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Gators', Sooners' Defenses Show Up In Force

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2009

MIAMI - For five weeks fans, writers and analysts raved about the offensive fireworks Florida and Oklahoma would put on display in Dolphin Stadium. Some of that may have gotten back to the two defenses, because the early part of Thursday night's game resembled a defensive struggle more than an offensive explosion.

The Sooners offense was shut out in the first quarter for the first time this season. In fact, Oklahoma was forced to punt on each of its first two possessions, the first time that has happened this season as well. For the Gators, QB Tim Tebow threw only his second interception of the season on Florida's opening drive - it was Tebow's first interception since an Oct. 25 victory against Kentucky - and followed that with a second-quarter interception.

In the second quarter, the Gators defense held the Sooners out of the end zone, stopping Oklahoma on four consecutive running plays from the 1-yard line.

With only 10 seconds remaining in the first half and the Sooners on the 6-yard line, a Sam Bradford pass to Manuel Johnson was tipped, bobbled into the air and intercepted by Gators S Major Wright.

SAGE WORDS

Former Florida QB Danny Wuerffel has been one of current QB Tim Tebow's idols since Tebow was a young child. And in recent years the Heisman Trophy winners have developed a close relationship, with Wuerffel often playing the role of mentor.

But earlier this week it was Tebow who was providing the choice words that moved his predecessor. The subject was dealing with the pressure of playing in a national championship game.

"He said pressure is an interesting thing," Wuerffel said of Tebow. "When you don't have enough food to feed your kids, that's pressure, and he started listing off things.

"I think he has a great perspective."

NFL DRAFT TALK

Former Gators QB Danny Wuerffel isn't done imparting knowledge on Tim Tebow when it comes to playing on the next level.

"Yeah, I think he should come back. I'm a Florida Gator and we definitely want him back," Wuerffel said.

"But I know a big question a lot of folks ask is do I think or do we think he has a chance to play in the NFL. I think if he gets in the right place with the right coach that can utilize his talents, he can be very effective."

RAINEY INJURY

RB Chris Rainey suffered a gruesome knee injury late in the second quarter. Rainey made a quick cut after receiving a screen pass from Tim Tebow. Rainey beat his defender with the cut but was tackled from behind by Dominique Franks and his knee bent awkwardly as the two tumbled to the sideline. Rainey was carted off the field.

MATCHING A RECORD

Carlos Dunlap's third-quarter field-goal attempt block matched UF's single-season school record with nine kicks blocked this season.

The Gators also blocked nine kicks in 1995.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

The newest Tebow is Logan Tebow Bradley, born Tuesday at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater and named for Tim Tebow.

"I just thought, what a really cool way to give homage to my team and the quarterback," the proud dad, Tom Bradley, told News Channel 8 at the hospital Thursday. "I thought this would be a really cool idea."

Mom Nicole had the final say on the newborn's first name.

Karl Hyppolite, Keith Morelli

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