Joe Paterno took a backseat Saturday to the man roaming the opposite sideline. A season that featured Paterno lifted on his players’ shoulders after his 400th victory ended with Penn State coaches and players watching Florida players crowd around coach Urban Meyer in his finale, a 37-24 Gators win in the 25th Outback Bowl before 60,574 fans at Raymond James Stadium.
The game started well for the Nittany Lions as Florida quarterback John Brantley threw an interception on Florida’s first play from scrimmage, Andre Debose mishandled a kickoff leading to the Gators starting their second possessions from their own 6 and Trey Burton, one of three quarterbacks Meyer used, cost his team when he fumbled into the end zone after a short run to the Penn State 1.
Matt McGloin turned Brantley’s interception into a 5-yard TD pass to Derek Moye for a 7-0 Nittany Lions lead. Cornerback D’ Anton Lynn recovered Burton’s fumble for a touchback that helped Penn State stay ahead until Florida’s Hines scored on a 16-yard end around set up by an interception—the Gators’ second off McGloin.
Lerentee McCray returned a blocked punt 27 yards for a touchdown that gave Florida a brief 14-7 lead. McGloin’s 44-yard completion to Moye positioned Penn State for Michael Zordich’s 1-yard TD run, and the Nittany Lions took advantage of a short punt to go up 17-14 at the half on Collin Wagner’s 20-yard field goal.
Henry kicked field goals of 30, 47 and 20 yards, the latter giving Florida a 30-24 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Penn State led 24-17 after McGloin scored on a 2-yard run set up when Henry, who’s also Florida’s punter, was stopped short of a first down on a fake punt play.
The Nittany Lions quarterback threw five interceptions after only being picked off four times in 174 passing attempts during the regular season. He finished 17 of 41 for 211 yards and one touchdown.
Florida’s fourth interception, Black’s second of the day, stopped a potential game-winning drive after McGloin marched the Nittany Lions to the Gators 26 with under two minutes to go. Black cut in front of intended receiver Kevin Haplea and headed up the sideline in front of Penn State bench.