This was a game these guys needed

<p>I have to be honest, this game is not for me. You cover a team through eight pressure-cookers in the SEC and deal with a million stories that don't relate to football, and then this? You get a 3-7 Sun Belt team, golf applause in the stands and all you can think about are the next two weeks.</p><p> But you know what? This week isn't supposed to be for me or the national media or the BCS computers.</p><p> This game is supposed to be exactly what it was — a chance to enjoy a Saturday.</p><p> Ever since the SEC started requiring teams to play on the weekend before the SEC Championship Game and the 12th game began permanently lining the pockets of college football programs we have been subjected to a game like this here in Gainesville in the 11th week.</p><p> The Fun Game.</p><p> Because that was what it was Saturday.</p><p> Think Tim Tebow had fun? The Florida quarterback broke another record, ran for more than 100 yards and didn't have to deal with the pocket pressure that has been an issue the last few weeks.</p><p> "It was good for me and good to get some guys some catches," Tebow said. "And it was good to get some guys some rest."</p><p> In a season where it has felt like the pads and helmets have been made out of lead, on Saturday they felt like they were filled with helium.</p><p> Chris Rainey made two sick cuts on his way to touchdowns. Nine different receivers caught passes. Brandon Spikes got another interception for a touchdown.</p><p> And when Omarius Hines dragged a defender into the end zone to complete a 20-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter, the sideline erupted. Seniors waved towels and ran toward Hines to celebrate.</p><p> OK, it wasn't fun for everyone. Aaron Hernandez played sparingly because he has found himself in the doghouse again. A.J. Jones and Carl Johnson suffered injuries.</p><p> But for the most part, this was a game these guys needed.</p><p> "It was definitely fun," linebacker Ryan Stamper said. "Just watching those guys who work so hard in practice getting a chance to show what they can do."</p><p> It was certainly fun for the next generation of Gators. Especially Johnny Brantley, who threw three touchdown passes.</p><p> It was fun for running backs who never get to play, for receivers who never see the ball, for the quarterback who continues to wait his turn.</p><p> And it should have been fun for you. For the first time since early September there was no sense of panic, no concerns that turnovers could lead to a loss, no worries. That's why so many of you brought so many children to this game.</p><p> And while you were admiring your family's future, you got to see what the Gator future looks like.</p><p> "There are going to be a lot of talented dudes on the field next year," Tebow said.</p><p> You could tell he sensed what Saturday was about. One last chance to have fun before the two big ones. Saturday was a bridge from the grind of eight straight SEC games and the FSU-Alabama quiniela. And he knows that it's almost over, his time at Florida. This was his penultimate home game and he lingered a bit on his next-to-last Gator Walk.</p><p> "I can't believe they didn't have that tradition here before Coach (Urban) Meyer," Tebow said. "It's fun for everybody, not just myself."</p><p> That's what Saturday was unless you were on the FIU sideline. The check is in the mail.</p><p> And now the fun is over. It's FSU week to be followed by what should be a national semifinal and a ring game.</p><p> Now the Gators are back to where they were the last nine weeks. Now there is only one way to have fun.</p><p> And you know what that is.</p><p><i>Contact Pat Dooley at 352-374-5053 or at dooleyp@gvillesun.com and follow on http://Twitter.com/Pat_Dooley.</i></p>