defense the key to success

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Defense remains the key to Florida's success story - Dec. 12, 2006

On the phone Monday morning, Florida co-defensive coordinator Greg
Mattison defined the two statistics he uses to judge the players he
coaches.

"We always need to be able to stop the run," he said on the
teleconference. "If you stop the run, you always have a chance to win.
And the other is scoring defense. We've really stepped up there."

And they have, from Southern Mississippi's visit on to the Southeastern
Conference championship. Over the last 13 games, this Gators defense
has excelled enough in those two categories to rank among the top
groups in the 100 years of Florida football.

UF has allowed opponents to run for 74.5 yards per game this season,
the second-best average in school history. And UF's 13.5 points
allowed per game would count as the lowest single-season average
since 1983.

But the Gators' toughest test comes Jan. 8 when Heisman Trophy-
winning quarterback Troy Smith and Ohio State face UF in the BCS
national championship game.

"We're really fired up," middle linebacker Brandon Siler said. "Our
defense thinks it's the best defense in the country, so going against a
guy like [Smith] is another way to try to make our point."

Against the run, Florida's made that point as well as any defense in the
country. The Gators rank sixth among the 119 teams in Division I-A, and
of UF defenses all time, only the 1997 unit boasts a better run average at
70.7 yards per game.

But as Coach Urban Meyer knows, the task goes beyond shutting down
the run.

"We're one of the top rush defenses in the country," he said. "But can we
hang in against the pass? That's where we've been exposed . . ."

Florida has posted decent numbers in the pass game, too. Led by
cornerback Ryan Smith's eight interceptions and six from safety Reggie
Nelson, the Gators intercepted 20 passes this season, tied for seventh
best in school history.

But opponents have thrown for 194.3 yards per game against the Gators,
ranking them just 51st in the nation. And with Smith, a senior, throwing
to star receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn, the Buckeyes
possess the talent for a much bigger day.

The GATOR NATION Source

Part of UF's pass woes come up front: the dismissal of defensive tackle
Marcus Thomas has pushed end Ray McDonald inside to replace him.
That leaves Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey each playing nearly every
snap at end.

The secondary, too, has struggled at times. Questions remain about the
competency of Reggie Lewis, who allowed a touchdown pass against
Arkansas, at the corner position opposite Smith.

"We've got to go out there and keep playing like we're playing," Lewis
said. "And everything will take care of itself."

Lewis hopes that is true, and the numbers -- mainly 12 wins, one loss --
show that should be true. They also show that one of the best defenses
in Gators history will take the program into one of the biggest games it
will ever play.

"Our front seven has taken a lot of pride in stopping the run," Mattison
said. "And equally important has been our secondary playing a big
part."

Credited Source: orlandosentinel.com 12/12/06

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