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Big Block Almost Didn't Happen

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By KARL HYPPOLITE

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 12, 2008

GAINESVILLE In a season filled with last-second heroics that culminated with a UF national championship in 2006, one play stands above the rest.

Then-junior defensive end Jarvis Moss blocked a South Carolina field goal attempt with eight seconds left to play to preserve a 17-16 lead.

It was the second block of the game for Moss and the third for the Gators.

That play was close to never happening, though as Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong wanted to take Moss, who had played the entire day, out of the game in favor of Derrick Harvey.

"We called a timeout, and I looked at Moss and I was like 'Moss, you've played the whole game, you're coming out,' " Strong said. "Because Harvey could jump and Moss was like 'No, come on, Coach please don't take me out.' And then he looked at Coach [Urban] Meyer and said 'don't take me out.' And Coach Meyer said 'you better block it.'

STOUT DEFENSE: South Carolina boasts arguably the best defense in the SEC and though it seems like they say it every week, Florida is expecting its biggest challenge of the season.

South Carolina ranks near the top of the conference in both scoring defense and total defense.

"We're averaging about 200 on the ground and 200 passing," Coach Meyer said. "When you get into problems—even last year—is when you get one dimensional. We've got to keep balanced.

TARTT IMPROVING: OL Jim Tartt practiced Wednesday and would play this weekend if needed, Meyer said.

Carl Johnson is expected to start, though his status won't be determined until tomorrow.

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