Florida Gators 41 – Georgia Bulldogs 17
Tim Tebow
.
Riley Cooper
. The offensive line.
Jermaine Cunningham
.
Carlos Dunlap
.
Brandon Spikes
.
Ryan Stamper
.
Ahmad Black
. It’s hard declaring who was the most valuable player in
Florida’s
41-17 thrashing of rival
Georgia
. Tebow would be an obvious choice. Spikes a perfect selection as well. But we’ll go ahead and give the game ball to Tampa’s own
A.J. Jones
. Very quietly Jones has put together a superb season amplified by Saturdays’ performance in which he totaled five tackles, two for loss, two interceptions, one pass breakup, and one sack. A.J. Jones, you are a star and have thusly been recognized.
Not only did the Gators beat one of their chief rivals by 24 points, but they instilled confidence in the coaching staff, fans everywhere and, perhaps most importantly, themselves in a commanding overall performance. Florida struck early on offense – getting out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter – and the defense held tight, allowing the Gators to keep their lead throughout. After Georgia pulled to within four early in the second quarter, Florida kept on the throttle and pulled away, never letting the Bulldogs back in it. After the win (coupled with South Carolina’s loss to Tennessee later in the day), the Gators punched their ticket to Atlanta and the SEC Championship Game by wrapping up the East.
That whole throwing to Cooper over and above anyone else not named Aaron Hernandez might not be such a bad thing. Dude can catch. And run. And block. Starting to think a career in football…and baseball…might not be entirely out of the realm of possibility (and starting to think I use that phrase entirely too much). To you Riley, a quote: “ONE HAND ON YA!”
Speaking of those other receivers, David Nelson and Deonte Thompson did both tally three catches a piece. Not mind-blowing, but season-highs for both.
And yes, that was Tebow lining up under center in the red zone. There may be something to this whole newfangled scheme with the quarterback not lined up in the shotgun. Gives defenses a little something to think about and seems to be working just dandy.
Sorry Bulldog fans, but we have to go ahead and mention it. In the second quarter, #15 passed Herschel Walker as the SEC’s all-time rushing touchdown leader. Tebow added another later in the game to push his career total to 51. Many Georgia supporters will point to the five TDs Walker scored in bowl games that weren’t added to records at the time and to be honest, they actually have a point. So let’s add them. Walker is at 54. Tebow at 51. Tebow is now listed in the record books – after all, it’s not his fault the rules for statistical tracking were changed – but this Gator fan will at least acknowledge the extra five Walker scored. With six games left in Tebow’s career, we’ll see if he can surpass the larger number.
The defense did its job, holding the Bulldogs to 17 points, 286 yards, and going on a linebacking interception party. The offense did as well, putting up 34 points (the other seven were courtesy #51) and surging ahead when Georgia pulled close in the second quarter. Caleb Sturgis proved he’s the kicker. And there was even a glimpse of the upcoming Mike Gillislee show. Overall good win and one that propels the Gators into the last few games of the regular season on a positive note.