Gators Not Looking Past Appalachian State
Friday, November 19, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The words and emotional delivery of play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman remain as captivating today as they did then.
“The kick is blocked. Appalachian State has stunned the college football world, one of the greatest upsets in sports history.''
The upset was so stunning, Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore forgot to remove his headset immediately after the game. In YouTube clips that have been watched hundreds of thousands of times, Moore is nearly speechless when first approached by a Big Ten Network sideline reporter.
Moore finally gathered his thoughts while his team celebrated by forming a human mountain on the field in front of more than 100,000 shocked Michigan fans at “The Big House.''
“This is just a crowning achievement,'' said Moore, still wearing his headset. “We beat a good Michigan football team right here on this field. That is what is so remarkable about this.''
The Gators intend to make sure a similar scene doesn't unfold Saturday on Senior Day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium when the Mountaineers pay a visit. Appalachian State's 34-32 upset at No. 9-ranked Michigan in 2007 made national headlines.
“We're all aware of it,'' Florida safety Will Hill said.
“It was a crazy victory,'' Gators senior offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert said. “It's 2010. It's a different year, different teams. I think we're going to come out and handle business because a lot guys, especially seniors, have a chip on their shoulders and are not going to let this be our last loss at the Swamp.''
After losing only twice at home the previous four seasons, the Gators have lost three consecutive home games in the same season for the first time since 1986.
In what has been a roller-coaster ride from the first snap, Florida's season dipped again in a 36-14 loss to South Carolina and ex-Gators coach Steve Spurrier a week ago. The loss prevented the Gators from making their third consecutive trip to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.
Without a championship to play for, the Gators turned their focus this week to more modest goals.
“I asked them to stick together and let's send these seniors out winners,'' Gators coach Urban Meyer said. “That's a hell of a class we had. We're going to do everything we can to win this darn game.''
But Meyer isn't looking past the 9-1 Mountaineers. He knows too much about Moore and the Mountaineers' talent to consider that.
“Make no mistake about it, the team we're playing isn't some clown show,'' Meyer said. “This is a real team. They are coming in here to win this thing.''
Meyer and Moore got to know each other several years ago when Meyer was at Utah and Moore called to ask if he could come out and study Meyer's spread-option offense. They became better friends a couple of years ago when they hung out at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.
While this is Appalachian State's first game in the Sunshine State in 48 years, Moore is no stranger to the Swamp. Since Meyer took over the Gators in 2005, Moore has visited multiple times to study Meyer's offense and how he runs his program.
“When you go down there and really watch them, it's like going to an NFL camp,'' Moore said. “I didn't ask him if I could come this past spring since we were playing. I just hope he remembers [on Saturday] that we're friends.''
In his 22nd season at Appalachian State, Moore has led the Mountaineers to three FCS national championships since going to more of a spread-option offense in 2003. During his trips to Gainesville, Moore said he attended quarterback meetings and staff meetings as Meyer rolled out the red carpet.
“He just opened the door. He makes you feel comfortable around him,'' Moore said. “The thing that attracted me to Urban Meyer's program – whether it was at Utah or wherever it might be – is that it's a hard-nosed, tough, physical program. I like to think we strive to be that here.”
The 71-year-old Moore considers Meyer one of the game's most innovative coaches, and Meyer has the same type of respect for Moore, who needs two more wins for 200 at Appalachian State.
“Coach Moore and I are very good friends,'' Meyer said. “I see the way they go after punts. I see the way they pay attention to detail on special teams. I see a lot of similarity. I'm proud of him. He's a heck of a football coach.''
For the Gators, Saturday's game is important not only for the seniors, but as a chance to finish out the home schedule strong before heading to Tallahassee to face arch-rival Florida State next week. The Gators' bowl destination also remains in question.
Beyond the tangible goals, the Gators also are searching to re-establish an offense that went missing for three quarters against South Carolina. Florida averaged 465 yards in wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt, but managed just 226 against the Gamecocks – including 67 in the first three quarters.
Meyer said the plan Saturday is to start junior John Brantley at quarterback and also use Trey Burton and Jordan Reed. The Gators know that Appalachian State, ranked third in the latest FCS Division I polls, won't be intimidated with talented quarterback DeAndre Presley running the show. Presley was a teammate of Florida linebacker A.J. Jones at Tampa's Middleton High.
“We're going to treat it like any other game, like an SEC school,'' Brantley said. “We're not going to take them lightly. We're just going to keep moving forward and try to figure things out.''
Appalachian State has more on its mind than pulling off a historic upset. After closing the regular season on Saturday, the Mountaineers are headed to the FCS playoffs seeking their fourth national championship in six seasons.
“We're peaking at a good time,'' Moore said. “It's going to be important how we play at Florida. It's not just a show-up-and-pick-up-the-check game.''
The Gators certainly aren't looking at it as one.
