-1980s — the hope entering the BCS title game was have to play mistake-free football to State’s defensive backs. The onus a wire-to-wire season at No. 1, a pos- of a new era. Running like a fawn Southern California, which entered have a realistic chance. In that game, will be on Chris Leak to make wise sibility the team has not addressed out of the womb, his legs and last season’s Rose Bowl against Smith uncharacteristically threw an decisions while on the move. The since Gene Smith, the school’s ath- arms all agape and only green in Texas riding a 34-game winning interception in the first half and fum- senior has thrown more intercep- letic director, mentioned it to the front in him, Tebow is the golden streak. The Trojans’ three-point loss bled in the final minutes, ending tions (13) this season than any year players before the season. child. He is the train in the to the Longhorns was preceded by Ohio State’s hopes. of his career. Florida’s Baker said the Gators, in distance, the majestic locomotive glimpses of vulnerabilities in narrow In this season’s rematch between Meyer expects a “street fight” a sense, are playing against Ohio capable of transporting Florida’s victories against Notre Dame and the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, Monday, which is similar to what the State as well as “everybody” who alumni and students to a utopian BY PHIL SANDLIN — ASSOCIATED PRESS Fresno State. Ohio State, on the oth- Ohio State’s opportunistic defense Buckeyes found when they met feels the outcome is a foregone con- place in the sport. Chris Leak holds school records er hand, has won all but two of its capitalized, returning two intercep- Michigan. clusion, including the opinionated On the surface, that’s fine. for passing yards, completions games this season by at least 17 tions for touchdowns in the final “Ohio State had the momentum, teenager in the mall. There is nothing inherently and attempts, but Florida’s fickle points. minutes of a 28-6 victory. And in- lost it and got it back and held on to it As one would expect, Tressel wrong with believing strongly in fans have booed him in favor of One hope for Florida is that Ohio stead of turning over the ball late, and finished the game,” Meyer said. praised Florida’s credentials, saying, the gifts a promising kid can heralded freshman Tim Tebow. State’s offensive timing is off, partic- Smith authored his defining Heis- Much of the attention given to “I think that is why we are having the bring. ularly early. The Buckeyes’ coaches man highlight in the fourth quarter. Ohio State’s offense has focused on game.” Except the train in the station Jimmy Buffett and said, ‘I’m is the one who ultimately good.’ . . . brought Florida to the cusp of a “Chris Leak had a very fine Top of the Heap national championship. year against the top defenses in You would think a senior who America. If he was getting killed, Meetings between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Associated Press holds school records for passing I will tell you what: If he wins college football poll (the No. 1 team is 23-13-2): yardage, completions and this game, he will be one of the attempts might be more two top quarterbacks to play at Date Result appreciated. You would think a Florida. You’re measured by Nov. 18, 2006 No. 1 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Michigan 39 kid who has thrown for more wins and championships. He Sept. 9, 2006 No. 1 Ohio State 24, No. 2 Texas 7 than 11,000 yards in four won the SEC championship and Jan. 4, 2006 No. 2 Texas 41, No. 1 Southern Cal 38 (Rose Bowl) seasons, a 6-foot pocker passer now he will be measured if he Jan. 4, 2005 No. 1 Southern Cal 55, No. 2 Oklahoma 19 (Orange Bowl) who withstood a regime and can compete for the national system change — from Ron championship.” Jan. 3, 2003 No. 2 Ohio State 31, No. 1 Miami 24, 2OT (Fiesta Bowl) Zook’s drop-back attack to Ohio State’s Jim Tressel called Jan. 4, 2000 No. 1 Florida State 46, No. 2 Virginia Tech 29 (Sugar Bowl) Meyer’s new-fangled spread himself a “Chris Leak fan” today. Jan. 4, 1999 No. 1 Tennessee 23, No. 2 Florida State 16 (Fiesta Bowl) option — and galloped nine “I happen to think he is good,” yards for a touchdown against Tressel said. “He has done it year Nov. 30, 1996 No. 2 Florida State 24, No. 1 Florida 21 Arkansas in the Southeastern after year. He has taken his team Jan. 2, 1996 No. 1 Nebraska 62, No. 2 Florida 24 (Fiesta Bowl) Conference title game to get to an SEC championship and on Jan. 1, 1994 No. 1 Florida State 18, No. 2 Nebraska 16 (Orange Bowl) Florida here, might be afforded to a chance to be the national Nov. 13, 1993 No. 2 Notre Dame 31, No. 1 Florida State 24 real respect, no? champions. I think it’s Nope. Uh-uh. Not in this extraordinarily tough on a Jan. 1, 1993 No. 2 Alabama 34, No. 1 Miami 13 (Sugar Bowl) frothing environment. Leak is quarterback when systems Nov. 16, 1991 No. 2 Miami 17, No. 1 Florida State 16 the new-millennium BMOC, in change and staffs change.” Sept. 16, 1989 No. 1 Notre Dame 24, No. 2 Michigan 19 which you do everything your Leak, a bashful introvert, has Nov. 26, 1988 No. 1 Notre Dame 27, No. 2 Southern Cal 10 coaches ask — even subjugate been mostly mum this week. One your stats and ego for the good of the more fruitless pastimes for Jan. 1, 1988 No. 2 Miami 20, No. 1 Oklahoma 14 (Orange Bowl) of the freshman whom everyone the media has been trying to get Nov. 21, 1987 No. 2 Oklahoma 17, No. 1 Nebraska 7 wants to take your job today — Leak to go there, to admit how Jan. 2, 1987 No. 2 Penn State 14, No. 1 Miami 10 (Fiesta Bowl) and still be booed at home your disenchanting his Florida career senior year. has been at times — how a guy Sept. 27, 1986 No. 2 Miami 28, No. 1 Oklahoma 16 People were so in love with recruited to be a Heisman Oct. 19, 1985 No. 1 Iowa 12, No. 2 Michigan 10 Tebow in Gainesville, Gators Trophy candidate ended up Jan. 1, 1983 No. 2 Penn State 27, No. 1 Georgia 23 (Sugar Bowl) fans were ready to give up on splitting snaps with a kid four Sept. 26, 1981 No. 1 Southern Cal 28, No. 2 Oklahoma 24 Leak before the season even years younger than him his began. Several weeks into senior year. To his credit, he Jan. 1, 1979 No. 2 Alabama 14, No. 1 Penn State 7 (Sugar Bowl) Florida’s 2006 campaign, Leak hasn’t bitten yet. Jan. 1, 1972 No. 1 Nebraska 38, No. 2 Alabama 6 (Orange Bowl) was publicly skewered. He took a “I think — I think being able Nov. 25, 1971 No. 1 Nebraska 35, No. 2 Oklahoma 31 nasty beating in that unhealthy to play for the national title your Dec. 6, 1969 No. 1 Texas 15, No. 2 Arkansas 14 Internet support group, Message senior year is a great thing,” he Boards Anonymous. Miserable said. “I just feel really blessed in Jan. 1, 1969 No. 1 Ohio State 27, No. 2 Southern Cal 16 (Rose Bowl) Suburban Guy radio did not a situation that the Lord has put Sept. 28, 1968 No. 1 Purdue 37, No. 2 Notre Dame 22 spare him, either. me in.” Nov. 19, 1966 No. 1 Notre Dame 10, No. 2 Michigan State 10, tie Meyer discounted the zealots, If Leak leads the Gators past mentioning he tuned in one day Ohio State, here’s hoping the Jan. 1, 1964 No. 1 Texas 28, No. 2 Navy 6, Cotton Bowl on his way to work to hear of a people who booed him at home Oct. 12, 1963 No. 2 Texas 28, No. 1 Oklahoma 7 coach who had lost his mojo — who anonymously took shots Jan. 1, 1963 No. 1 Southern Cal 42, No. 2 Wisconsin 37 (Rose Bowl) after losing three straight games. at his ability to lead and win — Nov. 9, 1946 No. 1 Army 0, No. 2 Notre Dame 0, tie The host “talked about what a have it in them to admit they lousy basketball coach he was, were wrong. Here’s hoping they Dec. 1, 1945 No. 1 Army 32, No. 2 Navy 13 and he can’t win the big games, can see: Tearing down a Nov. 10, 1945 No. 1 Army 48, No. 2 Notre Dame 0 and maybe it’s time,” Meyer said. successful, good kid has nothing Dec. 2, 1944 No. 1 Army 23, No. 2 Navy 7 The host was talking about Billy to do with school allegiance — BY CHARLES KRUPA — ASSOCIATED PRESS Donovan, who had just guided and everything to do with a Nov. 20, 1943 No. 1 Notre Dame 14, No. 2 Iowa Pre-Flight 13

Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith got his point across all season, winning the Gators to the NCAA men’s disturbing trend among college the Heisman Trophy and leading Ohio State to the undisputed No. 1 ranking. Oct. 9, 1943 No. 1 Notre Dame 35, No. 2 Michigan 12 basketball title. “I flipped on football’s warped fandom. 5BLACK E5