Gator nation

Behind a strong performance from junior quarterback Tim Tebow and a stifling defensive effort, Florida defeated Oklahoma in the BCS Championship at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla.

Tebow threw for 232 yards and ran for another 121, but it was the Gator defense that limited the explosive Sooners to just 14 points and sealed the victory. Oklahoma’s previous scoring low was 35 points and in its five games prior had averaged better than 63 points per game.

One month ago, Oklahoma junior quarterback Sam Bradford beat out Tebow for the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top collegiate player.

But the combination of Tebow’s powerful running style and generally accurate arm helped the Gators overcome a 14-14 tie with just 12 minutes left in the game.

Florida junior running back Percy Harvin ran for 122 yards on just nine carries and scored one touchdown. Oklahoma junior tight end Jermaine Gresham led the Sooners with eight receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

The Gators earned their second national championship of this decade. In recent years, Florida has won two national championships in basketball as well.