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Finally, sack mark is Brown's

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 7, 2001

GAINESVILLE -- The Gators thought it would happen in their first two games. Then the Tennessee game seemed appropriate. After the fourth game of the season, it became almost frustrating.

On Saturday, defensive end Alex Brown became Florida's all-team sacks leader after starting the season needing 4 1/2.

"It was great," Brown said. "Just to know all the other people that played here, Jevon Kearse, Kevin Carter. So many people and I'm on top."

Brown's unofficial 1 1/2 sacks against Louisiana State eclipsed Alonzo Johnson's record of 27. The senior holds the single-game record with five against Tennessee in 1999.

Even though the 16-year-old record loomed at the beginning of the season, Brown said he wasn't worried about it.

"I just wanted to win," Brown said. "I knew it was going to come."

FROM LONG RANGE: Kicker Jeff Chandler, Florida's all-time leading scorer, missed a 40-yard extra point in the second quarter after the Gators received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty followed by an offsides penalty.

Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who caught the touchdown, bowed in front of the crowd and was penalized.

Florida was penalized 12 times for 68 yards.

DEALING WITH THE CROWD: During the first drive, the Gators were penalized twice for false starts, which could be attributed to the crowd noise at Tiger Stadium.

Florida had the quarterbacks whisper during practice to prepare, but coach Steve Spurrier said he would not consider piping in noise to get the players used to not being able to hear the quarterback.

"I never have and never will," Spurrier said. "We just have the quarterbacks whisper and the players just have to watch the ball. I think that helps, but I guess it gives some head coaches something to do."

CALLING IT: Spurrier made more than the right calls on the field. During his postgame news conference, he inquired about the Georgia-Tennessee score.

When told of Georgia's win, he said to athletics director Jeremy Foley, "What did I tell you?"

Said Foley: "You said they would win."

Spurrier replied, "I said they had a chance. I knew they had a chance."

ON THE SIDELINES: Spurrier received the second sideline warning of his career Saturday. His last warning came in Baton Rouge, La., in 1997.

"We got some bad refereeing in that game," Spurrier said. "It took us out of having a chance to win late. I think we've got that same crew this year, so I probably shouldn't say anything."

ROBERTS THE RECEIVER: Former Dade City-Pasco High fullback Rob Roberts caught his second career pass.

Roberts caught the 8-yard strike from quarterback Rex Grossman early in the second half.

INJURY UPDATE: Grossman sprained his ankle during the first quarter and was wearing a boot on it after the game. Grossman said he was okay but felt sore. Linebacker Andra Davis broke his hand during the first quarter and finished the game with it padded and taped.

Defensive end Bobby McCray sprained his ankle and offensive lineman Mike Pearson had ice on his arm following the game after taking a helmet to the elbow.

Tailback Earnest Graham sprained an ankle.

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