MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Megan Mullen will deliver her first biological child three weeks after national signing day -- this is how coaches' wives keep track of time -- but Thursday, her eyes went glassy at the thought of leaving behind her 6-foot-3, 240-pound adopted son. "He's greater than anybody thinks he is," Mullen said.
Those who have lived inside Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's orbit these past three seasons all sound like Mullen, whose husband, Dan, will transition Friday from Florida offensive coordinator to Mississippi State head coach. Thursday, Megan Mullen stood on a confetti-strewn field and thought back to Thanksgiving, when she and her husband sat in their pajamas watching the film 300 with their very own Spartan sitting next to them on the couch. Dan, who has spent more time with Tebow these past three years than he has with Megan, explained the battle of Thermopylae, when a tiny band of Spartan warriors led by King Leonidas faced down the Persian army.
In many ways, Tebow is Florida's Leonidas. He always volunteers for the toughest task. He inspires unflagging loyalty in his men. And it seems that the only way to stop him is with an army of thousands. Oklahoma and its best 11 defenders certainly couldn't do it Thursday; Tebow threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 109 yards as the Gators beat the Sooners, 24-14, to claim the BCS title.
