SIX BITS: Wrapping up Florida at Mississippi State

1 » Florida Gators senior quarterback Tim Tebow declined to speak to the press following a game for the first time in his collegiate career. Was he upset at his performance? Speaking/apologizing to the team? Was it a decision by head coach Urban Meyer? According to some Gators assistants, Tebow simply decided not to speak and was already on the bus when the press conference began. OGGOA will try to find out what really kept Tebow out of the spotlight following the Mississippi State Bulldogs game – if we can.

2 » It is obvious that the red zone is where the Gators are struggling the most this season. They are only 7-of-26 from it in SEC play. And no one is more frustrated about it than Meyer, who was very succinct when asked about it after the game. “I didn’t coach very well,” Meyer said. “I put Tim in some tough situations down in the red zone. Our red zone offense right now is really an issue and something we’ll get on during the plane ride home. For years, I can’t think of when we’ve never not lead the SEC or been in the top three [in red-zone production]. And we’re not. We have to evaluate what we’re doing.”

3 » Senior linebacker Brandon Spikes (groin) was dressed as if he would play Saturday night, yet he never stepped on the field. Florida sure could have used him in the interior, but did well enough without him to justify him standing on the sideline. It is almost decided that Spikes will return this week for the Georgia Bulldogs game. In other injury news, running back Jeff Demps (neck) was wearing a neck brace after the game, though Meyer told reporters there is no structural damage. Chris Rainey played well in his stead. Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis pulled his hamstring on a return and should miss some time. The Gators hope to have Moses Jenkins back on returns next week, though his recovery from a concussion sustained against the Kentucky Wildcats is coming along slowly.

4 » Playing without three starters last night, the Gators defense still put together a great game. It is obvious the unit is adjusting to the extra responsibility being heaped on it not only by its own injured players and an offense which has been slow to get off the ground all season. “They’re playing with a lot of pride,” Meyer said. “That’s an experienced group now. That’s a group of grown men there.” Cornerback Joe Haden agrees. “Everything was clicking, defensive line, secondary, linebackers,” he said. “The main thing we did was wrap up No. 24 [Anthony Dixon]. We didn’t want him to make big plays against us.”

5 » Two noticeable improvements over last week’s performance were ball security and creation of turnovers. Florida worked hard on this all week during practice and it was successful – at least as far as fumbling goes. Last week, the Gators gave up four fumbles and produced zero turnovers of their own. This week, the defensive unit grabbed three interceptions – two by linebackers. On offense, the team held onto the ball and kept it off the ground; however, Tebow threw two interceptions, one that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown and another out of his own endzone also returned for a touchdown.

6 » Yes, the Gators won Saturday night. But for the second week in the row, it was not satisfying one bit. Too many ups-and-downs, too many mistakes, too many missed opportunities.