Gators earn SEC title shot

JACKSONVILLE - Georgia came out for Saturday’s annual game against Florida wearing black helmets and black pants. When it was over, the helmets and pants matched the mood of the Bulldog faithful.

For the second straight year, Georgia went home with a Gator beatdown on its resume, and for the 17th time in 20 games, the Bulldogs lost to the Gators.

The 41-17 win for No. 1 Florida allowed the Gators to clinch a tie for the SEC East title. When Tennessee beat South Carolina later Saturday night, UF earned a spot in Atlanta in December.

“It was Senior Day, and I’m going to make sure every senior gets a game ball,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said. “That was one of the best team wins we have had at Florida.”

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow broke Herschel Walker’s 27-year-old SEC record for rushing touchdowns with a pair in the win; the defense had four interceptions; and kicker Caleb Sturgis had a pair of field goals, including a 56-yarder.

All four of the interceptions were by Florida linebackers, two by A.J. Jones. “I’m so proud of the linebackers,” Jones said. “Maybe we should have switched places with the defensive backs.”

Florida (8-0, 6-0 SEC) extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 18 games, and Meyer ran his record in rivalry games to 14-1.

“Everyone knows what this game means,” Tebow said.

The Gators return home Saturday to face Vanderbilt at 7:15 p.m.