The former could still happen, but Tebow and the Gators will have to settle for the Sugar Bowl after coming up woefully short to Alabama in the SEC title game.
Their opponent may also be a bit disappointed not to be playing for the national title, even if no one expected that would be a possibility when the season began.
Cincinnati needed to rally from 21 down and score a last-minute touchdown vs. Pittsburgh to preserve their perfect 12-0 season and clinch the Big East title and the automatic BCS berth that goes with it.
The Bearcats will be rewarded with a date with the Gators and Tebow for their efforts.
Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl is at 2:30 p.m. Hawaii time at Kalapaki Joe's, Kauai's premier sports bar.