<P> Zook was a strong recruiter, signing the twentieth - ranked class in an abbreviated 2002 search, the second - ranked class in 2003, and the seventh - ranked class in 2004 . Zook's tenure was modestly successful, but well short of what Gator fans had come to expect . Although they were talented, Zook's teams were noted for inconsistency; they typically dominated their opponents in the first half and collapsed in the second . They defeated Georgia (its only loss of 2002) and upset LSU in 2003 on its way to the BCS Championship, but lost to both SEC Mississippi schools and twice to Miami . The Gators lost six games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, one more than they had in 12 years under Spurrier . </P> <P> After two consecutive five - loss seasons, the 2004 season was a make - or - break year for Zook . He got into a heated argument with members of a campus fraternity after he was called in to defuse a dispute between the fraternity and his players . Following a 38--31 road loss to the 1--5 Mississippi State Bulldogs, Zook was fired but allowed to finish the regular season . In his final game, the Gators defeated the Seminoles for their first win on FSU's field since 1986 . Zook accepted the head - coaching position at Illinois . Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong was interim head coach for the Peach Bowl against Miami, the first African - American head coach at Florida and the second in SEC history . </P> <P> Athletic director Jeremy Foley targeted a higher - profile replacement for Zook: 2004 Sporting News Coach of the Year Urban Meyer, head coach at Utah . Meyer chose Florida over competing Notre Dame, and he was announced as Florida's new head coach in December 2004 . </P> <P> His first season (2005) was an improvement with a 9--3 record, including an Outback Bowl win against the Iowa Hawkeyes . The Gators defeated their three biggest rivals (Tennessee, Georgia, and FSU) for only the fourth time in school history . In 2006 Florida had a 13--1 season, with its sole loss to Auburn (27--17). In their final regular - season SEC game, the Gators managed a slender 17--16 victory when Jarvis Moss blocked a fourth - quarter field - goal attempt by South Carolina . Florida defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks for the SEC championship, their first since 2000 . The Gators played in the 2007 BCS Championship Game and, led by quarterback Chris Leak, defeated the #1 - ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 41--14 for their second national championship . </P>

Fun facts about the florida gators football team