Interception in end zone ends UF's comeback bid

The end was emotional for Tim Tebow.

The Florida standout quarterback was overwhelmed by the moment, appearing to wipe away tears as he stood helplessly watching the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate as the final seconds counted down in the Crimson Tide's 32-13 victory.

"It's tough," Tebow said. "You know it's not how you want to go out."

Tebow seemed to know when the curtain came down on his run for a third national championship and a second Heisman Trophy.

It was an early fourth-quarter interception in the end zone.

Tebow had led the Gators down the field and Florida appeared ready to score, fueling momentum for a possible comeback bid. With the ball at Alabama's 6, Tebow was looking for his tight end, Aaron Hernandez, but Alabama's Javier Arenas (Robinson High) picked off the pass.

After the errant throw, a dejected Tebow jerked his chin straps off his helmet, then lingered on the field as the replay played inside the Georgia Dome. He then slowly walked back to the Florida sideline.

Florida coach Urban Meyer, who threw his headset to the ground with the interception, approached Tebow on the sideline and offered a reassuring pat on his quarterback's rear end. The two had a brief exchange of words before Tebow was left standing alone, staring at the field during a long timeout.

Tebow didn't give up. He led Florida back into Alabama territory on the Gators' next possession, but again the Crimson Tide's defense held firm. Florida did not score in the second half.

Changing faces

Florida played at least a portion of the game without three of its starters on defense. DE Carlos Dunlap was suspended for a DUI arrest earlier in the week and did not make the trip. LB A.J. Jones (knee) missed his second game in a row and Brandon Hicks opened in his place.

S Major Wright suffered a bruised knee in the first half and Will Hill took his place, but Wright was able to return to the game.

Return to glory

Ex-Gators greats who attended the game included Emmitt Smith, Mike Peterson, Lawrence Wright, Reidel Anthony and Danny Wuerffel.

All but Smith, who left school before the SEC started its championship game in 1992, won SEC title games against Alabama at the Georgia Dome during their careers.

Big dollars

Gators coach Urban Meyer probably considered it small change, given that his contract calls for $4 million a year, but he also had some hefty bonuses at stake Saturday.

As part of his deal, Meyer's contract calls for $75,000 any year the Gators win an SEC title plus $150,000 for advancing to the national championship contest.

Tribune wires, David Jones