Title "Defense"

The big news came just hours before the game. Tim Tebow would be the starting QB for the Florida Gators in Death Valley. While the news was good, it may not have been the most important part of the Gators' victory last night. The biggest story for this Gators team is the fact that their defense is very, very good.

This defensive unit still has only allowed 2 touchdowns all season long. I'm not sure if too many people around the nation can comprehend that fact. As Urban Meyer likes to say, this unit is a "grown man's defense." The offense uncharacteristically sputtered late in a few drives and left at least 10 points on the field. They need not worry, as the defense was there to pick them up.

Brandon Spikes was all over the field for the first time this season. Joe Haden seemingly broke up every pass that headed his way, including a late second quarter interception. Ahmad Black turned into Major Wright and delivered some bone jarring hits. The defensive line was amazing. Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham, Justin Trattou and even Terron Sanders all had great games against the very solid rushing attack of the LSU Tigers.

There were some bright spots on offense as well. The O-Line, led by the Pouncey Twins, played perhaps their best game of the season. They allowed the Gator rushing attack to gut the very stout front seven of LSU. Aaron Hernandez played a very solid game at the TE position. He even came within inches of saving Tebow and hauling in a third quarter TD pass. Emmanuel Moody finally showed why this particularly blog has a total no-homo man crush on the guy. He never went down on first or even second contact and averaged 7 yards a carry.

I have to cut the outline short now. I just arrived in Gainesville to kick Caleb Sturgis in the nuts as promised. Although for different reasons.

Here's the stats of the classic SEC-style victory of the Gators.

Passing

Tim Tebow 11-16 134 yards 1 td 1 int

Rushing

Jeff Demps 16 rushes 86 yards
Emmanuel Moody 6 rushes 42 yards
Tim Tebow 17 rushes 38 yards
Aaron Hernandez 1 rush 16 yards
Chris Rainey 4 rushes 11 yards

Receiving

Aaron Hernandez 6 recs 70 yards
Riley Cooper 2 recs 31 yards 1 td
Deonte Thompson 2 recs 11 yards
Brandon James 1 rec 20 yards

Field Goals

Caleb Sturgis 2/3 Long-32 yards

Tackles

Brandon Spikes 11
A.J. Jones 10
Ryan Stamper 9

Sacks

Brandon Spikes 2.5
Jermaine Cunningham 1
Justin Trattou 1
Carlos Dunlap 0.5

Interceptions

Joe Haden 1


Player of The Game


Brandon Spikes - Linebacker, The Predator

Spikes played easily what was his best game of the year. Now that I think about it, it was about LSU week when Spikes really started playing out of his mind last season. Perhaps this is a sign of things to come. All I know is you can pretty much pencil him in as All-American 1st team at the LB position. I hope Spikes formally introduces Ryan Mallett to the Swamp and SEC play next week.