Outback Bowl: Live Coverage and Analysis of Florida vs. Penn State
The ageless Joe Paterno
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Welcome to today's coverage of the 2011 Outback Bowl from Tampa, Fla. My name is James Walker, and I will facilitate today's live blog. Please join in and comment during today's game between the Florida Gators and Penn State Nittany Lions.
Penn State head coach Joe Paterno recently announced his intention to return for another season, whereas Florida's head coach Urban Meyer retired once again, claiming the need for family time.
These two schools well represent the SEC and Big Ten, and this matchup surely will fuel the fire to which conference is the best.
So sit back, grab your favorite snacks and beverages and enjoy today's Outback Bowl!
James Walker is a national and Syndicated Writer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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The Florida Gators won it for Urban Meyer, but it wasn't pretty by any means. Steve Spurrier may have put Florida on the college football map, but Urban Meyer made Florida a national powerhouse. The Gator Nation will always hold Urban Meyer in a special place in their hearts. Thank you, Urban, for everything you've done for the Florida program.
Florida 37, Penn State 24. As stated earlier, if the Gators were to win this game it would be at the hands of the Gator defense. Ahmad Black, returning from an injury earlier in the game, was the recipient of Matthew McGloin's fourth interception. Urban Meyer is going out a winner. Thanks for the memories, Urban.
Florida 30, Penn State 24. Note to Steve Addazio: when burning time off the clock you don't snap the ball with 16 seconds left on the play clock. Not only has the Gator offense struggled badly today, but the poor coaching they've experienced all season was very apparent. This game isn't over yet, folks.
Florida 30, Penn State 24. Gruden and Tirico have mentioned the rumored Charlie Weis hire; would it be possible to dial him up on the phone and have him give Urban a call or two to end the game? At the same time, please have a car ready for Steve Addazio so he can leave immediately when the clock hits zero. He will not be missed as offensive coordinator.
Florida 30, Penn State 24. For as bad as the Gator offense has played, no one can take away the effort the Gator defense has given today. Coupled with the blocked punt in the first half, the defense for Florida has kept them in the game. If the Gators end up winning, then Urban needs to give them the game ball. A no-brainer.
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Florida 30, Penn State 24. I am running out of things to say about the Florida Gator offense. How many adjectives can I come up with to describe the offense? Inept? Pathetic? Brutal? Weak? I call on everyone who is watching the game to give me your best description of the Florida Gator offense. Come on—you can do it!
Florida 27, Penn State 24. The tide may have turned in favor of the Florida Gators. On the kickoff return, Penn State looked to have fumbled the ball, but the referees didn't see it that way. Penn State proceeded to go three and out, but not without McGloin's best attempt at throwing his fourth interception of the game.
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Florida 27, Penn State 24. After a very questionable pass interference call on Penn State giving the Gators the ball on Penn State's two yard line, Mike Gillislee ran it in for a touchdown on his second attempt. Of course, Florida needed help getting the ball in the end zone via the referees. There is plenty of time left in the game for Penn State to come roaring back.
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Penn State 24, Florida 20. Brandon Hicks intercepted another Matthew McGloin pass and returned it 14 yards to the Penn State 20. Let's see if Florida can score a touchdown, or if they'll rely on their punter to kick field goals for the remainder of the afternoon. Maybe John Brantley will be allowed to play on first or second downs.
Penn State 24, Florida 20. If you want to watch a live comedy act, then tune in to ABC right now and watch the Florida Gators on offense. I have watched a lot of football in my life, but I have never seen such a train wreck as the offense being run by the Gators. Urban Meyer probably retired because he doesn't want his name attached to this joke of a team.
Penn State 24, Florida 17. That didn't take very long now did it? Another stupid Florida mistake turned into a quick and easy Penn State touchdown. This time quarterback Matthew McGloin ran two yards for a touchdown on the fifth play of the drive. I'm starting to wish I was getting a root canal instead of watching this game.
Florida 17, Penn State 17. The Florida Gators are pathetic. Yes—pathetic. They have become the most predictable offensive team in the country. First down—Jordan Reed. Second down—Jordan Reed. Third down and long—John Brantley. Punt. But this time, Chas Henry takes off and comes up short for the first down and turns the ball over on downs. Even Joe Paterno knew that was coming sooner or later.
Penn State 17, Florida 17. Someone really has to talk to Steve Addazio and discuss consistency. How is John Brantley suppose to succeed if everyone in the stadium knows he's coming on 3rd and long to throw the ball? After Jordan Reed drove the Gators down the field quickly and easily, Brantley is called on to come in and announce to Penn State that Florida will throw the ball. Luckily the Punter, Chas Henry, kicked a 30 yard field goal to tie the game.
Penn State 17, Florida 14. After Chris Rainey broke off a very nice run for 51 yards to the Penn State 39, the Gator drive stalled out quickly. Wouldn't you think that with over a month to prepare that Steve Addazio and/or Urban Meyer would come up with something different to move the ball? I guess not especially since both are leaving the University of Florida.



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