Best SEC teams of the last decade: No. 1 ('08 Florida)

Editor’s note: SDS is ranking the 10 best SEC teams of the last decade (since 2005). Previously revealed:

• No. 10 LSU (2007)
• No. 9 Alabama (2008)
• No. 8 LSU (2011)
• No. 7 Florida (2009)
• No. 6 Alabama (2012)
• No. 5 Florida (2006)
• No. 4 Alabama (2011)
  
• No. 3 Auburn (2010)
• No. 2 Alabama (2009)

1.) 2008 FLORIDA (13-1, BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS)

After becoming the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman during the 2007 season, Tim Tebow etched his name in stone as an SEC legend the following campaign with a memorable run to Florida’s second BCS National Championship in three years.

He provided not one, but two memorable speeches in 2008, including ‘The Promise’ made after a 31-30 home loss to Ole Miss in September. The Gators didn’t lose another game, beating five ranked teams (by an average of 32 points per game) including No. 1 Alabama in the SEC title contest to reach the national final against Oklahoma.

Led by Heisman winner Sam Bradford at quarterback, the nation’s most prolific offense was held to season-low 14 points during the Gators’ victory in Miami that featured a charismatic outburst from Tebow at halftime.

Nine different Gators were named All-SEC including Tebow, Percy Harvin and first team All-American Brandon Spikes. Tebow’s quest for a third ring in four seasons was ended inside the Georgia Dome the following season, but his illustrious career is now remembered outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium with a bronze statue, one of three quarterbacks to earn that honor (Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerrfel).

Best offensive players: QB Tim Tebow
Best defensive players: LB Brandon Spikes
Best wins: Urban Meyer vs. Nick Saban for the SEC Championship was a colossal matchup for No. 1 vs. No. 2 that went to Gators, 31-20, behind three touchdown passes from Tebow. Florida’s win at arch rival Florida State the previous week played out like a movie script, one of college football’s titans going into a hostile, rain-soaked environment to come out victorious in their quest for a national title.
Defining moment: Florida looked like a different team following Tebow’s ‘promise’ after the Ole Miss loss as the Gators went on a 10-game winning streak to end the season with every victory by at least double digits.

FLORIDA’s 2008 SCHEDULE