Carter's Notebook: Clark Fifth UF Freshman To Post A TD, Injuries Add Up
Sunday, November 28, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Gators' offense has struggled to put points on the board early in games for much of the season. But on Saturday at Florida State, the Gators scored on their opening drive for the second consecutive game.
But the scoring drive was noteworthy for more than that: true freshman receiver Robert Clark caught the first touchdown of his career.
“I was wide open,'' said Clark, out of Palm Beach Dwyer. “Everybody was excited, especially me because it was my first touchdown. After that play, I thought we were going to come out and be on fire.''
The 20-yard touchdown was Clark's only reception of the game and gave the Gators their only lead (7-3) in a 31-7 loss.
Clark is the fifth freshman to score a touchdown for the Gators this season, joining Trey Burton, Andre Debose, Solomon Patton and Jordan Reed.
INJURIES PILE UP
As he finished up his postgame session with reporters, senior center Mike Pouncey headed off to have x-rays taken of his chest.
Pouncey was having trouble breathing and was in obvious pain as he answered questions about the Gators' disappointing loss.
“I got hit in the chest. I don't know what it is right now,'' Pouncey said. “It hurts. Hopefully it's nothing bad.''
Meanwhile, third-string quarterback Jordan Reed left the game early in the second half after suffering a concussion. Reed was still feeling woozy after the game.
Mayer said WR Omarius Hines (shoulder) and DT Jaye Howard (ankle) missed time with injuries Saturday.
BIG RETURNS
Debose's 62-yard kickoff return in the first quarter was his third return of 60 or more yards.
Debose had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against South Carolina and an 88-yard kickoff return for a score against LSU.
MCCARNEY WATCH
Multiple Internet reports Saturday had Gators defensive line coach Dan McCarney as the leading candidate to become head coach at North Texas.
Following Saturday's game, Meyer was asked if McCarney was leaving his staff.
“I have not been made aware of it,'' Meyer said.
MOMENTUM SWINGER
The Gators tried a fake-punt attempt in the second quarter on fourth-and-five from its 36. Punter Chas Henry took the snap and then tried to run for the first down, falling a yard short.
On the ensuing play, FSU quarterback Christian Ponder hit Rodney Smith for a 39-yard touchdown pass to give the Seminoles a 17-7 lead.
“I didn't manage the game right with that fake punt,'' Meyer said of the momentum swing.
Pouncey said: “It was big [momentum-wise], but that one play didn't lose us the game.''
EXTRA POINTS
Florida's loss was its first to FSU since a 38-34 defeat in 2003 … The Gators still lead the all-time series 33-20-2, including 12-11-1 in Tallahassee … Trey Burton made his first career start at quarterback … John Brantley started at receiver … Jordan Reed had 74 yards rushing on 13 carries.
