APFlorida struggled on offense much like it has all season, and the defense wasn’t as good.
Dexter McCluster ran for 60 yards and a touchdown and had a 40-yarder from the “Wild Hog” formation made famous by Darren McFadden under Nutt at Arkansas.
Snead was 9-of-20 passing for 185 yards, not great numbers, but he made plays when the Rebels needed them. His biggest was an 86-yard touchdown pass to Shay Hodge that put the Rebels ahead 31-24 with 5:26 to play.
“This will be a turning point of our season,” Snead said.
Tebow brought the Gators back, driving them 78 yards in about 2 minutes, but the game-tying extra point was blocked by defensive lineman Kentrell Lockett. Meyer argued that Lockett illegally jumped over the offensive line, but the officials did not agree.
“When I crossed the line, I made up my mind I was going to get the block,” Lockett said.
Florida forced a punt and had one more chance, but Tebow couldn’t get it done.
He apologized, but Florida’s biggest problem was three turnovers and a miserable third quarter that might go down as the worst in the Meyer era.
Leading 17-7, Harvin fumbled on the second play of the third. Ole Miss turned it into a field goal. Tebow fumbled on the next play. Ole Miss turned it into a touchdown.
It got worse for the Gators, too.
McCluster busted through the line and scored to make it 24-17. Tebow led the Gators back for a game-tying touchdown, but then Hodge got loose in the secondary.
“It’s awful. Bad, bad stuff,” Meyer said. “We’ll find out what kind of team we are.”
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
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