SCOTT AUDETTE / Reuters

Florida's quarterback Tim Tebow jumps into the arms of teammate Samuel Johnson after throwing one of his three touchdown passes in the No. 1 Gators' 37-10 win over Florida State on Saturday.

It capped his best performance of the season. Tebow left the game to a long, standing ovation after the first play of Florida’s next possession.

“I was so happy for him,” cornerback Joe Haden said. “Tebow’s probably one of the best college football players ever to play the game. All the credit he gets, I still don’t think it’s enough still for all he does for the team and all he does for everybody. He’s way more than a football player.”

When it was over, Tebow jogged to midfield to shake hands with Seminoles defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews and Bowden. He sang Florida’s alma mater with teammates and then started his final victory lap. It seemed to take forever. He was soaking it all it.

“Just saying thank you to all the fans and not get too emotional about it,” Tebow said. “My relationship with the fans is great. One reason is ’cause I’m such a passionate Gator fan. I care so much about this university and this team because I’m such a big fan. They know I appreciate them.”

Tebow handed out high-fives, handshakes and hugs. He came across several crying faces, telling one girl, “It’s OK. I’ll be around.”

He also stepped on a cheerleader.

“She went down hard,” he said. “I felt terrible, so I gave her a big hug. She was a little embarrassed. I felt bad about that. They were all laughing, so I think she’s OK.”

Many of Tebow’s teammates came out of the locker and danced around the “F” at midfield as he worked his way around the stadium. Tebow finally caught up with them back inside, just in time to join the seniors in sharing a few words in front of the team.

“Jermaine Cunningham probably said it best. He put both arms up and said, ’I’m living a dream,”’ Meyer said.

The Gators are two wins from a third national championship in four years. They have more celebrations planned, and they could be better than this one — even for Tebow.

“It’s been a long day,” he said. “I was telling (Cooper), ’Man, it seems like everything’s in slow motion, which is good because you want to remember everything.”

More news

AP

Slain UConn CB's family wants $5M

CFT: Stabbed to death following an altercation at a school-sponsored dance in October 2009, Jasper Howard‘s parents are seeking significant financial compensation for the parties they believe are at least partly responsible.

CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

Headlines

• Label

Ex-QB Brian Johnson still directing Utes offense

CFT: Miami says it's 'committed to the ACC'

CFT: Clemson would listen to other conferences

CFT: Tennessee TE booted following felony arrest

CFT: Potential Cal starter kicked off team

Friends, fans mourn loss of Stewart

CFT: Ohio St. 'not facing any major ... violations'

CFT: Pitt FB suffers stroke, career likely over