Stopping A.J. Green a tall order for Meyer, Gators

By Adam Silverstein
October 27, 2009

Never one to look in the rear view mirror, Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer probably began thinking about the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party as he was running off the field Saturday night in Starkville, MS. In doing so, the one of the first things that popped into his mind about the Georgia Bulldogs was their outstanding wide receivers.

“Georgia has great receivers, including one of the best in the nation,” Meyer said in his weekly Monday press conference. “[A.J. Green] has the ability to go up and over us, like he did last year. We have to find a way [to] defend him and not be so concerned about him [that] they can run the ball.”

Paramount in importance to stopping Green are Florida’s cornerbacks Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins. “Those are two of the best corners I have ever had the privilege to be around,” Meyer said. “I have great confidence in them. Their ability level is one thing, but their attention to detail is what separates them.”

No matter how well the Gators play on defense, improving the offense’s consistency and effectiveness is going to be harped on all week in practice. “Offensively, we will need to do a better job in some areas,” Meyer admitted. “We were not good on third downs and red zone production. We will spend time on those things early this week.”

During Monday’s press conference, Meyer also touched on the team’s Champions Club from Saturday’s game at the Mississippi State Bulldogs:

Offense: QB Tim Tebow; TE Aaron Hernandez; WR – Riley Cooper, Deonte Thompson, Brandon James and David Nelson; OL – Marcus Gilbert, Mike and Maurkice Pouncey
Offensive Player of the Game: RB Chris Rainey
Defense: LB – Dustin Doe and A.J. Jones, S – Major Wright, Ahmad Black and Will Hill; CB Janoris Jenkins; DE Jermaine Cunningham; DT Terron Sanders
Defensive Players of the Game: DE Carlos Dunlap, LB Ryan Stamper

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