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Gators Are Setting The Tone Early

Florida's offense usually gets off to a flying start, outscoring opponents 146-7 in the first quarter this season.

The Associated Press

Florida running back Percy Harvin (1) runs for yardage against Vanderbilt on Nov. 8. The Gators won, 42-14.

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2008

GAINESVILLE - If Gators football fans have learned one lesson this season, it's not to be late for kickoff.

Of all the gaudy numbers second-ranked, point-happy Florida has hung on opponents, nothing is more impressive than the Gators' 146-7 first-quarter scoring advantage; unless, maybe, it's the 122-0 difference in that quarter in the last six games.

Heading into Saturday's Florida State-Florida showdown in Tallahassee, conventional wisdom suggests the 16 1/2-point-underdog Seminoles need to be close after the opening period if they expect to be there at the final gun.

"The biggest scare you have is, they get so far ahead you have to change your game plan and do something you do not want to do," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "Your fear is they come out there and jump on you, put a lot of points on the board and all of a sudden you are changing your game plan to catch up. Then, instead of getting closer, they end up thrashing you."

Set The Alarm Clock

The first quarter Saturday certainly could set the tone.

The Seminoles have not been particularly quick starters this year. Although FSU jumped on Maryland early last week on the way to a big win, slow beginnings have been common — and costly.

The 8-3 Seminoles fell behind quickly and lost to Wake Forest early this season. Against Georgia Tech, they scored first but fell behind by 14 twice during the second quarter before losing. Boston College jumped to a 14-0 lead on the way to a win.

That suggests it is imperative the Seminoles find a way to slow the Gators out of the gate.

"When they kick it off, you need to start playing football," FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said.

Points From All Points

Florida's quick starts have come from all different directions.

Against Kentucky, the Gators blocked punts on the Wildcats' opening two possessions and turned both into short touchdown drives. South Carolina gave up two first-quarter interceptions and a fumble that led to three touchdowns. In six of 11 games, the Gators' offense has scored on its first possession.

"Especially since they lost, they might be averaging 40 points in the first quarter," Bowden said. "Gosh."

Eye Candy

Florida coach Urban Meyer undoubtedly is pleased by his team's lopsided first-quarter advantage. He will even admit its wow factor. All the same, he remains cautious.

"The one purpose that stat serves is it catches your eye," Meyer said. "After that, it will not change people's preparation. Right now, I know exactly what [the Seminoles] are doing because they are well-coached and have an excellent staff. They are just making sure every 'T' is crossed and every gap is covered and every 'I' is dotted. That's enough work in itself."

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