Fiery speech again serves Gators

Associated Press
Published Sunday, November 1, 2009

When No. 1 Florida looks back on this season, Halloween week could be the one that stands out.

Turning point? The Gators might simply call it another "Mississippi Moment."

Remember quarterback Tim Tebow's speech following a 31-30 loss to Mississippi last season, the one that helped propel Florida to its second national champion in three years? The Gators heard another inspirational message last week following a 29-19 victory at Mississippi State.

Coach Urban Meyer said Sunday he started a series of locker-room addresses in Starkville after Tebow threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and the offense struggled to score for the third consecutive week.

Florida responded with its most well-rounded game in a month, thumping rival Georgia 41-17 on Saturday and clinching a spot in the SEC championship game.

Although some reports said Tebow and linebacker Brandon Spikes had a verbal altercation before the speeches, Meyer denied that happening.

Meyer said he apologized for calling a pass play deep in Florida territory that resulted in one defensive score, then turned the floor over to defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, guard Mike Pouncey, Tebow and Spikes.

"We get on guys and hold them accountable," Spikes said Saturday night. "Things weren't getting done. Things weren't getting done the way we expected. We had a team meeting. We may have stepped on a few toes. Throughout the whole week, it was just an issue that guys weren't really happy. It wasn't no big deal, nothing like that. You're going to hit a little adversity. You've got to get through that."

In other news:

n Auburn strong safety Zac Etheridge will likely miss the rest of the season with a neck injury sustained against Mississippi, coach Gene Chizik said.

n Kentucky coach Rich Brooks says injured quarterback Mike Hartline (shoulder) will return to the practice this week for limited activity but is not close to being ready to play.

n Georgia coach Mark Richt isn't saying if he plans to bench quarterback Joe Cox. Cox was yanked from a 41-17 loss to top-ranked Florida after throwing three interceptions, and Richt declined to say Sunday night if the move is permanent. Sophomore Logan Gray also struggled, throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.