#63 Temple – 7
#2 Florida – 21
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The #2 Gators got a scare, but kept their poise and disposed of #63 Temple, 21-7. The Owls were able to move the ball early, and on Florida's first possession, forced and recovered a fumble by QB Tim Tebow. Then, when QB Chester Stewart hooked up (not literally) with WR Deon Miller for a long touchdown on the ensuing drive, it looked for a moment like Temple had a chance to become the lowest seed ever to win a Sensationalizationalism game.
However, the momentum shifted for good when in the closing seconds of the first half, CB Jenoris Jenkins intercepted a ball underthrown down the sideline. As Jenkins charged for the goal line at the end of a long return, he was caught from behind and stripped. The Owls appeared in position to recover the fumble inside their own end zone, but senior CB Wondy Pierre-Louis came out of nowhere and jumped on the loose ball for a Gator touchdown.
For the second straight game, Blue was able to shut down a formidable rushing attack, and win despite being outgained, this time 168-145. HB Kee-Ayre Griffin, Temple's standout running back, was held to -6 yards on five carries. Chester Stewart was effective, completing 9 of his 16 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Deon Miller caught 3 of those passes for 132 yards. Meanwhile, Tim Tebow was quiet, going 6-9 for 95 yards with 11 carries for 28 yards and a fumble. Florida seeks its first ever Final Four and its first Sweet Sixteen since 2007. They will face the winner of #31 Iowa and #34 Texas Tech the second round.
Stats:
Florida
DE Carlos Dunlap: 3 sacks
CB Jenoris Jenkins, CB Joe Haden: INT
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