TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Meyer Trying To Use Harvin More

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Playmaker Percy Harvin caught three passes for 37 yards, including a touchdown strike from 21. He carried six times for 32 yards in Florida's 38-7 win at Arkansas.

That's not enough, according to Coach Urban Meyer.

"I know a lot of teams are saying 'Keep No. 1 Harvin inside, clamp him down.'" Meyer said. "Everybody on the field knows who No. 1 is. I know that for a fact from talking to other coaches.

"Are we making a conscious effort? Yes, but we're just running the offense. We are trying to get Percy the ball. It's just not coming out the back end, because I think there is a lot of focus on him right now."

The good to come out of it Saturday was more players being involved in the offense.

Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps each finished with 103 rushing yards, shining in a fourth-quarter offensive breakout. Senior WR Louis Murphy had five receptions for 70 yards, and eight different players caught passes.

"We made a decision - Demps, Rainey and Brandon James would carry from the tailback position," Meyer said. "It's critical to get production from running backs. You have two young, very good players. Not the biggest cats in the world, but one thing about Jeffrey Demps, he's a strong runner."

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The end result was everything Florida wanted. The Gators bounced back from an upset home loss to Ole Miss with two 100-yard rushers, big special-teams plays, and a defense that allowed just one touchdown. The three touchdowns on three offensive possessions in the fourth quarter provide momentum heading into Saturday's meeting with No. 3 LSU.

WHAT WENT WRONG: The day was nowhere near as satisfying as it looked. The Razorbacks, who had been outscored 101-24 in the previous two games, had more offensive yards than Florida through three quarters.

With a bye week, LSU undoubtedly had the chance to see the Razorbacks befuddle the UF defense with tailback Michael Smith (20 carries, 133 yards) and receivers running crossing patterns underneath.

Mick Elliott

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT