Dooley lauds Tebow

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In the end, Vince Dooley found some comfort.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow became the Southeastern Conference's career rushing touchdowns leader when his 23-yard scoring run with 1:32 remaining in the first half put the Gators up 24-10 in their eventual 41-17 romp. Tebow's rushing score was his 50th in four years, topping the 49 former Georgia tailback Herschel Walker totaled in three seasons under Dooley from 1980 to '82.

"If there is anybody that I'd like to see break it if it has to be broken, it's this guy," Dooley said at halftime. "Not only is he a great player, but I really admire the way he handles himself."

On the historic score, Tebow faked a give to tailback Jeff Demps and then paused briefly before finding a big opening up the middle. Bulldogs safety Reshad Jones dove at Tebow's feet but couldn't come close to tripping up the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder.

The 23-yard run was the longest of the day for Tebow, who finished with 85 yards on the ground and got a second rushing touchdown from 5 yards out early in the third quarter. He also broke the league record for rushing yards by a quarterback, formerly held by Matt Jones of Arkansas.

"To break Herschel Walker's record in the SEC is great, and I get to coach Tim four more games," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "This is a special record for him. It means the world to him, and it means the world to his team. We gave him the game ball, and we're all in awe."

Said Tebow: "Having a winning record versus these rivals means more, but just to be mentioned in the same breath with Herschel is humbling and special."

Tebow was playing for a final time in his Jacksonville hometown and was quick to bounce back from last week's showing at Mississippi State, when he had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He was nearly flawless in the first half, rushing eight times for 63 yards and a touchdown and completing 14 of 18 passes for 152 yards and two scores.

His passing totals would have been larger had Brandon James not dropped at least a 30-yard gain on Florida's second possession.

"He's a great leader, a very competitive individual, and the ultimate team guy," Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez said. "When tough times come, he just bows up and does a great job. He's a winner, and I haven't said anything yet about him ability-wise. The running game sets up that play-action pass game really good for him.

"His intangibles have to be off the charts."

Walker amassed his 49 career rushing touchdowns in 33 career games, because bowl-game totals didn't count back then. Tebow has 51 rushing scores, including seven at the expense of Georgia, in 49 career games.

When asked if he ever envisioned a quarterback breaking Walker's record, Dooley said, "I don't call him a quarterback. That's not my definition of a quarterback."