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Tebow time Take a look at Florida's star quarterback on and off the field. NBCSports.com

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The loss was especially tough on Tebow, a fiery leader who carried the Gators to the national championship in 2008. He broke down near the end of the game, losing his composure for the second time in two weeks. He also cried during Florida's senior day ceremony.

"You want to end your career on a good note," Tebow said. "Our dream was to win the SEC and go have an opportunity to play in Pasadena for the national championship. That was our goal and something we put a lot of work into. And when you take pride in what you do and you care so much about it, you're going to be passionate and it's going to mean a lot to you and it does mean a lot to me.

"It was tough to swallow, something I cared so much about for my teammates, my coaches, for myself and the fans. That was a dream for us and a goal that we fell short of."

Nonetheless, many believe Tebow will go down as one of college football's greatest players. A three-year starter, Tebow has completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 8,803 yards, with 85 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also has 2,896 yards rushing and 56 more scores.

"He'll always be in the argument," Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said. "Here's a guy who is a fullback and a nifty quarterback as well. What a combination that is."

Throw in Tebow's charitable service and his family's missionary work, and Gators coach Urban Meyer can't recall a better ambassador of the game.

"His mission outside of college football is unparalleled as far as I'm concerned," Meyer said. "It's almost like selflessness is now a cool thing. Kids realizing to give back, and if you can brighten someone's day, you do it. The impact that he's made on this team is phenomenal."

Tebow still gets a chance to add to his legacy in the Sugar Bowl against No. 4 Cincinnati on New Year's Day. Tebow wants to finish his college career on a winning note, then do all he can to play quarterback in the NFL. More importantly, though, he wants to use the attention — even the reaction to his tears — in a positive way.

"With being scrutinized and being someone who gets some attention, you've got to realize there's going to be pros and cons," Tebow said. "Some of the cons are having to deal with all of it, having to see it all on TV and having your friends and family reading about it.

"The pros are I can go visit practically any kid I want (in the hospital) and make them smile in there. The pros are that I can go into prisons and share with inmates and actually have them listen to me because I play for the Gators. The pros are having opportunities to go around the country and speak to people and make an influence on their lives. I think the pros far outweigh the cons."

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