Notebook: Time running out for UF seniors

When No. 1 Florida (10-0, 8-0 SEC) plays FIU (3-7, 3-4 Sun Belt) Saturday, it will be one of the last times that almost 20 Gator seniors suit up inside The Swamp.

Quarterback Tim Tebow, linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper and defensive end Jermaine Cunningham will be walking away from Gainesville soon and coach Urban Meyer isn't prepared to send them off.

"From the deepest part of my soul, from our soul as coaches, we love these guys," Meyer said of the senior class. "They actually love the game of football."

Soon, Meyer will say goodbye to a senior class that has compiled a 45-6 record in four seasons, tying for the winningest class in SEC history. It's also captured two SEC trophies and two national titles.

It's not just a winning resume that keeps the 2009 class close to Meyer's heart. Most players are from his first complete recruiting class from 2006 and all have a unique sense of hard work and determination.

So unique, that it's one of the rare classes that hasn't frustrated Meyer, who admits to having groups that he at times didn't like or want to be around.

Not this one.

"We love these guys and they've given us everything they've got for four years and they deserve the credit they're getting," he said.

The farewell on the minds of most is the one for Tebow. As recently as the Vanderbilt game Tebow has felt his days numbering in Gainesville.

He even spent some time under the stadium's lights Sunday with tight end Aaron Hernandez and fellow senior, receiver David Nelson. Tossing the ball around, Tebow says those sad feelings of leaving crept up.

There's no doubt emotions are flying, but as he prepares, Tebow wants to make his home games special.

"Trust me, I won't leave anything on the field in my last two games," he said.

Sturgis still the guy

Even with three missed field goals against South Carolina, Meyer said sophomore Caleb Sturgis is the starter.

The two watched video of the misses and determined it's not leg strength or focus.

"Every kick is looking different, right now, and it's follow-through," Meyer said. "It's very fixable and he's the guy to fix it."

Meyer said senior Jonathan Phillips will get more reps this week, but Sturgis won't be replaced.

Injuries

Meyer said junior running back Emmanuel Moody (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday and junior defensive lineman Terron Sanders has a back and rib injury, but could play this week.

Gator honored

Junior Punter Chas Henry is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2009 Ray Guy Award. The award identifies the nation’s top punter. Henry is averaging 42.9 yards on 25 punts and nine have landed inside the 20-yard line.

Meyer defends Belichick

Despite missing New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick's fourth-and-2 blunder live on Sunday night, Meyer backed his close friend's decision.

"First of all, I fell asleep at halftime," he said. "Second of all, there's no one more qualified in this world to make that decision than Bill Belichick.

"He made a call to go win the game and he's done that many times in his career, and I'm sure his players (said), 'Let's go win the game.' He'd do it again next week if he had to."

Champions

Offense — Hernandez, Tebow, Carl Johnson, Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert, Moody

Player of the game: Mike Pouncey

Defense — Cunningham, Justin Trattou, Jaye Howard, Janoris Jenkins, Will Hill, Ahmad Black, Major Wright

Special Teams — Haden Adrian Bushell, Dee Finley, Wondy Pierre-Louis, Markihe Anderson, Cade Holliday, Brandon James, Jon Bostic

Players of the game: Omarius Hines and Mike Gillislee