Colleges: UF-La. Tech

'Team' effort on defense encourages individuals

The Gators receive contributions from several players in limiting the Bulldogs to 162 yards.

By IAN FISHER
Published September 11, 2005

GAINESVILLE - The members of Florida's secondary have been spending a lot of time together off the field. They try to go out for a meal or have a barbecue at least once a week.

"That was part of our goal the whole offseason; to become a team, and that's what we're becoming," cornerback Dee Webb said after the 41-3 victory against Louisiana Tech.

Saturday, the result of their get-togethers was as many interceptions as points scored by the Bulldogs.

Webb and safety Kyle Jackson had one. Then linebacker Todd McCullough got in on the action, leaping to knock the ball down then securing it for the Gators' third interception of the game.

"I attempted to jump 40 inches, but I think I made it about 3 off the ground," McCullough said. "It was one of those things; right place, right time."

The interceptions were just a small part of Florida's big defensive day. Louisiana Tech gained only 162 yards, and the Bulldogs' only points came after a fumble by quarterback Chris Leak.

Florida had five tackles for losses, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

"It's like we're a defense now," Jackson said. "It's not just one person making plays. It's everyone."

That was evidenced by Florida's leading tackler having only five and 21 players contributing at least one.

But the best part of the defense's performance might have been the pressure put on the Bulldogs' quarterbacks. Coach Urban Meyer said the secondary had a good game but a lot of that was due to the pressure. Even safety Reggie Nelson came off the corner on a blitz and got a sack.

But it wasn't as bad as it could have been, Louisiana Tech coach Jack Bicknell said.

"I was concerned that it was one of those situations where we didn't have enough time at all, but I didn't have that feeling during the game," Bicknell said.

Saturday might have been exactly what Florida's defense needed before facing No. 6-ranked Tennessee.

"It gives us a lot of confidence," defensive end Ray McDonald said. "That really shows us that when we play a good four quarters of football, we can shut teams down."

But the Gators know Tennessee likely will be better than Louisiana Tech.

"A fairly good performance by the defense naturally gives confidence," McCullough said. "We have to go out and have a better performance next week."

[Last modified September 11, 2005, 08:22:21]