2009 Florida Gators football team

American college football season

2009 Florida Gators football

SEC Eastern Division champion Sugar Bowl champion
SEC Championship Game, L 13–32 vs. Alabama
Sugar Bowl, W 51–24 vs. Cincinnati
Conference	Southeastern Conference
Division	Eastern Division
Ranking
Coaches	No. 3
AP	No. 3
Record	13–1 (8–0 SEC)
Head coach	Urban Meyer (5th season)
Offensive coordinator	Steve Addazio (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Spread option
Defensive coordinator	Charlie Strong (7th season)
Base defense	3–3–5
MVP	Tim Tebow Joe Haden
Captain	Brandon James Joey Sorrentino Brandon Spikes Ryan Stamper Tim Tebow
Home stadium	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Seasons← 2008 2010 →

2009 Southeastern Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Eastern Division
No. 3 Florida x%	8	–	0	13	–	1
Georgia	4	–	4	8	–	5
Tennessee	4	–	4	7	–	6
Kentucky	3	–	5	7	–	6
South Carolina	3	–	5	7	–	6
Vanderbilt	0	–	8	2	–	10
Western Division
No. 1 Alabama x$#	8	–	0	14	–	0
No. 17 LSU	5	–	3	9	–	4
No. 20 Ole Miss	4	–	4	9	–	4
Arkansas	3	–	5	8	–	5
Auburn	3	–	5	8	–	5
Mississippi State	3	–	5	5	–	7
Championship: Alabama 32, Florida 13
# – BCS National Champion $ – BCS representative as conference champion % – BCS at-large representative x – Division champion/co-champions Rankings from AP Poll

The 2009 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2009 college football season. The Gators competed in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and played their home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the university's Gainesville, Florida campus. They were led by fifth-year head coach Urban Meyer, who coached the Gators to a first-place finish in the SEC East, a 51–24 Sugar Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats, and an overall win–loss record of 13–1 (.929).

With senior quarterback Tim Tebow and eleven defensive starters returning, the Gators had hoped to repeat as back-to-back national champions following their BCS National Championship at the end of the 2008 season. They finished with an undefeated 12–0 regular season, their first since 1995, but the Gators' 32–13 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game derailed their national title hopes, and forced them to settle for a berth in the Sugar Bowl. At the conclusion of the 2009 season, the Gators were ranked No. 3 in both major polls.

On December 26, 2009, Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley announced that Urban Meyer would step down as the team's head coach for health and family reasons. The following day, Meyer stated that he would instead take an indefinite leave of absence, allowing him to resume his position as the head coach. Meyer returned to coach the Gators in spring practice in March 2010.

Pre-season

On January 11, 2009, during the national championship celebration at the University of Florida, quarterback Tim Tebow announced his intention to return for his senior season, followed on January 15 by linebacker Brandon Spikes intention to return as well. With Spikes' return, the entire two-deep of the Gators defense was set to return for the 2009 season. One major loss was All-America wide receiver Percy Harvin, who opted to leave the University of Florida to enter the 2009 NFL draft.

The Gators also lost offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Dan Mullen, who became the head coach at Mississippi State following Sylvester Croom's resignation. Former offensive line coach Steve Addazio was named as Mullen's replacement, with Scot Loeffler hired to take on the role of quarterback coach.

The Gators played their spring scrimmage on April 18, 2009, with the Orange winning.

Florida was voted #1 in both the preseason USA Today Coaches' Poll and the AP Poll. The Gators received the highest ever percentage of preseason #1 votes in the history of the AP Poll, which began in 1950.

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 5	7:00 p.m.	Charleston Southern*	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL	FSN	W 62–3	90,621
September 12	12:00 p.m.	Troy*	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL	SECN	W 56–6	90,349
September 19	3:30 p.m.	Tennessee	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL (rivalry)	CBS	W 23–13	90,894
September 26	6:00 p.m.	at Kentucky	No. 1	Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, KY (rivalry)	ESPN2	W 41–7	71,011
October 10	8:00 p.m.	at No. 4 LSU	No. 1	Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA (College GameDay) (rivalry)	CBS	W 13–3	93,129
October 17	2:30 pm	Arkansas	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL	CBS	W 23–20	90,508
October 24	7:30 p.m.	at Mississippi State	No. 2	Davis Wade Stadium Starkville, MS	ESPN	W 29–19	57,178
October 31	3:30 p.m.	vs. Georgia	No. 1	Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Jacksonville, FL (rivalry)	CBS	W 41–17	84,604
November 7	7:15 p.m.	Vanderbilt	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL	ESPN2	W 27–3	90,694
November 14	3:30 p.m.	at South Carolina	No. 1	Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, SC	CBS	W 24–14	79,297
November 21	12:30 p.m.	FIU*	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL	PPV	W 62–3	90,473
November 28	3:30 p.m.	Florida State*	No. 1	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL (College GameDay) (rivalry)	CBS	W 37–10	90,907
December 5	4:30 p.m.	vs. No. 2 Alabama	No. 1	Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA (SEC Championship / rivalry) (College GameDay)	CBS	L 13–32	75,514
January 1, 2010	8:30 p.m.	vs. No. 4 Cincinnati*	No. 5	Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl)	FOX	W 51–24	65,207
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Sources: 2012 Florida Gators Football Media Guide, and GatorZone.com.

Rankings

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
( ) = First-place votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	1 (58)	1 (56)	1 (56)	1 (55)	1 (55)	1 (54)	1 (50)	2 (20)	1 (30)	1 (38)	1 (39)	1 (36)	1 (36)	1 (46)	5	3
Coaches	1 (53)	1 (56)	1 (56)	1 (59)	1 (58)	1 (57)	1 (53)	1 (49)	1 (46)	1 (50)	1 (48)	1 (48)	1 (47)	1 (53)	5	3
Harris	Not released				1 (99)	1 (97)	1 (99)	1 (77)	1 (75)	1 (83)	1 (82)	1 (78)	1 (78)	1 (82)	5	Not released
BCS	Not released							1	1	1	1	1	1	1	5	Not released

Game summaries

Charleston Southern

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	0	3	0	0	3
#1 Gators	14	28	13	7	62

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: September 5, 2009
Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C) (Cloudy)
Game attendance: 90,621
Referee: Matt Moore
TV: Sun/FSN

Game information

1st Quarter

FLA – Jeffery Demps, 8-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 11:05. Gators 7–0.
FLA – Chris Rainey, 76-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 4:34. Gators 14–0.

2nd Quarter

FLA – Tim Tebow, 1-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 14:22. Gators 21–0.
FLA – Jeffery Demps, 23-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 11:39. Gators 28–0.
FLA – Aaron Hernandez, 28-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Jonathan Phillips kick), 7:55. Gators 35–0.
CSU – John Paglia 38-yard field goal, 5:37. Gators 35–3.
FLA – Brandon James 85-yard kickoff yard return (Jonathan Phillips kick), 5:24. Gators 42–3.

3rd Quarter

FLA – Justin Williams 7-yard pass from John Brantley (PAT failed), 12:39. Gators 48–3.
FLA – Cade Holliday 9-yard pass from John Brantley (Jonathan Phillips kick), 0:24. Gators 55–3.

4th Quarter

FLA – Mike Gillislee 7-yard run (Jonathan Philips kick), 9:33. Gators 62–3.

Pregame Line

In the season opener, the Gators met the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in Gainesville. In a game that was never close, the Gators won 62–3. John Brantley threw for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Troy

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Trojans	3	0	3	0	6
#1 Gators	7	28	14	7	56

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: September 12, 2009
Game time: 12:20 p.m. ET
Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C) (Light rain)
Game attendance: 90,349
Referee: Tom Ritter
TV: SEC Network

Game information

1st Quarter

FLA – Deonte Thompson, 6-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Jonathan Phillips kick), 6:39. Gators 7–0.
TROY – Sam Glusman, 45-yard field goal, 0:51. Gators 7–3.

2nd Quarter

FLA – Riley Cooper, 36-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Jonathan Phillips kick), 11:33. Gators 14–3.
FLA – Tim Tebow, 4-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 8:04. Gators 21–3.
FLA – Deonte Thompson, 33-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Jonathan Phillips kick), 7:44. Gators 28–3.
FLA – Jeffery Demps, 24-yard run (Jonathan Phillips kick), 4:03. Gators 35–3.

3rd Quarter

FLA – Brandon James, 32-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Jonathan Phillips kick), 12:27. Gators 42–3.
FLA – Chris Rainey 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 8:38. Gators 49–3.
TROY – Sam Glusman 42-yard field goal, 0:39. Gators 49–6.

4th Quarter

FLA – Mike Gillislee 6-yard pass from John Brantley (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:19. Gators 56–6.

Pregame line

–37

The Florida Gators met the Troy Trojans in Gainesville, Florida. After a slow start, the Gators scored four times in the second quarter before cruising to a 56–6 victory.

Tennessee

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Volunteers	3	3	0	7	13
#1 Gators	3	10	10	0	23

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: September 19, 2009
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 89 °F (32 °C) (Partly cloudy)
Game attendance: 90,894
Referee: Penn Wagers
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Game information

1st Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 37-yard field goal, 11:33. Gators 3–0.
TENN – Daniel Lincoln, 24-yard field goal, 3:00. Tied 3–3.

2nd Quarter

FLA – Tim Tebow, 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 12:48. Gators 10–3.
TENN – Daniel Lincoln, 20-yard field goal, 5:56. Gators 10–6.
FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 29-yard field goal, 0:51. Gators 13–6.

3rd Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 35-yard field goal, 9:33. Gators 16–6.
FLA – Jeffery Demps 7-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:07. Gators 23–6.

4th Quarter

TENN – Montario Hardesty 17-yard run (Daniel Lincoln kick), 8:11. Gators 23–13.

Pregame line

–30

In what may have been the most talked about game all pre-season, the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers met in Gainesville, Florida. Most of the pre-game talk surrounded comments made by Volunteer's head coach Lane Kiffin. The game remained close until the end with the Gators holding on for a 23–13 victory.

Kentucky

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#1 Gators	31	0	3	7	41
Wildcats	0	7	0	0	7

at Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky

Date: September 26, 2009
Game time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C) (Mostly cloudy)
Game attendance: 71,011
Referee: Steve Shaw
TV: ESPN2

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	FLA	KTY
1	FLA	11:13	FG	Caleb Sturgis 32 yd FG		3	3	0
	FLA	7:11	TD	Tim Tebow, 3 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	10	0
	FLA	6:04	TD	Chris Rainey, Recovers blocked punt in end zone	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	17	0
	FLA	5:56	TD	Tim Tebow, 2 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	24	0
	FLA	0:00	TD	Aaron Hernandez, 44 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	31	0
2	KTY	2:44	TD	Ross Bogue 2 yd pass from Mike Hartline	Lones Seiber Kick	7	31	7
3	FLA	3:45	FG	Caleb Sturgis 32 yd FG		3	34	7
4	FLA	6:39	TD	Riley Cooper 8 yd pass from John Brantley	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	41	7

Pregame Line: -20.5

In their first road game of the season, the Florida Gators traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to face the Wildcats. The Gators quickly took at 31–0 lead in the first quarter before going on to win 41–7. The biggest news story to come out of the game was a concussion suffered by Tim Tebow during the third quarter. Tebow spent the night in a Lexington hospital; returning two weeks later for Florida's 13–3 win at LSU.

LSU

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#1 Gators	3	7	0	3	13
#4 Tigers	0	3	0	0	3

at Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Date: October 10, 2009
Game time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C) (Clear)
Game attendance: 93,129
Referee: Hubert Owens
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Game information

1st Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 28-yard field goal, 3:50. Gators 3–0.

2nd Quarter

LSU – Josh Jasper, 18-yard field goal, 5:16. Tied 3–3.
FLA – Riley Cooper, 24-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:50. Gators 10–3.

3rd Quarter

None.

4th Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 32-yard field goal, 7:27. Gators 13–3.

Pregame Line

–10

Leading passers

FLA – Tim Tebow – 11/16, 134 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
LSU – Jordan Jefferson – 11/17, 96 yards, 1 INT

Leading rushers

FLA – Jeffery Demps – 16 rushes, 86 yards
LSU – Charles Scott – 13 rushes, 53 yards

Leading receivers

FLA – Aaron Hernandez – 6 receptions, 70 yards
LSU – Brandon LaFell – 4 receptions, 44 yards

Arkansas

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Razorbacks	0	10	3	7	20
#1 Gators	0	3	10	10	23

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: October 17, 2009
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C) (Sunny)
Game attendance: 90,508
Referee: Marc Curles
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Game information

1st Quarter

None.

2nd Quarter

ARK – Broderick Green, 1-yard run (Alex Tejada kick), 3:00. Razorbacks 7–0.
FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 30-yard field goal, 1:40. Razorbacks 7–3.
ARK – Alex Tejada, 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Razorbacks 10–3.

3rd Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 51-yard field goal, 10:53. Razorbacks 10–6.
FLA – Deonte Thompson, 77-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick), 2:59. Gators 13–10.
ARK – Alex Tejada, 31-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 13–13.

4th Quarter

ARK – Greg Childs, 75-yard pass from Ryan Mallett (Alex Tejada kick), 9:40. Razorbacks 20–13.
FLA – Jeffery Demps, 10-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 7:27. Tied 20–20.
FLA – Caleb Sturgis 27-yard field goal, 0:09. Gators 23–20.

Pregame line

–24.5

Mississippi State

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#2 Gators	3	10	3	13	29
Bulldogs	3	7	3	6	19

at Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi

Date: October 24, 2009
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C) (Clear)
Game attendance: 57,178
Referee: Penn Wagers
TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color commentator) & Erin Andrews (sideline reporter)

Pregame Line: -22

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	FLA	MSU
1	MSU	9:05	FG	Derek DePasquale 43 yd FG		3	0	3
1	FLA	3:36	FG	Caleb Sturgis 21 yd FG		3	3	3
2	FLA	13:16	TD	Tim Tebow, 26 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	10	3
	FLA	7:15	FG	Caleb Sturgis, 21 yd FG		3	13	3
	MSU	0:27	TD	Johnthan Banks, 100 yd interception return	Derek Depasquale Kick	7	13	10
3	MSU	9:32	FG	Derek Depasquale 31 yd FG		3	13	13
3	FLA	5:15	FG	Caleb Sturgis 27 yd FG		3	16	13
4	FLA	9:08	TD	Chris Rainey 8 yd run	FAILED	6	22	13
	FLA	8:25	TD	Dustin Doe, 23 yd interception return	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	29	13
	MSU	3:51	FG	Johnthan Banks, 20 yd interception return	2PT FAILED	6	29	19

Georgia

Further information: Florida–Georgia football rivalry

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bulldogs	0	10	7	0	17
#1 Gators	14	10	7	10	41

at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Date: October 31, 2009
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C) (Partly cloudy)
Game attendance: 84,604
Referee: Tom Ritter
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Pregame Line: -16

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	UGA	FLA
1	FLA	12:21	TD	Riley Cooper, 22 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	7
1	FLA	3:20	TD	Riley Cooper, 29 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	14
2	UGA	13:45	FG	Blair Walsh 49 yd FG		3	3	14
	UGA	10:40	TD	Aron White, 26 yd pass from Joe Cox	Blair Walsh Kick	7	10	14
	FLA	4:47	FG	Caleb Sturgis 56 yd FG		3	10	17
	FLA	1:32	TD	Tim Tebow, 23 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	10	24
3	FLA	13:30	TD	Tim Tebow, 5 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	10	31
3	UGA	6:17	TD	Michael Moore, 4 yd pass from Joe Cox	Blair Walsh Kick	7	17	31
4	FLA	7:42	FG	Caleb Sturgis 44 yd FG		3	17	34
4	FLA	6:24	TD	Brandon Spikes, 5 yd interception return	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	17	41

Vanderbilt

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Commodores	0	0	3	0	3
#1 Gators	3	10	7	7	27

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: November 7, 2009
Game time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C) (Clear)
Game attendance: 90,694
Referee: Steve Shaw
TV: ESPN2

Pregame Line: -35

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	VAN	FLA
1	FLA	1:00	FG	Caleb Sturgis, 27 yd FG		3	0	3
2	FLA	12:43	TD	Jeffery Demps, 25 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	10
2	FLA	6:08	FG	Caleb Sturgis 45 yd FG		3	0	13
3	VAN	8:40	FG	Ryan Fowler, 32 yd FG		3	3	13
3	FLA	1:52	TD	Tim Tebow, 1 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	3	20
4	FLA	1:32	TD	David Nelson, 8 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	3	27

South Carolina

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#1 Gators	10	7	0	7	24
Gamecocks	7	7	0	0	14

at Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina

Date: November 14, 2009
Game time: 3:30 p.m.
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C) (Sunny)
Game attendance: 79,297
Referee: Hubert Owens
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Pregame Line: -17.5

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	FLA	SC
1	FLA	12:04	FG	Riley Cooper, 68 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	7	0
	SC	5:51	TD	Brian Maddox, 1 yd run	Spencer Lanning Kick	7	7	7
	FLA	1:18	FG	Caleb Sturgis, 32 yd FG		3	10	7
2	FLA	10:28	TD	Emmanuel Moody, 17 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	17	7
2	SC	2:10	TD	Weslye Saunders 9 yd pass from Stephen Garcia	Spencer Lanning Kick	7	17	14
3	No scoring in 3rd Quarter
4	FLA	13:25	TD	Tim Tebow 1 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	24	14

Florida International

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Golden Panthers	0	3	0	0	3
#1 Gators	14	21	14	13	62

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: November 21, 2009
Game time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) (Sunny)
Game attendance: 90,473
Referee: Hubert Owens
TV: PPV

Pregame Line: -45

Scoring Summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	Score
Q	Team	Time	Scoring Play		Extra Point	+	FIU	FLA
1	FLA	13:10	TD	Brandon Spikes, 41 yd interception return	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	7
1	FLA	9:18	TD	Tim Tebow, 55 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	14
2	FLA	13:39	TD	Chris Rainey, 27 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	21
	FLA	9:41	TD	Chris Rainey, 22 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	28
	FLA	1:38	TD	Jeffery Demps, 3 yd run	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	0	35
	FIU	0:29	FG	Dustin Rivest 37 yd FG		3	3	35
3	FLA	13:38	TD	Riley Cooper, 18 yd pass from Tim Tebow	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	3	42
3	FLA	4:06	TD	Omarius Hines 20 yd pass from John Brantley	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	3	49
4	FLA	11:10	TD	Justin Williams, 16 yd pass from John Brantley	Caleb Sturgis Kick	7	3	56
4	FLA	2:28	TD	Frankie Hammond Jr. 31 yd pass from John Brantley	PAT Blocked	6	3	62

Florida State

Further information: Florida–Florida State football rivalry

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seminoles	0	0	3	7	10
#1 Gators	7	17	6	7	37

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

Date: November 28, 2009
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C) (Partly cloudy)
Game attendance: 90,907
Referee: Matt Austin
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Game information

1st Quarter

FLA – Aaron Hernandez, 18-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:48. Gators 7–0.

2nd Quarter

FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 37-yard field goal, 14:55. Gators 10–0.
FLA – Tim Tebow, 18-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:59. Gators 17–0.
FLA – Aaron Hernandez, 37-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:07. Gators 24–0.

3rd Quarter

FLA – Riley Cooper, 39-yard pass from Tim Tebow (PAT blocked), 11:27. Gators 30–0.
FSU – Dustin Hopkins, 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Gators 30–3.

4th Quarter

FLA – Tim Tebow, 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 10:18. Gators 37–3.
FSU – Jarmon Fortson, 9-yard pass from E. J. Manuel (Dustin Hopkins kick), 8:11. Gators 37–10.

Pregame line

–24.5

In the regular season finale, the Gators blew by the Seminoles 37–10. A new attendance record at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was set with 90,907 present.

SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama

Main article: 2009 SEC Championship Game

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#1 Gators	3	10	0	0	13
#2 Crimson Tide	9	10	7	6	32

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Date: December 5, 2009
Game time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: None (Domed stadium)
Game attendance: 75,514
Referee: Matt Austin
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)

Game information

1st Quarter

ALA – Leigh Tiffin, 48-yard field goal, 10:37. Crimson Tide 3–0.
ALA – Mark Ingram II, 7-yard run (PAT failed), 5:33. Crimson Tide 9–0.
FLA – Caleb Sturgis, 48-yard field goal, 0:28. Crimson Tide 9–3.

2nd Quarter

ALA – Leigh Tiffin, 34-yard field goal, 6:03. Crimson Tide 12–3.
FLA – David Nelson, 23-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:31. Crimson Tide 12–10.
ALA – Mark Ingram, 3-yard run (Leigh Tiffin kick), 3:32. Crimson Tide 19–10.
FLA – Caleb Sturgis 32-yard field goal, 1:18. Crimson Tide 19–13.

3rd Quarter

ALA – Colin Peek 17-yard pass from Greg McElroy (Leigh Tiffin kick), 9:53. Crimson Tide 26–13.

4th Quarter

ALA – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (2PT attempt failed), 13:49. Crimson Tide 32–13.

Pregame Line

–5.0

Leading passers

FLA – Tim Tebow – 20/35, 247 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
ALA – Greg McElroy – 12/18, 239 yards, 1 TD

Leading rushers

FLA – Tim Tebow – 10 rushes, 63 yards
ALA – Mark Ingram II – 28 rushes, 113 yards, 3 TD

Leading receivers

FLA – Aaron Hernandez – 8 receptions, 85 yards
ALA – Marquis Maze – 5 receptions, 96 yards

In a rematch of last year's SEC Championship Game, the Crimson Tide handed the Gators their only loss of the season. Alabama running back Mark Ingram II scored three touchdowns in the 32–13 win.

Sugar Bowl vs. Cincinnati

Main article: 2010 Sugar Bowl

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#5 Gators	9	21	14	7	51
#4 Bearcats	0	3	7	14	24

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: January 1, 2010
Game time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: None (Domed stadium)
Game attendance: 65, 207
Referee: Jack Folliard (Pac-10)
TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman (play–by–play), Brian Billick (color commentator)

Personnel

Depth chart

(revised 12-2–09)

Defense

S
Will Hill
Dee Finley

FS
Major Wright
Josh Evans

WLB	MLB	SLB
⋅	Brandon Spikes	⋅
Jelani Jenkins	Brandon Beal	⋅

SS
Ahmad Black
Will Hill

CB
Joe Haden
Markihe Anderson

DE	NT	DE
Jermaine Cunningham	Jaye Howard	Carlos Dunlap
William Green	Justin Trattou	Justin Trattou

CB
Janoris Jenkins
Wondy Pierre-Louis

Offense

WR
Riley Cooper
Justin Williams

WR
Deonte Thompson
Frankie Hammond, Jr.

LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Carl Johnson	James Wilson	Maurkice Pouncey	Mike Pouncey	Marcus Gilbert
Matt Patchan	Corey Hobbs	Sam Robey	Maurice Hurt	David Young

TE
Aaron Hernandez
Josh Postell

WR
David Nelson
Omarius Hines

QB
Tim Tebow
John Brantley

Key reserves

KR Chris Rainey

QB Jordan Reed

TB Emmanuel Moody

RB
Jeffery Demps
Chris Rainey

Special teams
PK Jonathan Phillips
PK Caleb Sturgis
P Chas Henry
P David Lerner
KR Brandon James
PR Brandon James
H Chas Henry

Roster

2009 Florida Gators roster

Quarterbacks

12 John Brantley – Sophomore
14 Andrew Blaylock – Junior
15 Tim Tebow – Senior
16 Jordan Reed – Freshman

Running backs

3 Chris Rainey – Sophomore
21 Emmanuel Moody – Junior
23 Mike Gillislee – Freshman
29 Christopher Scott – Junior
37 Vincent Brown – Sophomore
44 Ean McQuay – Sophomore
48 Marquis Hannah – Junior

Athlete

2 Jeff Demps – Sophomore
25 Brandon James – Senior

Fullbacks

37 Marcus Nemeth – Freshman
42 Steven Wilks – Sophomore
45 T.J. Pridemore – Freshman
48 Rick Burgess – Senior

Wide receivers

3 Brandon Frazier – Junior
4 Andre Debose – Freshman
6 Deonte Thompson – Sophomore
7 Justin Williams – Junior
9 Carl Moore – Senior
11 Riley Cooper – Senior
18 T.J. Lawrence – Freshman
22 Cade Holliday – Senior
39 Joey Sorrentino – Senior
82 Omarius Hines – Freshman
83 David Nelson – Senior
85 Frankie Hammond Jr. – Freshman
89 Stephen Alli – Freshman

Tight ends

80 Desmond Parks – Freshman
81 Aaron Hernandez – Junior
84 Christopher Coleman – Senior
87 Josh Postell – Freshman

Offensive line

50 Sam Robey – Freshman
55 Mike Pouncey – Junior
56 Maurkice Pouncey – Junior
57 Carl Johnson – Junior
58 Nick Alajajian – Freshman
58 Christopher Guido – Freshman
60 William Steinmann – Sophomore
61 Gary Beemer – Junior
62 Hayden Chance – Freshamn
63 Cole Gilliam – Freshman
64 Kyle Koehne – Freshman
66 James Wilson – Sophomore
67 Jon Halapio – Freshman
70 Shawn Schmieder – Junior
71 Matt Patchan – Sophomore
72 Jonotthan Harrison – Freshman
73 Xavier Nixon – Freshman
74 Maurice Hurt – Junior
76 Marcus Gilbert – Junior
78 David Young – Freshman
79 Corey Hobbs – Junior

Defensive line

6 Jaye Howard – Sophomore
8 Carlos Dunlap – Junior
34 Lerentee McCray – Sophomore
44 Duke Lemmens – Junior
47 Brandon Antwine – Junior
49 Jermaine Cunningham – Senior
57 Samuel Johnson – Freshman
62 Lamar Abel – Sophomore
65 Glen Watson – Freshman
90 Lawrence Marsh – Junior
91 Earl Okine – Freshman
93 Kedric Johnson – Freshman
94 Justin Trattou – Junior
95 Gary Brown – Freshman
96 William Green – Sophomore
97 Edwin Herbert – Junior
98 Troy Epps – Senior
99 Omar Hunter – Freshman

Linebackers

16 A.J. Jones – Junior
26 Lorenzo Edwards – Junior
30 Chris Pintano – Junior
32 Dustin Doe – Senior
33 Scott Peek – Freshman
40 Brandon Hicks – Junior
41 Ryan Stamper – Senior
43 Jelani Jenkins – Freshman
46 Michael Ross – Freshman
51 Brandon Spikes – Senior
52 Jon Bostic – Freshman
54 Brandon Beal – Sophomore

Defensive backs

23 Corey Henderson – Sophomore
24 Josh Evans – Freshman
34 Reginald Hopkins – Sophomore
42 Miguel Carodine – Junior

Cornerbacks

1 Janoris Jenkins – Sophomore
4 Wondy Pierre-Louis – Senior
5 Joe Haden – Junior
14 Markihe Anderson – Senior
27 Adrian Bushell – Freshman
28 Jeremy Brown – Freshman
36 Moses Jenkins – Junior

Safeties

10 Will Hill – Sophomore
13 Dee Finley – Freshman
20 Dorian Munroe – Senior
21 Major Wright – Junior
35 Ahmad Black – Junior
46 Cody Worton – Junior

Punters

17 Chas Henry – Junior
40 David Lerner – Freshman

Kickers

19 Caleb Sturgis – Sophomore
38 Jonathan Phillips – Senior

Long snappers

47 John Crofoot – Freshman
50 Cody Hampton – Freshman
53 Mike Williamson – Senior
58 Christopher Guido – Freshman
59 John Fairbanks – Junior

Coaching staff

2009 Florida Gators coaching staff

Head Coach: Urban Meyer

Offensive coaches

Assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/offensive line: Steve Addazio
Quarterbacks: Scot Loeffler
Running backs: Kenny Carter
Wide receivers/recruiting coordinator: Billy Gonzales
Tight ends: Brian White

Defensive coaches

Associate head coach/defensive coordinator/linebackers: Charlie Strong
Assistant defensive coordinator/safeties: Chuck Heater
Assistant head coach/defensive line: Dan McCarney
Cornerbacks: Vance Bedford

Statistics

Team

	Gators	Opponents
Scoring	502	174
Points per game	35.9	12.4
First Downs	314	208
Rushing	158	84
Passing	142	103
Penalty	14	21
Total Offense	6410	3536
Avg per play	7.0	4.2
Avg per game	457.9	252.6
Fumbles–Lost	17–11	19–3
Penalties–Yards	95–735	78–638
Avg per game	52.5	45.6

	Gators	Opponents
Punts–Yards	34–1,476	81–3,253
Avg per punt	43.4	40.2
Time of Possession/Game	30:45	29:15
3rd Down Conversions	87/177	58/194
4th Down Conversions	11/17	11/22
Touchdowns scored	63	18
Field Goals–Attempts	22–31	17–21
PAT–Attempts	58–63	15–16
Total Attendance	634,446	300,615
Games/Avg per Game	7/90,635	7/75,131

Scores by quarter

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Opponents	25	63	22	27	137
Gators	112	164	87	91	454

Offense

Rushing

Name	CAR	YDS	YPC	Long	TD
Tebow	217	910	4.2	55	14
Demps	99	745	7.5	62	7
Rainey	89	575	6.5	76	5
Moody	58	378	6.5	32	3
Gillislee	31	267	8.6	52	1
James	20	109	5.4	25	0
Brantley	13	67	5.2	23	0
Scott	9	26	2.9	13	0
Hernandez	1	16	16.0	16	0
Cooper	1	14	14.0	14	0
Blaylock	4	6	1.5	9	0
Brown	3	1	0.3	2	0
Thompson	1	-2	-2.0	0	0
Total	555	3,105	5.6	76	30
Opponents	449	1,397	3.1	42	6

Passing

Name	GP-GS	Cmp-Att-Int	Pct	Yds	TD
Tebow	14–14	213-314-5	67.8%	2,895	21
Brantley	7–0	36–48–0	75%	410	7
Cooper	14–0	0-1-0	0%	0	0
Total		249-364-5	68.4%	3,305	28
Opponents		208-396-20	52.5%	2,139	10

Receiving

Name	REC	YDS	YPR	Long	TD
Hernandez	68	850	12.5	64	5
Cooper	51	961	18.8	80	9
Nelson	25	291	11.6	30	2
Thompson	24	343	14.3	77	4
James	24	215	9.0	32	1
Hines	14	172	12.3	25	1
Rainey	10	161	16.1	33	1
Demps	8	52	6.5	11	0
Moody	8	45	5.6	18	0
Holliday	6	102	17.0	33	1
Williams	6	50	8.3	16	2
Hammond	4	57	14.2	31	1
Gillislee	1	6	6.0	6	1
Total	249	3,305	13.3	80	28
Opponents	208	2,139	10.3	75	10

Players drafted into the NFL

References

University of Florida Sports Information Department. "Florida 2009 Media Guide" (PDF). floridagators.com. University Athletic Association, Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
"UF's Urban Meyer Steps Down as Head Football Coach". Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2009.
"Tebow wants to do it all over again". ESPN.com. January 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 3, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
Gators are No. 1 in AP preseason Top 25 poll
"Gators shrug off top ranking in preseason coaches' poll". Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
2012 Florida Football Media Guide Archived 2013-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 114 & 116 (2012). Retrieved September 16, 2012.
GatorZone.com, Football, History, Florida Football 2009 Archived 2012-05-02 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
"Florida Gators QB Tim Tebow taken to hospital after hard sack". ESPN.
"Gatorzone.com: No. 1 Florida Defeats FSU, 37–10, on Senior Day". Archived from the original on December 2, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2009.
"2009 University of Florida Football Roster and Coaches". Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2009.

v t e Florida Gators football
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Culture & lore	History The Pride of the Sunshine Gator Chomp Mr. Two Bits Gatorade 1961 gambling scandal 1992 SEC Championship Game 2009 SEC Championship Game
People	Head coaches Ring of Honor All-Americans UF Athletic Hall of Fame Starting quarterbacks Statistical leaders NFL draftees
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National championship seasons in bold

Categories:

Round	Pick	Player	Position	NFL club
1	7	Joe Haden	CB	Cleveland Browns
1	18	Maurkice Pouncey	C	Pittsburgh Steelers
1	25	Tim Tebow	QB	Denver Broncos
2	53	Jermaine Cunningham	DE	New England Patriots
2	54	Carlos Dunlap	DE	Cincinnati Bengals
2	62	Brandon Spikes	LB	New England Patriots
3	75	Major Wright	S	Chicago Bears
4	113	Aaron Hernandez	TE	New England Patriots
5	159	Riley Cooper	WR	Philadelphia Eagles