By Mark Long
Associated PressGAINESVILLE, Fla. ó Tim Tebow did less, and Florida accomplished more.
Tebow didn’t come close to matching the gaudy numbers he had last year when he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, but he’s been maybe even more valuable to the top-ranked Gators this season.
He picked up his teammates after the early season loss to Mississippi, motivated everyone to play at a higher level and was at his best when Florida needed him most.
“There’s just no way for anyone to know how important he is to us,” receiver Louis Murphy said. “He does it all.”
Tebow’s trophy collection might offer a clue. On Thursday, Tebow became just the second player to repeat as the Maxwell winner.
Tebow could join a most exclusive club when the Heisman is handed out Saturday night ó Archie Griffin is the only two-time winner.
“I’m more focused on trying to win the national championship,” Tebow said. “It’s a great honor to go up there again. Winning it changed people’s perspective of me. All your life you’re known as the Heisman winner.”
Tebow became the first college player with at least 20 TD passes and 20 rushing touchdowns in 2007, carrying a team that finished 9-4.
This season, he ranks fifth in the nation in passer rating (176.7) with 28 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. He hasn’t been asked to run nearly as much but still has 564 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.
Most importantly, he has the Gators one win away from their second national title in three seasons.