Meyer: Gators followed plan

<p>Florida might have beaten Miami 26-3 Saturday night, but Urban Meyer is still fielding questions about how the ‘Canes exposed some weaknesses in UF's offense.</p><p>After rolling all over Hawaii in the opener with 255 yards on the ground, Florida's running game managed only 89 rushing yards against a much more talented Miami team. </p><p>UF's running backs only put up seven of those yards. </p><p>"I was disappointed in the numbers, not disappointed in the running backs," Meyer said after Monday's practice. "Once again, I give credit where credit is due. What's getting lost in the shuffle is there's some really good defensive linemen against a really good offensive line and major college football."</p><p>Meyer was on the defensive about his team when asked questions about the offensive production through the first two games of the season. The passing was off in the first game and for much of the second, while the running game all but faded against the ‘Canes.</p><p>"The thing that happened offensive line-wise is you leave that game thinking we got knocked back and that's not the case at all," Meyer said. "I keep hearing about this young team (Miami). The younger team was wearing blue and those are some of the best players in America. I just checked the recruiting list and that was a fine defense and I don't ever want to take away from good players because that was excellent players out there, especially on defense. Their d-coordinator did a marvelous job. It was a hard-fought win against a bunch of good football players, so I'm real proud of our guys. It was a tough, hard win."</p><p>It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless and to Meyer, his players did what was asked of them.</p><p>"The plan to win was to follow it to a ‘T,'" Meyer said. "When you say play great defense, we certainly did. We swarmed the ball, but what's lost in the shuffle (is) our punter did a phenomenal job. He dropped one out on the 1-yard line. Our punt coverage did a great job. Our kickoff coverage was much better. Our punt return played excellent field position and you don't turn the ball over. So the plan to win is play great defense. Done. No turnovers. Done. Red zone, for the year we're six-for-six. Done. Great kicking game. Other than that, what do you have to worry about?"</p><p>One reason for UF's offensive woes could be attributed to the talent level it's faced in the first two weeks. Neither team is a powerhouse by any means, but neither are your ordinary early season cupcakes.</p><p>"I'll be honest, I don't like doing what we did," Meyer said of the early season scheduling. "(To) play a BCS team and then another with some of the best players in college football. It's risky, but it gets your attention, but it's risky. You don't ever get your backup quarterbacks in the game. I always like to play at least one where you get some rhythm going and get some numbers and get some guys out in the open field and going."</p><p><b>Cunningham award</b></p><p>Junior defensive end Jermaine Cunningham was been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced Monday.</p><p>Cunningham is the second Gator to take home an SEC Player of the Week honor. Junior running back/receiver Brandon James was given the special team's award following the Hawaii game. </p><p>Cunningham finished Saturday's game with nine tackles (five solo) with two for a loss, including a sack. Cunningham leads UF with 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.</p><p>Meyer also honored Cunningham as his player of the game against Miami.</p><p><b>ACL claims another</b></p><p>Redshirt sophomore safety Cody Worton will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.</p><p>Worton, a walk-on, was recognized last week by Meyer after his special teams play against Hawaii.</p><p>"When you (ask), ‘What is Florida football really based on?' it's the kind of guys like that," Meyer said of Worton. "It's the overachiever guys that run down a kickoff.</p><p>"They weren't in the (U.S. Army All-American Bowl), but you know what? They were blocking guys that were and they were doing a hell of a job, so I love that kid."</p><p><b>ETC.</b></p><p>Defensive champions: Cunningham, junior linebacker Dustin Doe, sophomore safeties Major Wright and Ahmad Black, redshirt sophomore Terron Sanders, junior linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper. Offensive champions: Junior quarterback Tim Tebow and junior receiver Riley Cooper. ... Meyer said Doe has a groin injury from Saturday and is expected to miss four to five days of practice. ... Receiver Carl Moore's injury from Saturday was diagnosed as a hip pointer and he is expected to miss three to four days of practice, Meyer said.</p>