The Traveler

Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Gibson Junior Riley Cooper hauls in a Tim Tebow pass during the Gators' 38-7 win over Arkansas on Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Florida has beat Arkansas seven straight times.

For three quarters, the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) were finally competing the way in which they wanted.

The Hogs contained Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow defensively, moved the ball down the field offensively, and kept the score within reach.

However, a failure to convert long drives into points put the Hogs in a hole. Then, in the fourth quarter, the Gators blew up for 21 unanswered points to give the UA their third consecutive lopsided loss to a ranked team 38-7.

"It's a tough loss because our players did a nice job of handling last week's loss and getting their emotions back," Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We talk all the time about caring about the football team, and caring about winning. 'Care' is an action word. Their actions in practice and their actions competing in this game showed that they really do care a lot."

Razorback coaches simplified the game plan leading up to Saturday, hoping to ease the minds of the team's younger players. The return to the basics stopped the Hogs from over-thinking and allowed them to make plays.

Still, after moving the ball deep into Florida territory, Arkansas usually left the field empty-handed.

"We executed well and I think we moved the ball really efficiently," UA senior quarterback Casey Dick said. "But once we get down there to about the 30-yard line or so, we need to find a way to put the ball in the end zone. Regardless of what the defense does, we need to come away with points."

In the second quarter, trailing the Gators 7-0, the Razorbacks downed a Jeremy Davis punt on the Florida one-yard line. Tebow moved his team up to 39, but a plethora of penalties put them back on their own 14 facing first-down and 35.

From there, the Hog defense gained momentum and forced a Gator punt. Florida boomed the kick 46 yards to Arkansas tailback Michael Smith.

Smith bobbled the return and lost it on the UA 16-yard line. Despite a costly penalty on the ensuing drive, the Gators opened a hole for tailback Jeff Demps who scampered 36 yards for a touchdown.

Continued...

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