TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Meyer: UF Maturing

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2008

Updated: 10/27/2008 12:23 am

GAINESVILLE - Here's what is most obvious about the Florida Gators as they begin preparation for Saturday's SEC Eastern Division showdown against rival Georgia.

Since their stunning loss at home to Ole Miss, the Gators have scored a combined 152 points against three opponents. They have allowed 33.

So what has happened?

Listening to Coach Urban Meyer, the biggest difference is they are growing up.

"I am starting to have an admiration for this team and it has been awhile," Meyer said Sunday. "Last year there was not a whole lot of admiration as far as our professional approach because I don't believe we had it. I thought there were some very professional attitudes, but not overall as a team.

"This team is really starting to handle bye weeks very well. When you give them a day off, they handle that very well. And they are handling whatever is said in that locker room, keeping it in that locker room. Some of the young people are growing up."

This week assuredly will be a test of the team's muscle and mentality.

The satisfaction Meyer receives from "what is said in the locker room stays in the locker room" is reflected by the fact not a single player muttered much more than a "no comment" regarding Georgia's end zone celebration last season that is a sore subject, whether discussed or not.

And it is, just not publicly.

But the big task will come from the No. 8 Bulldogs, who, apparently, just like No. 5 Florida, have been peaking toward their best football of the season.

Saturday's 52-38 throttling of LSU was particularly impressive in that it took place in Tiger Stadium.

The Bulldogs saw QB Matthew Stafford hook up with freshman WR A.J. Green for a 49-yard pass, and standout RB Knowshon Moreno bust a 68-yard scoring run straight up the middle.

But, likewise, Florida likes the way things are falling into place.

"Absolutely, we are playing like a real team," Meyer said. "Not just as far as going out and playing the game, but off the field, in practice, in meetings. It's not just offense or defense. It's everybody caring about what the defense does; the defense caring about the offense and special teams. Everybody's taking a lot of pride not just in their position groups but the whole team."

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Few things impact a game more than a blocked kick that sets up a quick touchdown. Florida did that three times against Kentucky. Even worse, two of them came on the Wildcats' first two punt attempts.

"We are a punt-block team," Meyer said. "We happen to have one of the best returners in college football Brandon James, but I don't know if anybody works harder at it. We have good personnel on it. We put some dynamic personnel on it."

WHAT WENT WRONG: Very little, although QB Tim Tebow did fumble twice but recovered both, and threw an interception. Georgia is likely to take greater advantage of any similar mistakes than UK did.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT