For a game that was supposed to provide plenty of big digits on the scoreboard, the National Championship game between Oklahoma and Florida was a relatively low-scoring game. There was no shortage in drama, however, as the contest came down to whichever team played best late in the game.

Florida took on that role, taking the title with a final score of 24-14.

Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Gators, seemed to take his team on his back late in the game after being shut down in the first half. The way he helped solidify his team’s victory down the stretch isn’t too unlike the performance of Vince Young in 2006’s title game.

Both quarterbacks had been snubbed in the Heisman voting just weeks before their games — something that, no doubt, helped fuel their desire to win.

Both teams struggled early on with consistency on offense. Oklahoma’s run defense in the first half was phenomenal, limiting most carries to little or no gain. Creative zone blitzes seemed to confuse Tebow with two forced interceptions just minutes into the second quarter.

Oklahoma failed to capitalize when they needed to most. Their quick, no-huddle offense helped them drive the ball down for three consecutive drives. Scoring a passing touchdown to All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham on the first, the Sooners proceeded to turn the ball over on the following two — failing to punch the ball in with two attempts on third-and-goal from the one-yard line and throwing an interception with just three seconds left in the first half while inside the five.

Oklahoma’s woes carried over to the second half as well.

Though they were getting consistent production out of running back Chris Brown, the Sooners seemed to give up all their momentum to the other sideline when the Gators’ special teams unit blocked a field goal.

With that surge of energy, Florida never looked back.

Percy Harvin, Florida’s “Mr. Everything,” made a gutsy move playing in the game after rehabbing a high ankle sprain suffered in November — one of the worst injuries a speedster such as he could suffer.

That didn’t matter for Harvin. He torched his way through the Sooners’ defense, running for 171 yards and a touchdown. His runs of 48 and 52 yards seemed to rejuvenate the Gator offense when they needed it most.

The real turning point of the game was when Tebow ripped off consecutive first-down runs in possessions in the third quarter. It seemed that after that drive, the Gators’ triple option worked to consistently pick up five to eight yards every play.

Oklahoma’s defense, which was stout during the first half, appeared to be too hesitant to stop Florida’s rushing attack. With the run established, the Gators effectively utilized play-action passes to move down the field and control the clock.

When the Florida defense stole a rare interception from Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford, they capitalized with a play-action passing touchdown.

With that, the game was over.

The Gators are national champions.

Reach columnist Ben Foutz at sports@dailyuw.com.