Florida quarterback John Brantley’s tumultuous career came to an end with a 24-17 win in the Gator Bowl, and his coaches and teammates said that’s exactly what he deserved. Brantley, the son of former QB John Brantley and nephew of Florida star LB Scot Brantley, said despite the ups and downs he’ll miss playing on Saturdays with the Gators.

“We had our ups and downs, the last couple of years haven’t been the best,’’ Brantley said. “But I just stuck with my teammates and coaches, and we made the best of it. Just to get a good win against a good team like Ohio State, it almost makes the season kind of worth it. Just to go out with a high note, for those young guys to go into the off-season.’’

Senior RB Chris Rainey also had a big part in the outcome of his final game.

Rainey blocked the punt of Ohio State’s Ben Buchanan, it was his second of the season and the sixth of his career. Rainey is both the UF and SEC record-holder for blocked punts, and is the active leader nationally. Rainey didn’t seem all that impressed by the record.

“I’m just doing my job,’’ he said. “I love special teams. That’s the No. 1 thing I always talk about in practice, I want to do everything it is possible to win games, and that’s what wins games.’’