Sep 9, 2007, 2:18 GMT
Gainesville, FL - Tim Tebow threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more scores as the fourth-ranked Florida Gators routed the Troy Trojans, 59-31.
Tebow went 18-of-25 passing for 236 yards. He also rushed 17 times for 93 yards. Cornelius Ingram caught seven balls for 105 yards and a touchdown and Kestahn Moore ran for 78 yards and a touchdown for Florida (2-0), which scored on all seven of its first half possessions
Troy starting quarterback Omar Haugabook finished 29-of-52 passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He also ran for two touchdowns and Austin Silvoy caught two touchdown passes for Troy (0-2).
Roderick Blackett made the first big play of the game for Florida, blocking Adrian Vera's punt attempt after Troy's first drive. The Gators took over at the six and three plays later, Moore ran it in from one yard out for a 7-0 lead less than 4 1/2 minutes into the game.
'The opening drive, we got bumped back a few times with some penalties but we found a way to keep going and score on that drive,' Tebow said. 'After we got backed up, we managed to stay focused and get that touchdown which was very important and gave us a spark for the rest of the game.'
Troy tied the game at 7-7 with 7:55 to go in the opening quarter when Haugabook's 31-yard touchdown run capped a 9-play, 74-yard drive.
Florida, though, responded quickly. Tebow rushed over his left tackle for a three-yard touchdown with 4:52 to go in the first quarter.
Tebow connected with Percy Harvin for a four-yard touchdown with 2:20 left in the frame to extend the Gators lead to 21-7.
Florida pulled away with four second quarter touchdowns. Moore started the onslaught with a one-yard touchdown run four seconds into the quarter.
Five minutes later, Andre Caldwell ran for a 19-yard touchdown before two Tebow touchdown passes pushed the Gators lead to 49-7 before the half. Ingram caught a five-yard touchdown pass and Jarred Fayson a three-yard reception.
Troy scored 17 points in the third quarter. Greg Whibbs kicked a 21-yard field goal and a Haugabook two-yard touchdown run and 11-yard touchdown throw to Silvoy cut the Trojans deficit to 45-24 after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, Florida's Joey Ijjas kicked a 32-yard field goal, Haugabook threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Silvoy and Tebow ran 16 yards for a touchdown to account for the final margin.
Game Notes
This was the first meeting between the teams...The Gators host Tennessee next Saturday, while Troy hosts Oklahoma State next Friday night.
© 2007 The Sports Network
Game Notes.
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