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Meyer Enjoys Watching 'Confident' Gators' Defense

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

GAINESVILLE - The Florida Gators' bandwagon is filling up in a hurry.

Averaging almost 50 points over its past five games, Florida is quickly becoming the darling of college football insiders, many boldly predicting the Gators will roll undeterred through their remaining schedule and past Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Championship game.

With a list of big-playmakers such as quarterback Tim Tebow, wide receiver Percy Harvin and freshman speedster Jeff Demps, the Gators' have found a stride that is demanding national attention. Nothing gets television highlight time like 60-yard touchdown passes and jitterbug runs.

The thing is, when the season began, Florida's offense was expected to be good.

Its defense, an up-and-down unit last year, was the question mark.

Now, heading into Saturday afternoon's home game with South Carolina, and the return of former coach Steve Spurrier, the Gators' defense is the unsung hero of the nation's fourth-ranked team.

"I enjoy watching them play,'' Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "I enjoy watching the coaching that goes on. I think we have very good players that are playing real hard right now. You can't say it's the D-line. You can't say it's the secondary. You can't say it's the backers. I just think, collectively, they're playing very confident.''

Statistics back Meyer up.

The Gators are ranked fourth in the SEC in total yards allowed (286) and best in the league in scoring allowed (11.9 points per game). In nine games, they have allowed 13 touchdowns, also a conference best.

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