Colleges

Gators QB makes history with runs

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published November 4, 2007

GAINESVILLE - His shoulder is ailing, and he no longer is the front-runner in the Heisman race.

But Florida quarterback Tim Tebow continues to rewrite the Florida and conference record books.

The second of his two rushing touchdowns in Saturday's 49-22 win over Vanderbilt gave him 14, surpassing the SEC quarterback record set by John Bond (Mississippi State in 1983), Derrick Ramsay (Kentucky in 1977) and Andy Johnson (Georgia in 1971).

Tebow also tied the school record for rushing touchdowns set by Emmitt Smith in 1989 and Buford Long in 1952.

"That's pretty cool," Tebow said. "(Smith) was my favorite player growing up. It's a huge honor."

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: With its defensive line decimated by injuries, the Gators defensive staff decided to move Michael Pouncey, the touted center from Lakeland (and identical twin of Gator offensive lineman Maurkice) to the other side of the ball.

Michael stayed late Monday, got his first practice Tuesday and his first start Saturday. Pouncey sat with coach Urban Meyer in his hotel room Friday night and told the coach he was so ready to play he was worried he might not sleep.

"Just knowing that this was a big game for us, I just wanted to help the team out any way I could," Michael Pouncey said. "I worked hard all week in practice, so I figured I could do well. I just went hard out there and played hard.

"We needed this a lot. The team knew that. That's why we practiced so hard (last) week. This game mattered a lot for us to stay in the (SEC East) race."

Meyer credited Pouncey's energy and enthusiasm for the defense's improved play on Saturday and said he'll remain there for the remainder of the season.

Injuries to tackles Brandon Antwine, Lutrell Alford, Javier Estopinan and Terron Sanders left the Gators with a defensive line rotation of seven players, including five redshirt freshmen and a true freshman.

JAMES ON A ROLL: The questions about his size (5 feet 6) never cease, but Brandon James keeps coming up big as a return man for the Gators.

He had two returns of 50 yards or more Saturday (52 and 53) and leads the nation with seven kick returns of more than 50 yards. Four have come in the past three games.

"Not at all," James said when asked if the accolades mean anything.

"I come out every game and try to play hard for my team. If we win and I don't get any returns, that's fine with me."

James also recovered his first career fumble (by Alex Washington) on a punt that led to a Florida touchdown with 4:16 remaining in the third.

"I came down yelling at the guy to try to get him to drop it, and he did," James said.

Added Meyer: "I'll set my hair on fire if it excites them and we're going to play like that."

CHANGE OF PACE: Last week, it was Georgia that resorted to motivational tactics. Saturday, the Gators brought their own.

Playing in Gainesville for the first time in 35 days, the coaching staff surprised the players and ordered all blue uniforms.

"We did not actually know we were wearing them before the game," Tebow said.

"We came back in (from pregame warmups), and they were in the lockers. I thought it was kind of cool."

[Last modified November 3, 2007, 21:16:08]