Carter's Notebook: Debose Demonstrates Game-Changing Abilities
Sunday, October 10, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At the time redshirt freshman Andre Debose fielded a kickoff at the Gators' 12-yard line early in the fourth quarter, LSU had just taken a 12-point lead and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium had grown unusually quiet on a Saturday night.
In a matter of 11 seconds, Debose changed that by racing 88 yards for his first career touchdown and the first kickoff return for a touchdown by a UF freshman in 13 years. Bo Carroll was the last freshman kickoff returner to go all the way, taking one back 94 yards against Arkansas in 1997.
Debose has started making an impact after missing last season due to a serious leg injury.
“We have identified an electric play-maker,'' Gators coach Urban Meyer said. “Now he has to do it more consistently and more often. He's just growing up as a player. He's got some dynamic potential.”
Moments after LSU took a 26-14 lead to open the fourth quarter, Debose fielded a kick on the left side, cleared the initial rush of defenders, and then sprinted down the sideline to bring the crowd back to life.
“The coaches told me to trust my blockers, and that's what I did,'' Debose said. “I just knew we needed a big play. I believe it was just perfect blocking.''
Debose finished with a team-high 163 all-purpose yards, returning five kickoffs for 154 yards and gaining nine yards on one carry.
BRANTLEY PLAYS IN PAIN
Prior to the game, rumors started circulating about Gators starting quarterback John Brantley not playing because of cracked ribs. Turned out the rumors were false.
Brantley said he knew he was going to play as early as Sunday despite suffering a rib injury late in the Alabama game when he was tackled trying to get a first down on a fourth-down run.
“There was never any doubt that I wasn't going to play,'' Brantley said. “[My ribs] are a little banged up, nothing too serious; nothing you can't play through.
“It wasn't really that bad. Our training staff did a good job. My body felt pretty good during the game.''
Brantley, coming in and out of the game when Trey Burton and Jordan Reed took snaps from the wildcat formation, finished 16 of 24 for 154 yards and one interception. He was sacked three times.
Brantley led the Gators on a 10-play, 80-yard drive in the fourth quarter to take a 29-26 lead, converting a two-point play with a completion to Frankie Hammond after Mike Gillislee's 5-yard run.
Offensive lineman Carl Johnson said Brantley earned even more respect from his teammates.
“It was a phenomenal last drive offensively,'' Johnson said. “He fought hard. I thought Brantley left it all on the field. He was in pain, but he's a tough kid.''
ORANGE CRUSH
A lot of flashbulbs started popping when the Gators ran out of the tunnel to take the field in orange jerseys.
The last time the Gators wore orange jerseys, Florida Field had artificial turf, Urban Meyer was an assistant at Illinois State, and a guy named Emmitt Smith wore No. 22.
For the record, the Gators had not worn orange uniforms prior to Saturday since a 38-28 win against Kentucky on Nov. 18, 1989.
MOORE REMAINS MR. CLUTCH
Gators WR Carl Moore continues to make catches when the Gators need them most. Moore finished with a team-high four catches for 95 yards, including three more on third down to give Florida a first down.
Eleven of Moore's last 12 catches have been third- or fourth-down conversions for the Gators. Moore's 51-yard catch on third down in the fourth quarter was a career-high and the longest pass completion by the Gators this season.
“He has really come on this season,'' Brantley said. “We needed a guy to do that. He is a big-play guy. He knows how to get open and he has great hands.''
INJURY REPORT
Meyer said OL Jon Halapio, who started at right guard, suffered a hand injury. Halapio left the game late in the first half and did not return … With Halapio starting at right guard, Maurice Hurt started at right tackle and Xavier Nixon came off the bench … RB Jeff Demps did not play due to a sprained left foot that has hampered him the past couple of weeks. “I thought we would have him,'' Meyer said. “He tried. Obviously, that's an impact.''
EXTRA POINTS
Gators DE Justin Trattou recorded a career-high 9 tackles … Punter Chas Henry averaged 52.5 yards on four punts and is averaging 56.5 yards over his last 10 punts … The Gators prevented any punt return yards by LSU's Patrick Peterson, who entered the game averaging 21.8 yards per return … Safety Ahmad Black's fumble recover on a muffed punt by LSU's Patrick Peterson was the first of his career … LB Jelani Jenkins recorded the first interception of his career in the first quarter, marking the 29th time in the last 34 games the Gators have intercepted a pass … The Gators held LSU's Stevan Ridley, the SEC's leading rusher, to 88 yards on 28 carries. Ridley entered the game averaging 111 yards per game.
