Andre Debose and Chris Rainey made game-changing plays on special teams in the Gator Bowl. Debose returned a kickoff 99 yards—the longest scoring play in bowl history—and Rainey blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown. Those were the difference in Florida’s 24-17 victory over Ohio State in Jacksonville on Monday. The speedsters helped the Gators (7-6) avoid their first losing season since 1979 and pick up some much-needed momentum after losing six of their previous eight games. “We don’t want to be remembered as the team that lost, so it was a big game for us,” defensive tackle Jaye Howard said. “Not only for the seniors, but the program as a whole. It’s a building block for next year.”
Ohio State (6-7) dropped four straight to finish below .500 for the first time since 1988, and lost seven games for the first time since 1897.
The Buckeyes can take solace in knowing that Meyer, who officially takes over for interim coach Luke Fickell at Ohio State this week, will make it a priority to improve special teams. Meyer did that in his six seasons in Gainesville, and Rainey and Debose were two of his most prized recruits.
“When you have two good teams play each other, it’s usually special teams that will make the difference,” Ohio State defensive back Tyler Moeller said. “That’s what it was today.”
Ohio State fell to 0-10 in bowl games against teams from the Southeastern Conference. Yes, the Buckeyes beat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl last year. But that victory was vacated as part of NCAA sanctions.
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