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Grind-It-Out Gators' Defense Proves Its Mettle

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2008

GAINESVILLE - While most would view the University of Florida's 26-3 win against Miami last Saturday as a disappointing day for the Gators offense, the team has a different view of it.

The grind-it-out win proved that, after struggling mightily in 2007, Florida can win a game by relying on its defense.

Florida's starting defense has allowed just three points this season and the Hurricanes never made it past the 50-yard line in the second half.

"We knew we could do it the whole time," CB Joe Haden said. "We've been working on it so it wasn't really a shock to us."

Playing against Miami in the second game of the season also gave the Gators a good test of what they can do against a fast, athletic defense.

While the Hurricanes may be a few years away from returning to their glory days, they may still set the standard for team speed.

"They're faster than anybody we'll play," Haden said. They're probably as fast as us."

MOODY IN THE PLANS: When RB Emmanuel Moody transferred to Florida from USC most expected that he would be the feature running back Coach Urban Meyer has lacked in his tenure as the Gators head coach.

Those plans haven't worked out that way, with Moody receiving just two carries in the opener against Hawaii and none against Miami. On the surface, it appears that Moody has fallen behind starter Kestahn Moore and speedsters Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, but according to RB coach Kenny Carter, he's still in the mix.

"He's doing good and we're excited about what he can do for us," Carter said. "He's going to play against Tennessee and it's going to be a good day for him."

Karl Hyppolite

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