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UF responds to adversity

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By MARK LONG

The Associated Press

Published: November 2, 2009

Updated: 11/02/2009 12:23 am

GAINESVILLE - When No. 1 Florida looks back on this season, Halloween week could be the one that stands out.

Turning point? The Gators might simply call it another "Mississippi Moment."

Remember quarterback Tim Tebow's speech following a 31-30 loss to Mississippi last season, the one that helped propel Florida to its second national champion in three years? The Gators heard another inspirational message last week following a 29-19 victory at Mississippi State.

Coach Urban Meyer said Sunday he started a series of locker-room addresses in Starkville after Tebow threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and the offense struggled to score for the third consecutive week.

Florida responded with its most well-rounded game in a month, thumping rival Georgia 41-17 on Saturday and clinching a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

"I was right in the middle of it," Meyer said. "There was no finger-pointing. It was just guys saying, 'Hey, we've got to get better.'"

Although some reports said Tebow and linebacker Brandon Spikes had a verbal altercation before the speeches, Meyer denied that happening.

Meyer said he apologized for calling a pass play deep in Florida territory that resulted in one defensive score, then turned the floor over to defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, guard Mike Pouncey, Tebow and Spikes.

"We get on guys and hold them accountable," Spikes said Saturday night. "Things weren't getting done. Things weren't getting done the way we expected. We had a team meeting. We may have stepped on a few toes. Throughout the whole week, it was just an issue that guys weren't really happy. It wasn't no big deal, nothing like that. You're going to hit a little adversity. You've got to get through that."

Whatever was said certainly set the tone for the week.

Meyer kept his assistants late last Sunday night, breaking down every snap in the red zone and coming up with ways to be less predictable around the goal line. Meyer also asked Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan to speak to team leaders later in the week. Donovan's message was to stick together, recalling what it took for his 2006-07 team to repeat as national champions.

Then Meyer ripped into his team in the hotel Friday night.

"This is a passionate game," Meyer said, refusing to give details about what he said. "It was a hard week on (offensive coordinator Steve Addazio), on our quarterback, too."

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