The key to Percy Harvin's record-setting day in No. 18 UF's win over Vanderbilt was simple.
Slow down.
BA lot of times I?ll be running too fast and I?ll outrun all my blockers, so I just slowed down and tried to read it,C Harvin said.
The sophomore rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, and caught nine passes for 110 yards to lead the Gators (6-3, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) in the 49-22 victory against the Commodores (5-4, 2-4 SEC).
The performance marked the first time in Gators history that a player went over the century mark in both rushing and receiving yards.
BIt was a great achievement with all the great players and wide receivers that played here,C he said. BA lot of that goes to my offensive line. They made huge holes that I felt anyone could have run through.C
The coaching staff abandoned their usual concerns of overusing a player, and they gave Harvin the ball early and often.
Harvin had touches on six consecutive plays on UF?s final drive of the first half, which ended in a touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell.
BYou do get concerns - the same as with (quarterback Tim Tebow) - of how many shots can a guy like Percy take,C Meyer said. BPound for pound, he?s a strong of a player as we have on the team. BI?ve talked to him about this, and we?re going to ride those horses. We?re in November in a fight for our lives in the SEC, so you do what you do to move the ball.C
Harvin accounted for all 39 yards on UF's second touchdown drive with a 21-yard catch and an 18-yard scoring run.
BI?ve been real hungry for this,C Harvin said. BA lot of times when we watch film I?ll see a play where I missed a cut or I slip. I was hungry for this and prepared.C
Harvin?s play also allowed gave his teammates more field to work with, as many of his touches were followed by big runs or catches by another Gator.
BAnytime Percy is having a game like that it?s going to make teams œ even if they aren?t making a call to cover him œ they?re aware of where No. 1 is,C Tebow said. BThey might be cheating one step, and then you can get it in to someone else. That just opened it up for everybody.C
Harvin?s electrifying day provided a spark for UF and perhaps a new offensive formula - just give him the ball.
BSometimes I get in trouble for not carrying out my fakes after I hand it to him because I?m trying to watch him go,C Tebow said. BHe?s a fun player to watch and play with.C
