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Meyer's highs and lows at Florida

Six years of (mostly) winning were pockmarked with issues

Updated: November 30, 2011, 12:38 AM ET
By Jeff Barlis | GatorNation
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Some say Urban Meyer is the greatest coach in the 105-year history of University of Florida football. Other Gator fans grumble about the sweet and sour taste he left in his brief six-year run at UF. Here's a look at Meyer's highs and lows:

HIGHS
The first national title
Meyer set the bar high when he delivered a national title in just his second season. The Gators featured a mix of generational recruits like Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin with holdovers from the Ron Zook years -- starting quarterback Chris Leak, receiver Dallas Baker and an aggressive, experienced defense. Meyer and his staff made a critical adjustment during the season to incorporate pro-style elements into his spread-option offense to take advantage of Leak's strengths. Florida won it's last seven games, including a stunning 41-14 victory over Ohio State in the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8, 2007.

Title No. 2 -- a familiar ring
Meyer's best team was loaded with talent and leadership, as exemplified by Tebow's "promise" after the team's only loss, a 31-30 upset at home by Ole Miss. Florida responded by reeling off 10 straight wins in machine-like fashion. The run culminated with two wins that will live on in Florida football lore -- 31-20 over Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game and 24-14 over Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8, 2009.

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Jeff Barlis | email

Editor, GatorNation
  • Editor for GatorNation
  • Covers Florida Gators sports and recruiting
  • Joined ESPN in 2011

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