And the Gators almost didn't get to play...

Meyer said he wasn't surprised by his team's dominant performance, especially since the Gators had spent so much time listening to critics.

"I'd like to thank all those people," Meyer said. "Our pre-game speech was easy. For 30 days, our team got motivated.

"You don't start messing with people's pride."
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*I'm a believer. The Big 10 = overrated on bigness. Don't let them tell you otherwise. And fight like hell to get in the big game. Excellent lessons.
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MORE:

"All we hear about is the Southeast Conference," Alvarez said. "But there's too much speed on too many teams."

Well, coach, there was a big difference in speed between these two teams, and it proved absolutely critical as the Gators surged to a 34-14 halftime lead after that runback. It mattered most in UF's defensive line, where Derrick Harvey and company sacked Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith three times in the first half and forced a fumble that led to a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Fox's crew could not decide whether a record 51 days off were affecting Ohio State.

"So much for 51 days," play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman said after Ginn's touchdown.

Alvarez dragged it back out again as OSU fell behind.

"Now you go back and wonder about 51 days," Alvarez said. "We haven't seen Ohio State play like this all year."

That's because Ohio State has not played a team as fast as Florida all year, Bar.

Fellow analyst Charles Davis, a former University of Tennessee defensive back, seemed to understand a little better. "They've been able to get pressure without blitzing," Davis said.