That should just about settle things...

41-14. Seriously 41-14. No, really, I'm not making this up 41-14. After the past month and a half of listening to the pundits gripe and complain about Florida's inclusion in the BCS National Championship Game, it seems that we can finally bring these proceedings to an end and take a moment to assess what just transpired. The Ohio State Buckeyes came into this game basically being told that we should just go ahead and hand the title to them as the game would just be a formality. The Gators were pretenders, there only by the "political games" played by their coach, who would easily be outdone by Michigan. But then, whoops, Michigan evidently sent their second team to the Rose Bowl and were promptly dispatched by the Trojans who, mind you, could have waltzed into this game if they only would have beaten a hapless UCLA team in their last game of the season.

Big Ten bowl record this year - 2-5 (0-2 in BCS bowls, way to go)
SEC bowl record this year - 6-3 including two BCS bowl wins and a National Championship
Oh yeah, Ohio States record in bowl games vs. SEC opponents - 0-8

Maybe next year the Big 10 will be the conference to beat, but clearly this year the SEC wins that distinction. 9 bowl teams people, that is impressive even if it only takes 6 wins or so to be bowl eligible. That means 75% of the SEC's teams went to a bowl and you can't tell me that kind of strength of schedule didn't help UF be ready for this game. Yeah they won ugly sometimes but they knew how to play in tight games. Ohio State played Michigan and barely won, beat a way overrated Texas team, and that's about it. They just weren't ready to handle the defense. Here's how I break it down.

1. Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit are morons. They (especially good ole unbiased Captain Kirk) have been criticizing the Gators for almost two months now. I'll give ole Kirky credit, he humbly ate his words last night. Corso, get a life, seriously. You can blame the game all you want on 51 days off for OSU but it's not like Florida played last week. They had 37 days off. That excuse just doesn't work. Oh yeah, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised at Kirk's lack of knowledge as I seem to remember him predicting a run to the National Title for none other than the University of Miami Hurricanes right before they went out and lost to FSU. Good pick Kirk.

2. Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey might be the two best big game defensive ends we've ever had. 5 sacks between them and they spent a good part of the game absolutely terrorizing Troy Smith. Two days before the game I saw an interview with Jarvis Moss, and he was asked if he had run into Troy Smith yet. He replied that he had seen him at the hotel. They asked if Jarvis had introduced himself. Jarvis replied, "No. I think I'll do that during the game." Mr. Moss meet Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith meet the turf.

3. Chris Leak deserves this more than just about anyone else. He has been criticized, mocked, manhandled by fans and the press, endured two coaching changes and three different offensive systems, shared time with a freshman who can do no wrong by some people's standards, and yet through it all has been humble and hard working. He managed that game beautifully last night and never made the one big error he is so prone to do. Way to go Chris.

4. You have to feel like Reggie Nelson and Ryan Smith get some credit even though they basically weren't in on any plays (I think Ryan batted a pass down late in the game). Their mere presence seemed to prevent the Buckeyes from throwing the ball downfield. They tried once and it resulted in an interception.

5. Though I don't think he would have made a big difference, Ted Ginn's injury just shows why big celebrations are stupid. Whether you are his teammates piling on top of him and wrecking his ankle or just a lone, dumb quarterback spraining his neck after headbutting a wall (Gus Ferrotte), just get in the end zone, drop the ball, go to the sideline, get some love from the team and coach, and remember it's only one score. That kickoff return may have been the best thing to happen to the Gators.

6. And finally, 4 and 1 in the 2nd quarter in your own territory against our run defense? Are you serious Jim? That just smells of desperation.

It's great to be a Florida Gator. I think I'm going to have to talk to my son though. Ethan was born in February and since then the Gators have won a national championship in basketball and football. I would love for the kid to get used to this but he needs to know he could have some heartbreak over the years.

41-14. Wow.