Tebow, Gators clinch perfect SEC season

Florida finished SEC play 8-0 by holding on against its former coach, Steve Spurrier.

Associated Press

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 10:26 PM

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Tim Tebow tied the Southeastern Conference touchdown record and No. 1 Florida gained its first perfect league season in 13 years with a 24-14 victory over South Carolina on Saturday.

The Gators (10-0, 8-0 SEC) remained on track for a third national title in four years. They again called on their SEC-leading defense to save things against former coach Steve Spurrier.

Down 17-14, South Carolina (6-5, 3-5) drove 48 yards to the Florida 22. But defensive lineman Justin Trattou intercepted Stephen Garcia and brought it back 53 yards. Tebow cashed in the score four plays later, a 1-yard burst that was the 53rd of his SEC career to match LSU's Kevin Faulk.

Florida hadn't gone undefeated in the SEC regular season since Spurrier's 1996 national champions.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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