Gators facing their toughest test in Death Valley

BATON ROUGE, La. — It was at about this time a year ago that the Florida Gators launched a magical run that carried them all the way to a national championship.

They're hoping history starts repeating itself Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.

One potential problem, though.

The inspirational leader who sparked last season's title bounce might not even be playing.

Will he or won't he?

This has been THE question in college football for the past two weeks.

Will Tim Tebow play or will he sit out one of the biggest games of the college football season after sustaining a concussion two weeks ago against Kentucky?

Tebow was cleared by a team of doctors to return to practice Tuesday, and he practiced the rest of the week without any symptoms returning. Given that he's passed every test thus far, it appears there's a good chance Tebow will be cleared to play. Even if he is, maybe he won't.

UF coach Urban Meyer said if Tebow is cleared, he will err on the side of caution in his decision whether to play Tebow.

"Absolutely," Meyer said.

Meyer said it likely will be a game-time decision.

With the uncertainty surrounding Tebow's status, the top-ranked Gators (4-0, 2-0 SEC) have gotten two quarterbacks ready to start this week — Tebow and John Brantley, the sophomore from Ocala who could be making his starting debut.

Conversely, No. 4 LSU (5-0, 3-0) has been preparing to face two quarterbacks with two different styles. Tebow is a dual threat as a passer and power runner in the option, while Brantley is known more as a drop-back quarterback.

"We're preparing against Florida's offense," LSU coach Les Miles said. "We feel like whichever quarterback takes the snaps will operate that offense. You try to put yourself in the best position to defend the offense. We'll see where the offense dictates the quarterback play and try to predict it. Our focus is on what Florida does. We're preparing for what appears to be the personality of the team we're playing."

Florida's personality when Tebow is under center is well-defined. No one can be quite sure what it will be if Brantley is the quarterback because he's played so little (and has had almost no work with the No. 1 offense in game situations).

UF coaches have expressed confidence in Brantley throughout the week.

"Our guys have rallied around John," running backs coach Kenny Carter said. "Whoever plays, we're going to be ready to go."

Meyer and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said the offense will not change much if Brantley is the guy.

"Are we going to abandon the spread and all of a sudden be this I-formation, under-center, power off-tackle team?" Meyer said. "No, we're not, although we might have a little bit of that in there."

Brantley can't match Tebow as a runner (especially in the option), but he's got a strong passing arm (with a quick release) and a good command of the offense, Addazio said.

Addazio even hinted Brantley might help the Gators revive their downfield passing game if he plays.

"Obviously, Johnny has a great arm," Addazio said. "We're going to always feature those little things he does well, but he can run the whole deal.

"Certain guys have certain things they do better. I think Johnny is well-versed in our offense. He can run the whole offense. He's done it all week and he'll continue to do it. We have a lot of confidence in him."

Brantley said he's prepared to start if needed.

"I'm really ready," he said. "A year ago, I don't think I could have said that.

"I've got a bunch of playmakers around me. I don't have to go in there thinking I have to make every play. I can rely on my playmakers to make plays. I'm going to do what I have to do, and hopefully lead my team to a victory."

Of course, he might not have to.

If Tebow is cleared by the doctors and given the go-ahead by Meyer, it will be Tebow's game.

The Gators have game-planned with the idea that Tebow will play. They also have a game plan for Brantley starting.

If it's Tebow, Meyer said the plan is to try to keep him out of harm's way as much as possible. But that's easier said than done.

"That's a hard one," Meyer said. "I don't know how you do that in a major college football game, especially against the team you're playing. We'll have heavy discussions about it."

The Gators would like to start another championship run with Saturday night's performance. But it might have to be without their emotional leader.