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Florida turns to QB Austin Appleby as Tennessee looms

GAINESVILLE — Austin Appleby arrived at the BCS championship game in January 2007 as an Ohio State fan, a born-and-bred Buckeye from North Canton.

Four quarters later, after Tim Tebow and Florida destroyed his Buckeyes in a 41-14 rout, Appleby switched allegiances and began a winding path that could decide whether the Gators defend their SEC East crown.

"This 15 guy, he left an impact on me," Appleby said. "And the more I've learned about him, the more that I've wanted to be like him."

Almost a decade later, Appleby will finally get a chance to play like him.