Notebook: Tebow takes responsibility for passing game

Notebook Oct. 19

By Edward Aschoff

Correspondent

Six games into the season and Florida's passing game is revolving around just three players — quarterback Tim Tebow, tight end Aaron Hernandez and wide receiver Riley Cooper.

It's a concern for coach Urban Meyer, but he's not quite in panic mode yet.

"Every year we’ve had two or three (receivers) at the top and then you have a smattering of other guys," Meyer said during his Monday news conference.

Last year, Florida had three players with 30 or more catches. In 2007, four Gators had 30 or more receptions.

This season, Hernandez and Cooper have combined for 51 catches for 693 yards and five touchdowns. Starters Brandon James, David Nelson and Deonte Thompson have accumulated 20 catches for 299 yards and four touchdowns — three from Thompson.

Outside of Hernandez (28 catches) and Cooper (23), no other receiver has double-digit catches, and only Thompson has 100 yards (127).

Meyer insists it's not a talent issue and that a few factors have played into the pedestrian numbers by Gator receivers.

For one, Meyer said defenses are causing protection issues for his quarterback. Defenses are giving unexpected looks to Tebow and his line. Players are getting open, but Tebow isn't getting enough time.

Poor protection is also causing Tebow to hold onto the ball a bit longer, causing him to try and make more plays with his feet. Meyer said it can sometimes be an issue to have Tebow hold onto the ball, but he can't blame his quarterback for trying to play smart.

"He’s not a guy that’s going to go take that shot if it’s not there," Meyer said.

Meyer said that while a heavy amount of the passing game has been directed to Hernandez and Cooper, not all those plays have been specifically called for them. They're getting open more because opposing defenses are dictating that.

Tebow took some of the blame for the receivers' numbers, saying his running mentality has caused him to miss open guys. He added that his trust in them isn't a problem.

"In some of those situations it’s me tyring to make a play instead of throwing it away," he said. "I don’t think it’s not having confidence in some of the players," he said. "I have complete confidence in all those guys who are out there playing."

Poll talk

Florida's fall to No. 2 in the Associated Press poll and debut at No. 1 in the Bowl Championship Series standings doesn't seem to concern the Gators. Players were unfazed by the news Sunday night and Monday, neither outcome seemed to motivate Tebow either.

"I don’t care, to be honest," he said. "It doesn’t matter. All that we have to do is keep playing, winning and hopefully get a shot in the SEC championship. That’s really all that matters. We don’t really care what the pollsters think or where they rank us. It doesn't really matter."

Champions

Offense: Carl Johnson, Marcus Gilbert, Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, Jeff Demps, Thompson, Hernandez, Tebow

Offensive Player of Game: Cooper

Defense: Omar Hunter, Terron Sanders, Major Wright.

Defensive Player of the Game: Joe Haden