Gators use underdog role as motivation to beat the Buckeyes

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) _ The Florida Gators are feeling unappreciated and they're not happy about it. <br/><br/>Several players say there are too many people anointing Ohio State as the champion of

Friday, January 5th 2007, 6:28 am

By: News On 6

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) _ The Florida Gators are feeling unappreciated and they're not happy about it.

Several players say there are too many people anointing Ohio State as the champion of college football before the teams get to play Monday night.

Gators defensive tackle Joe Cohen says there's too much focus on the top-ranked Buckeyes. He says his team, which is ranked second in the polls, deserves credit for fighting through a tough schedule to make it to the national title game.

Wide receiver Dallas Baker says the game provides the Gators a chance to prove they belong on the same field as the Buckeyes.

Ohio State defensive lineman Joel Penton says Florida is as good as any team the Buckeyes have played this season.