Gator Bowl: Defense, Special Teams Lead Florida Over Ohio State

Gator Bowl:
Defense, Special Teams Lead Florida Over Ohio State
Jojo Doria

Jacksonville, FL

Urban Meyer got a good look at what he has inherited and what he left behind.

Meyer's former team the Florida Gators, whom he walked away from after the 2009 season and two national titles, used a suffocating defense and special teams to pull out a 24-17 triumph over the Ohio State Buckeyes Monday in the Gator Bowl.

Meyer, who cited fatigue and wanting to spend more time with his family for leaving the Gators, was named Buckeyes head coach last month and will take over from interim coach Luke Fickell after this game.

Florida (7-6) used six sacks, two fumble recoveries, a kickoff return for a touchdown and a blocked punt for a touchdown to avoid its first losing season since 1979 and put Ohio State (6-7) under .500 for the first time since 1988.

Meyers' new club lost its last four games and seven games for the first time since 1897. Ohio State also fell to 0-10 all-time against SEC teams in bowl contests.

Andre Debose broke a 7-7 tie with a 99-yard kick return early in the second quarter. Graham Stewart returned a blocked punt by Chris Rainey 14 yards for a 21-10 lead early in the third and a 17-yard field goal by Caleb Sturgis early in the fourth provided a 14-point cushion.

Freshman Braxton Miller completed 18-of-23 passes for 162 yards and two TDs and Dan Herron ran for 82 yards on 12 carries for the Buckeyes, who outgained the Gators, 299-263, but converted just 2-of-10 third downs.

Florida QB Jeff Brantley completed 12-of-16 passes for 132 yards with a TD and a pick and Rainey ran for 71 yards on 16 carries.