Brandon Hicks started the week battling Dustin Doe for playing time at the weakside linebacker spot. After his performance in No. 3 UF's 56-6 rout of No. 24 South Carolina, he might enter next week as the starter at strongside linebacker.
And the Gamecocks came into The Swamp considered by many to be the Southeastern Conference's best defense, as they ranked first in total defense and third in scoring defense, but Hicks and the Gators laid claim to that title by causing two early touchdowns and holding South Carolina to just 173 yards.
"We heard about that all week," Hicks said. "They came out saying they were the best defense (in the SEC), and we felt like we had something to prove and show America that we're the best defense, no matter who is in, back-ups or whoever."
Playing in place of AJ Jones (knee injury), Hicks caused two first-quarter interceptions that resulted in two touchdowns in less than one minute, giving the Gators another fast start.
During its current six-game win streak, UF (9-1, 7-1 SEC) has outscored its opponents 101-0 in the opening quarter, and the Gators have Hicks to thank for continuing that trend.
"Once you get on top of a team, it's hard for them to try and get back up," Hicks said. "The first quarter kind of speaks for the game. Once you go out there and put your mark on the field, you'll see how good a team is, whether they're going to fold or man up."
Hicks made his mark on USC's third drive, when he blitzed quarterback Chris Smelley on a 3rd-and-5.
Smelley scrambled toward the goal line and lofted an underthrown pass into the outstretched hands of UF linebacker Brandon Spikes, who trotted into the end zone.
"Great momentum change," Spikes said. "I think the game is based on momentum being in The Swamp, and if you make a mistake, we'll make you pay for it."
Hicks forced the Gamecocks' next mistake on the next drive - just two plays later - when he blitzed again and tipped Smelley's pass near the line of scrimmage.
Safety Ahmad Black snatched the deflection and returned it 7 yards to USC's 26-yard line, and receiver Percy Harvin scored on the next play.
The Gators added another touchdown after South Carolina (7-4, 4-4 SEC) fumbled a long lateral attempt on the ensuing kickoff, opening a 21-0 lead in a 2:15 span.
When the Gamecocks got the ball back, Hicks was wreaking havoc in the backfield again.
This time he came unblocked on a blitz and rammed into quarterback Stephen Garcia for a sack and a 7-yard loss, dooming USC to one of its 10 punts two plays later.
That gave Hicks two forced interceptions and a sack in four plays spread across three drives, and his performance doesn't bode well for Jones' hopes of regaining a starting spot.
"I have a feeling AJ Jones is going to practice really hard if he wants to play," coach Urban Meyer said. "You want to play on this team now, and there are guys fighting. There are three safeties fighting for playing time now. That makes you play harder and makes you play smarter."
