Notebook: Bulldogs make big plays on D

<p>STARKVILLE, Miss. — It was a pass expected to put Mississippi State away.</p><p>Instead, it was a play that changed the momentum of the game heading into halftime.</p><p>Mississippi State freshman defensive back Johnthan Banks’ 100-yard interception cut Florida’s lead to 13-10 in the closing seconds of the first half and sent the cowbell-ringing, sellout crowd at Davis Wade Stadium into a frenzy.</p><p>After Chris Rainey blocked his second punt of the season, Florida had excellent field position with first-and-goal at the MSU 7. But on third-and-goal from the 4, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow lofted a pass in the left corner of the end zone intended for tight end Aaron Hernandez.</p><p>Mississippi State freshman defensive back Corey Broomfield tipped Tebow’s pass attempt. It landed in the hands of Banks, who sprinted for open field. Banks cut back to avoid a tackle attempt from Tebow, who threw just his third interception of the season.</p><p>It was Mississippi State’s longest interception return since Anthony Johnson returned an interception 100 yards against Alabama in 2007.</p><p>The play culminated Florida’s struggles in the red zone in the first half.</p><p>In four trips inside the 20, Florida came away with just six points.</p><p>Banks picked off another Tebow pass in the fourth quarter, returning it 20 yards for his second defensive touchdown of the game.</p><p><b>Tebow ties record</b></p><p>Florida quarterback Tim Tebow’s 26-yard touchdown run tied him with Georgia’s Herschel Walker for the most career rushing touchdowns in the Southeastern Conference with 49.</p><p>Tebow asked for the ball back from the officials when he scored, diving inside the pylon of the right corner of the end zone.</p><p>Tebow’s TD also tied a career-long 26-yard touchdown run he had November of last season against Vanderbilt.</p><p>Tebow had another chance for a TD run late in the first quarter but on second-and-goal from the 1, he was stuffed for no gain. From the shotgun on third-and-one, Tebow was knocked back for a three-yard loss. The drive ended with a 20-yard Caleb Sturgis field goal.</p><p><b>Late arrival</b></p><p>Florida didn’t arrive at its team hotel in Columbus, Miss., until 8 p.m. on Friday.</p><p>The late trip was by design. Because Florida’s team hotel didn’t have separate meeting rooms and dining rooms, Meyer had his team do a walk-through at the UF football facility on Friday before taking off for the game. </p><p><b>Meyer SEC Tour</b></p><p>Meyer coached his first game at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday night, marking the final of his 10 stops at visiting Southeastern Conference stadiums.</p><p>Meyer came into Saturday night 11-5 on the road in the SEC in his Florida career. </p><p>The only two stadiums where Meyer has yet to win are Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn) and Bryant Denny Stadium (Alabama).</p><p>Of course, Meyer also has yet to win at Sanford Stadium in Georgia. That’s because Florida and Georgia play their annual game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.</p><p>Injury update </p><p>Defensive tackle Jaye Howard (knee) did not make the trip. ... Middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (groin) and defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh (ankle) made the trip but did not start. Neither appeared in the first half.</p><p><b>Etc.</b></p><p>Maurice Hurt started at right guard ahead of James Wilson. .. Linebacker A.J. Jones’ first-quarter interception was the first of his career. The pick came off a tip from junior Carlos Dunlap. ... Mississippi State kicker Derek DePasquale’s 43-yard field goal to put the Bulldogs up 3-0 was a career-long. ... It was the second straight week Florida trailed to start the game. That marked the first time since the end of the 2007 season (Florida State, Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl), Florida trailed starting two straight games. ... Think Florida is good for business? Mississippi State’s attendance of 57,718 set a new Davis Wade Stadium record. It’s the third time this season Florida has been involved in an attendance record. A record 90,894 watched Florida play Tennessee at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. And Florida played in front of a Tiger Stadium record 93,129 in a 13-3 win at LSU.</p>