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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett reflects on Florida's 42-17 win over Georgia. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.
*So much for Florida being overrated and vulnerable. This game was yet another prime example of media overreactions. Leading up to the game Saturday, many analysts talked of how Florida wasn't the same team, Tim Tebow had regressed and the Gators weren't playing like champions. Champions win (and here's a secret, UF is undefeated). The expectations this team is held to are simply ridiculous. When you play in the SEC, you don't win every game by three touchdowns. Period. Give the Gators a lot of credit for silencing their critics and handling their business against a hungry Georgia football team.
*Congratulations to Tim Tebow, who became the SEC's career rushing touchdown leader in the victory. Ironically enough, Tebow topped former Georgia legend Herschel Walker's mark. Tebow flexed his muscle against the Bulldogs, throwing two touchdowns and running for two more scores. It was a fitting way for Tebow to finish his Jacksonville career.
*The Gator offense racked up 22 first downs, but the story of the afternoon was the Florida defense. The Gators forced four turnovers, all interceptions, and returned one pick for a touchdown to close out of the game. The front seven was in the face of Joe Cox all afternoon long and set the tempo for the game from the opening drive of the game. Cox just wasn't given any time to throw; before his receivers could finish their routes, he was forced to get rid of the football. Jermaine Cunningham's sack of Cox was one of the hits of the year in the SEC.
*Speaking of plays of the year, UF senior wide receiver Riley Cooper had an epic one-handed touchdown snag for the opening score of the game. The 22-yard reception has SportsCenter top ten written all over it as Cooper tiptoed the backline while catching the pass with one arm and maintaining control as he fell to the ground. A great individual effort from Mr. Cooper.
*It was an ugly performance for Georgia, with nine penalties and four interceptions. Our number one key for the Bulldogs in our game preview was, "...Georgia ranks last in the SEC in penalties, losing 74.7 yards per game due to such mistakes. The Bulldogs ranked 10th in the SEC in turnovers lost with 17. If UGA gets called for numerous penalties and turns the football over, they have no chance of beating the number one team in the nation. Georgia's 65 penalties, which ranks 116th in the nation, is especially concerning considering the Bulldogs have had a bye week. This team must contain their emotions and make good decisions, remained focused and avoid mental mistakes. Quarterback Joe Cox must take care of the football against the most aggressive defense in the SEC...". The problems obviously continued. One bright spot for UGA was the play of true freshman running back Washaun Ealey. At times, #24 looked like his predecessor of the same number, now running for the NFL's Denver Broncos. Ealey is a stud with a bright future.
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