JACKSONVILLE - The value of quarterback Tim Tebow?s running ability was clearly demonstrated in ninth-ranked UF's 42-30 loss to No. 20 Georgia.
Tebow had just seven carries for 25 yards on designed runs and finished with -15 rushing yards - the lowest total of his career - after being sacked six times.
The Gators (5-3, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) had given up just five sacks coming into the game.
BGeorgia did a good job of mixing up their blitzes,C Tebow said. BI should have made a few better protection calls, and we should have picked up a few more guys to get the ball out. It?s just something we have to work on.C
The absence of Tebow?s running game was mostly due to his bruised right shoulder, which he injured late in UF?s win over Kentucky last week.
BDuring the week he?s been grimacing and holding his right shoulder,C safety Tony Joiner said. BMost of the time he keeps it to himself.C
The Gators? offense looked much different without the spark of Tebow?s running ability.
Minus the threat of a Tebow run, the effectiveness of play-action passes dwindled, and short-yardage conversions became more difficult.
BWe thought we had a good game plan,C Tebow said. BIf I was 100 percent I might have had a few more running plays in there, but our game plan was sound.C
Tebow?s injury was most obvious on a fourth-down play early in the fourth quarter.
The Gators were trailing 28-24 and driving at the UGA 25 when they found themselves in the familiar position of needing two yards to convert a first down.
With Tebow healthy the play call would be simple - but instead UF attempted a reverse.
Receiver Andre Caldwell was tackled for a three-yard loss after trying to pitch the ball to Percy Harvin, who was knocked out of the play. Georgia (6-2, 4-2 SEC) took over on downs and scored two plays later to take a 35-24 lead.
BWe wanted to take a home-run shot and put it in Harvin?s hands,C coach Urban Meyer said of the p
Despite his astonishingly low rushing total, Tebow finished with two touchdowns œ his ninth-straight game with a touchdown on the ground.
UF?s offense looked its best on the opening drive of the second half, when the balance between Tebow?s runs and passes was briefly restored.
He gained two yards on 4th-and-1 and carried twice inside the Bulldogs? 10 to score.
Tebow faced relentless pressure from the Georgia defense all game long.
He was sacked on the Gators? first play, and twice on two separate drives that led to punts.
Tebow was reluctant to blame his performance on his bruised shoulder.
BThere?s some pain, but I don?t think it affected the way I played too much,C he said.
