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Gators' Defense Matches Offense

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By KARL HYPPOLITE

Tribune Correspondent

Published: November 11, 2008

GAINESVILLE - While Florida's offense has been nothing short of scintillating over the past five games, it has often been the dominant play of the defense that has the Gators looking like possibly the best team in the nation.

Florida is allowing just 11.4 points per game over its five-game winning streak and put on possibly its best performance of the season in the first half of Saturday's 42-14 win against Vanderbilt.

"We certainly did play great defense," Coach Urban Meyer said. "That was as fine as of defensive performance in the first half that we have played. I know Coach Charlie Strong and our defensive staff actually felt that we could have played a lot better. As a head football coach and being directly involved with the offense, holding a team to without a first down for the first four series is pretty impressive."

MAINTAINING FOCUS: After crushing Georgia, many wondered if complacency would be an issue entering Saturday's game against struggling Vanderbilt.

According to Meyer, that was never an issue throughout last week's practices, which was a sign that the Gators would continue their spectacular play against the Commodores.

"Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, if we practice well, then we play real well," Meyer said. "I usually feel better after a Thursday practice, when I know we have the game plan set and I can see the look in the players' faces."

TEBOW HONORED: QB Tim Tebow was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Vandy. He threw three touchdown passes and ran for 88 yards and two scores.

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