College football: UF-FSU

Meyer, Leak stick together to the end

By IAN FISHER
Published November 27, 2005

GAINESVILLE - Through all the criticism, through all the questions about Chris Leak running the offense, Florida coach Urban Meyer stuck with his quarterback, not wavering when he struggled.

Saturday, Meyer's daughter, Nicole, wore a shirt that looked like a jersey with "Leak" and "12" plastered across the back. It was the perfect shirt because Meyer said Leak won the game for the Gators, going 19-of-28 for 211 yards and two touchdowns.

"Chris Leak has been through a lot," Meyer said. "He has been through a lot of ups and downs. That was a big-time win.

"A lot of people say he's never really won a game. I really felt like he stepped up in the Tennessee game and did as much as anybody to win that game. And I felt that way out there (Saturday)."

On the receiving end of many of Leak's passes was Chad Jackson, who had nine catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. He has caught a pass in 23 consecutive games and a touchdown in three in a row.

With a bowl game still to play, Jackson has 81 catches this season, seven fewer than the school record of Carlos Alvarez set in 1969.

That being said, Meyer was critical of Jackson as he has been all season. Jackson has never made Meyer's "Champion's Club," (essentially the players of the game) even though he leads the team with 11 touchdowns.

"You're not going to like what I'm about to say, but Chad Jackson can get a lot better," Meyer said. "Chad Jackson is still learning how to play wide receiver."

Jemalle Cornelius made two diving catches, one for 23 yards, and Dallas Baker caught a 15-yard touchdown. Despite the positives, though, Meyer said it could have been a lot better. Leak overthrew receivers throughout, including on his one interception.

"There were a lot of plays that could've been made," Meyer said. "Chad Jackson got behind the defense once or twice. We're still not a big-play offense."

[Last modified November 27, 2005, 12:40:32]