Petrino's 2009 Razorbacks made dramatic improvement. Led by Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback, the Razorbacks nearly defeated the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators, who were ranked No. 1 in the country at that time, in Gainesville, Florida. The Hogs went on to win the 2010 Liberty Bowl against East Carolina and finish with a record of 8–5. The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks improved on their 2009 record and won 6 in a row to end the year after earlier losses to Alabama and Auburn. Arkansas finished the season 10–2 overall and earned a BCS bowl berth, the first in Arkansas history. The Razorbacks lost the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans against the sixth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 31–26. Though the result was later vacated by the NCAA as a result of sanctions against Ohio State, the game was the first game ever played between the two teams. Under Petrino's tutelage, quarterback Ryan Mallett broke numerous school passing records in 2010 as well. On December 11, 2010, Petrino received a seven-year contract extension from the University of Arkansas administration.