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Defensive players learn it's fun to be the bullies

By JOANNE KORTH

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 16, 2000

GAINESVILLE -- In the end, it had very little to do with complicated schemes or strategies. Turning around Florida's foundering defense was a matter of emotion.

The No. 8 Gators are getting results because they are having fun.

"It's a big party, and everyone is trying to attend," linebacker Marcus Oquendo-Johnson said.

Florida dominated its second straight opponent in Saturday's 38-7 victory against then-No. 19 Auburn at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The week before it was Louisiana State 41-9.

Players are plowing through blockers, bringing down ball carriers on first contact and forcing turnovers at an amazing rate. The season total of 21 forced turnovers leads the Southeastern Conference.

"Maybe the defense got tired of seeing how they were playing, hearing how they were playing," coach Steve Spurrier said. "It was the truth, though, so there wasn't anybody to get mad at. We just decided to go out and play like we're capable, play up to our potential."

The turning point was a 47-35 loss on Sept. 30 at Mississippi State. The Gators allowed 351 yards rushing to what then was the conference's last-place offense.

"That was a wake-up call," defensive coordinator Jon Hoke said.

Rather than make things worse with criticism, coaches tried a little tenderness. Spurrier ordered his players to relax and have fun. And it worked.

"We haven't been so uptight," said sophomore safety Todd Johnson, who had seven tackles, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass against Auburn. "We've been going out there, playing loose and having fun."

THE RIGHT CALL: When officials signaled offensive pass interference against receiver Brian Haugabrook for blocking downfield on a forward pass, negating an 18-yard touchdown pass, Spurrier flipped.

"I said, "Whoa, timeout, that was behind the line of scrimmage,' " Spurrier said of the screen pass to freshman Jabar Gaffney.

In pleading his case, Spurrier inadvertently put his hands on an official, then quickly dashed back to the safety of the sideline with his hands in the air. After conferring, officials waved off the flag and called the play a touchdown.

"I was proud of the refs for going in there and getting it right instead of saying, "Well, he's already called it, can't do anything about it,' " Spurrier said. "That was the right call."

SPEAK UP: Freshman quarterback Rex Grossman's knowledge of the Fun 'n' Gun offense has been impressive in two starts, but there is room for improvement.

"We're trying to get him to speak a little louder," Spurrier said. "His voice is not real loud at times. That's why some of the guys were jumping offside. That, and he was double-checking off at times."

OPEN DATE: Florida is idle Saturday and will not practice today or Tuesday. The Gators (6-1, 4-1) play rival Georgia (5-1, 3-1) in a key Eastern Division game Oct. 28 in Jacksonville. Game time has not announced because of television.

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