"I'm a Florida Gator and we definitely want him to come back. He, like a lot of guys, has got a tough decision to make, and I don't know how tonight will play into that."

Wuerffel, who led Florida to the 1996 national championship and won the Heisman during the same season, was one of nine former Heisman Trophy winners -- Boston College's Doug Flutie and Michigan's Desmond Howard were a couple of others -- who were recognized during a ceremony before the start of the game.

Wuerffel acknowledged that many question Tebow's ability to play quarterback in the NFL.

But, he said, "I think if he gets in the right place with the right coach that can utilize his talents, he can be very effective."

Support from Billy

The Gators got plenty of Basketball love at the national-title game.

Florida Basketball Coach Billy Donovan attended the game at Dolphin Stadium along with former Gators star and Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford, according to a team spokesman.

Donovan hooked up a ticket for Horford, whose Hawks lost to the Orlando Magic 106-102 on Wednesday at Philips Arena.

Florida Coach Urban Meyer was present to witness Donovan and Horford win back-to-back Basketball titles in 2006 and 2007.

Cheerleaders

Oklahoma's spirit and marketing staff distributed 10,000 crimson and cream pompons on Saturday in the Oklahoma sections of Dolphin Stadium.

Oklahoma also did this for the Big 12 championship game partly to make a noticeable splash on the television broadcast.

A night of reputation

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive beamed like a proud papa before Thursday's game.

And why not? The 2008 Florida squad is the fourth SEC participant in the title game during Slive's seven-year tenure.

LSU won the title in 2003 and 2007, and Florida won the 2006 crown.

And don't forget about the 2004 Auburn team that went undefeated but missed out on the Bowl Championship Series title game.

"It's very rewarding for us," Slive said.

"I'm hoping we can continue the string. If it were to happen, it would be three in a row. It's a real tribute to coaches and players and the league and the excitement."

With the SEC having no problem reaching title games lately, why would the conference want a playoff?

"We don't," Slive said.

Quote of note

"Them Gators, man. What you think?"

-- Former Gators safety Reggie Nelson, now a Jacksonville Jaguar, about his prediction for the game