By Matt Schulz
FANSonly.com

ATLANTA -- Florida discovered a simple truth in losing to Wisconsin: If you turn the ball over four more times than your opponent in the Virtual Championship Series, you will not win.

You could have nearly twice the yardage and first downs as your foe, it won't matter. Even if you have so many fans at a neutral site that it feels like a home game, it doesn't do any good.

Thanks largely to Gator QB Doug Johnson's four interceptions, Wisconsin won the Peach Bowl, 18-3. The Badgers advance to face top-seeded Tennessee in next week's Orange Bowl.

Wisconsin, the No. 9 seed, gained just 196 yards in the game to Florida's 314. But while Badger drives often culminated in field goals, Florida's scoring opportunities ended in frustration.

For example, in the first quarter, Johnson surgically moved the Gators down the field. However, on second-and-goal from the seven, he rolls to his right and throws a bullet straight to LB Chris Ghidorzi, ending the scoring threat. Wisconsin then drives downfield and kicks a 40-yard field goal.

Two minutes later, Johnson threw his second pick of the day. This time, DB Mike Echols got his first of two interceptions on a spectacular diving catch. Replays seemed to indicate that the ball touched the ground before Echols got hold of it, but the interception stood.

Three plays later, Wisconsin scored its only touchdown of the day, and Florida could never recover.

Badgers RB Ron Dayne was held in check for most of the day, getting 3.2 yards per carry and not getting in the end zone. However, Johnson (22-of-36, 220 yds., 4 INTs, 0 TDs) and his errant throws managed to give Wisconsin the upper-hand throughout the afternoon.