In a pregame ceremony to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Florida's 1996 national championship, [Steve Spurrier] received a rousing standing ovation from the 90,043 fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as a sign on Florida's JumboTron flashed: "Welcome Back, Coach Steve Spurrier."

"Championships are forever," Spurrier told the O'Dome crowd. "Titles are forever. When you win one, it's forever."

FIRST TIMERS: Along with receiver Percy Harvin, who became the first true freshman to start at receiver in the opening game, several others also had their first starts: cornerbacks Jermaine McCollum and Ryan Smith, defensive end Jarvis Moss, defensive tackle Clint McMillan and offensive lineman Carlton Medder.