1. Tim Tebow

Florida, quarterback, Jr.

Previous ranking: 1st

2007 Heisman voting: 1,957 votes (1st).

2008 stats: 1 game, 9 of 14 passing for 137 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs; 9 rushes for 37 yards, 0 TDs.

2007 stats: 13 games, 234 of 350 passing for 3,286 yards, 32 TDs, 6 INTs; 210 rushes for 895 yards, 23 TDs.

Last game (56-10 victory vs. Hawaii, 8/30): Those concerned that Tebow’s chances of a second consecutive Heisman will be hurt because of games like this need to stand down.

This was Hawaii. This was a walkover. There was absolutely no reason to put Tebow at risk. And Gators coach Urban Meyer didn’t.

Tebow finished with the fewest attempts (14), completions (nine) and yards (137) of his career. He also ran nine times for 37 yards, but most of those runs were scrambles after protection broke down. Even when the Gators moved deep into the red zone in the third quarter, Meyer yanked Tebow in favor of backup Cam Newton.

It led to an end of his NCAA-record of having at least one TD rushing and passing at 14 games.

But this was more of a precaution than the start of a pattern.

“We all know at the end of the day,’’ said Meyer, “No. 15 will carry the mail for us in critical situations.’’

As long as Tebow does that — and as long as the Gators win ’’— the Heisman will be well within his reach.

Next game (vs. Miami, Fla., 9/6): These aren’t your daddy’s Hurricanes so there will be a lot less sheen on this matchup.

Still, it’s an interstate rivalry that affects recruiting so all hands will be on deck. The Hurricanes have won six straight in the series but the two teams haven’t played since 2004. The last time the Gators prevailed was Sept. 7, 1985, with a 35-23 victory.

Tebow and Co. should have their way as Miami continues to rebuild under second-year coach Randy Shannon. The Hurricanes only return 11 starters, including six on a defense. Miami was outgained by nearly 67 yards a game last season, the third-worst mark in the ACC.

Throw in the fact that they are going with freshman Jacory Harris at quarterback, who threw his first college pass in a 52-7 romp of Charleston Southern on Saturday. Needless to say, he will find The Swamp a much different environment.

The Gators showed in their opener they have a wide variety of weapons, and if Percy Harvin returns as expected from a heel injury that kept him out of the opener, the threat level of the Florida offense will rise substantially.

Expect Tebow to make a lot more plays this game, including a lot more important plays.

Schedule/results: vs. Hawaii (W, 56-10); vs. Miami, Fla. (9/6); at Tennessee (9/20); vs. Mississippi (9/27); at Arkansas (10/4); vs. LSU (10/11); vs. Kentucky (10/25); vs. Georgia at Jacksonville, Fla. (11/1); at Vanderbilt (11/8); vs. South Carolina (11/15); vs. The Citadel (11/22); at Florida State (11/29).

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