GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators hosted several top prospects for their 14-6 victory over LSU on Saturday. Though Florida only had one official visitor, wide receiver Marquez North (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek), the Gators also brought in five-star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), Notre Dame linebacker commit Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing), four-star safety Marcell Harris (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips), four-star defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly Co.) and Florida State offensive line commit Ira Denson (Madison, Fla./Madison Co.).
Denson, the No. 3-ranked guard in the country, was impressed with Florida's offensive line enough that he set his official visit to Florida for the South Carolina game in two weeks. Florida's offensive line paved the way for running back Mike Gillislee, who was named offensive player of the week in the SEC. The Gators have been chasing Georgia and Alabama for Tunsil's services, but after a dominating performance by the line the Gators could be right back in the picture for the talented left tackle prospect.
Anzalone has been to Florida a few times since he committed to Notre Dame. The four-star prospect declined to speak with ESPN's GatorNation because he said Notre Dame coaches asked him not to do interviews after his visit to Florida.
Denson, the No. 3-ranked guard in the country, was impressed with Florida's offensive line enough that he set his official visit to Florida for the South Carolina game in two weeks. Florida's offensive line paved the way for running back Mike Gillislee, who was named offensive player of the week in the SEC. The Gators have been chasing Georgia and Alabama for Tunsil's services, but after a dominating performance by the line the Gators could be right back in the picture for the talented left tackle prospect.
Anzalone has been to Florida a few times since he committed to Notre Dame. The four-star prospect declined to speak with ESPN's GatorNation because he said Notre Dame coaches asked him not to do interviews after his visit to Florida.
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Jake Roth/US PresswireLerentee McCray (left) and Matt Elam (right) both bolstered their postseason awards resumes with big performances against LSU on Saturday.LB Jon Bostic
Watch lists: College Football Performance Award Linebacker Trophy, Butkus Award, Rotary Lombardi.
Last week’s stats: six tackles, one sack for minus-5 yards, one pass break-up.
Season stats: 28 tackles, two sacks, two QB hurries, two pass break-ups.
Comment: Bostic had his best game of the season against LSU.
FB Trey Burton
Watch list: CFPA Running Back Trophy.
Last week’s stats: three carries for 7 yards.
Season stats: eight carries for 99 yards and two TDs, six catches for 66 yards.
Comment: His carries came out of the wildcat formation.
P Kyle Christy
Watch list: CFPA Punter Trophy
Last week’s stats: averaged 49.1 yards on seven punts.
Season stats: averaging 46.5 yards on 24 punts, nine inside the 20, nine of at least 50 yards.
Comment: Christy leads the SEC in average.
WR/KR Andre Debose
Watch lists: CFPA All-Purpose Trophy, CFPA Kickoff Returner Trophy, CFPA Wide Receiver Trophy, Biletnikoff.
Last week’s stats: one catch for 5 yards, three kickoff returns for 51 yards.
Season stats: averaging 21.8 yards on nine kickoff returns, averaging 9.6 on seven punt returns, two carries for 1 yard, one catch for 5 yards.
Comment: Made his first catch of the season against LSU. Had one decent kickoff return.
There's movement all over as we check out the SEC power rankings for Week 7:
1. Alabama (5-0; LW: 1): The Tide was off last week, so it didn't have a chance to widen its lead on the SEC and the rest of the country. The last thing Alabama's upcoming opponents want is a rested Tide team. I can only imagine the extra work Nick Saban put his team through in order to clean up all those little things.
2. South Carolina (6-0; LW: 4): The Gamecocks completely dominated Georgia over the weekend. South Carolina's offense is extremely balanced and looks like it can just jump on Marcus Lattimore's shoulders at this point. He's just getting stronger and stronger. The defense is smothering up front and stopping that defensive line has been a nightmare for teams. But road games at LSU and Florida will be tough.
3. Florida (5-0; LW: 5): The Gators might not have the most exciting offense, but that defense is tremendous. Florida put a load of pressure on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger over the weekend and clobbered the Tigers' running game. Behind Mike Gillislee, the Gators pounded LSU with their running game, but the passing game is still a concern. If Florida can get more through the air, this offense could start to really give defenses fits.
4. LSU (5-1; LW: 2): It's obvious that the Tigers can't put everything on their defense. Even with how talented LSU is on the defensive side of the ball, the offense needs major work, especially in the passing game. Mettenberger hasn't come close to living up to the hype and just doesn't look comfortable standing in LSU's pocket. The running game was one of the SEC's best, but was quieted against Florida because there just wasn't the threat to pass. No offensive balance could doom this team.
5. Georgia (5-1; LW: 3): The concern about the defense continues to grow after the Bulldogs' 28-point loss to the Gamecocks. USC was intent on running and Georgia couldn't do anything to stop it, allowing 232 rushing yards. Jarvis Jones has been a non-factor for the past two weeks and Aaron Murray's big-game struggles came right back in Columbia, S.C. The good news is the Bulldogs have the SEC East's easiest schedule from here on out.
1. Alabama (5-0; LW: 1): The Tide was off last week, so it didn't have a chance to widen its lead on the SEC and the rest of the country. The last thing Alabama's upcoming opponents want is a rested Tide team. I can only imagine the extra work Nick Saban put his team through in order to clean up all those little things.
2. South Carolina (6-0; LW: 4): The Gamecocks completely dominated Georgia over the weekend. South Carolina's offense is extremely balanced and looks like it can just jump on Marcus Lattimore's shoulders at this point. He's just getting stronger and stronger. The defense is smothering up front and stopping that defensive line has been a nightmare for teams. But road games at LSU and Florida will be tough.
3. Florida (5-0; LW: 5): The Gators might not have the most exciting offense, but that defense is tremendous. Florida put a load of pressure on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger over the weekend and clobbered the Tigers' running game. Behind Mike Gillislee, the Gators pounded LSU with their running game, but the passing game is still a concern. If Florida can get more through the air, this offense could start to really give defenses fits.
4. LSU (5-1; LW: 2): It's obvious that the Tigers can't put everything on their defense. Even with how talented LSU is on the defensive side of the ball, the offense needs major work, especially in the passing game. Mettenberger hasn't come close to living up to the hype and just doesn't look comfortable standing in LSU's pocket. The running game was one of the SEC's best, but was quieted against Florida because there just wasn't the threat to pass. No offensive balance could doom this team.
5. Georgia (5-1; LW: 3): The concern about the defense continues to grow after the Bulldogs' 28-point loss to the Gamecocks. USC was intent on running and Georgia couldn't do anything to stop it, allowing 232 rushing yards. Jarvis Jones has been a non-factor for the past two weeks and Aaron Murray's big-game struggles came right back in Columbia, S.C. The good news is the Bulldogs have the SEC East's easiest schedule from here on out.
Short-yardage woes gone for the Gators
October, 8, 2012
10/08/12
3:02
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It looks like Florida has fixed its short-yardage problems.
After struggling early in the season to convert on second and third down in which they had 3 yards or fewer to go, the Gators have been nearly perfect in those situations in their last two games. That includes going 8-for-9 last Saturday against LSU, which entered the game with the Southeastern Conference’s No. 2 rush defense (86.0 yards per game).
“We’ve put a huge point of emphasis [on short yardage] since the first couple of games,” UF coach Will Muschamp said. “To be at [almost] 100 percent against a front like that [LSU] says a lot about our players and the scheme that our offensive staff put in place.”
Florida only converted a first down six times in 21 chances in which it faced 3 yards or fewer to go for a first down in its first three games, which doesn’t include a kneel-down and a fake field goal against Texas A&M. In the Gators’ last two games, however, they’re a combined 17-for-18. The only time they failed came against LSU when RB Mike Gillislee gained 2 yards on a second-and-3 play. However, Gillislee gained 3 yards on the next play and the Gators got the first down.
Florida scored three short-yardage touchdowns against Kentucky, all coming on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. UF went 9-for-9 on short-yardage plays against the Wildcats.
[+] Enlarge
Kim Klement/US PresswireHis numbers may not wow you, but RB Mike Gillislee has been vital to Florida's success this season.
“We’ve put a huge point of emphasis [on short yardage] since the first couple of games,” UF coach Will Muschamp said. “To be at [almost] 100 percent against a front like that [LSU] says a lot about our players and the scheme that our offensive staff put in place.”
Florida only converted a first down six times in 21 chances in which it faced 3 yards or fewer to go for a first down in its first three games, which doesn’t include a kneel-down and a fake field goal against Texas A&M. In the Gators’ last two games, however, they’re a combined 17-for-18. The only time they failed came against LSU when RB Mike Gillislee gained 2 yards on a second-and-3 play. However, Gillislee gained 3 yards on the next play and the Gators got the first down.
Florida scored three short-yardage touchdowns against Kentucky, all coming on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. UF went 9-for-9 on short-yardage plays against the Wildcats.
Dick Vitale's Preseason Top 40
October, 8, 2012
10/08/12
2:18
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.com Illustration
There are a lot of quality contenders looking to cut down the nets in Atlanta.
Where are the Gators ranked?
Dick Vitale's Preseason Top 40
On The Mark: BCS title contenders
October, 8, 2012
10/08/12
1:50
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
The initial BCS standings come out next week, so there's a little time for teams to make up some ground that they might have lost. Mark Schlabach breaks down a handful of title contenders, including Alabama, Oregon, Florida, LSU and USC.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Which Florida players are making the biggest contributions on the field?
GatorNation will tell you every week. It’s not just a list of MVP candidates, but a compilation of the players who are making the biggest difference each week.
Here’s this week’s top 10 (last week’s rankings in parenthesis):
GatorNation will tell you every week. It’s not just a list of MVP candidates, but a compilation of the players who are making the biggest difference each week.
Here’s this week’s top 10 (last week’s rankings in parenthesis):
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2014 QB Will Grier has "great" trip to UF 
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
5:59
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Top 2014 signal-caller Will Grier (Davidson, N.C./Davidson Day) played a game on Friday night, then drove in an RV with his family down to Gainesville to watch Florida take on LSU in the Swamp. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound quarterback said he loved what he saw from the Gators on Saturday.
"I had a great trip to Florida," Grier said. "The game was amazing and the stadium was extremely loud. I wanted to get dressed out and play."
Despite Florida's offensive struggles early on in the game, Grier says he could see himself playing for the Gators.
"I had a great trip to Florida," Grier said. "The game was amazing and the stadium was extremely loud. I wanted to get dressed out and play."
Despite Florida's offensive struggles early on in the game, Grier says he could see himself playing for the Gators.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here’s an analysis of three key plays in Florida’s 14-6 victory Saturday over LSU.
Failed jump pass
The score: LSU leading 3-0 late in the first half.
The situation: Third-and-goal from the UF 4-yard line.
Failed jump pass
The score: LSU leading 3-0 late in the first half.
The situation: Third-and-goal from the UF 4-yard line.
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2014 OL Garrett Brumfield enjoys UF visit
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
2:44
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Garrett Brumfield (Baton Rouge, La./University Laboratory School) will likely be one of the top interior linemen in the Southeast next season. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound 2014 guard/center prospect visited Florida for its game against LSU on Saturday and came away impressed with what he saw from the Gators.
"I enjoyed it," Brumfield said. "It was my second time getting out to Gainesville. I had a pretty good time. It was a good opportunity and a good experience. Both teams played pretty well and both teams' defenses played awesome.
"Florida was able to capitalize on some mistakes by LSU and it turned out great for them. Florida's offensive line really stepped up in the fourth quarter and was able to get some good blocks and make some big holes."
"I enjoyed it," Brumfield said. "It was my second time getting out to Gainesville. I had a pretty good time. It was a good opportunity and a good experience. Both teams played pretty well and both teams' defenses played awesome.
"Florida was able to capitalize on some mistakes by LSU and it turned out great for them. Florida's offensive line really stepped up in the fourth quarter and was able to get some good blocks and make some big holes."
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Sunday Night QB: Gillislee's Heisman case
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
1:47
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Geno Smith. Collin Klein. De’Anthony Thomas. Braxton Miller.
Mike Gillislee?
Absolutely, say Gillislee’s Florida teammates. The senior running back deserves to be on the list of Heisman Trophy candidates after what he did against one of the nation’s top defenses Saturday afternoon at Florida Field.
Mike Gillislee?
Absolutely, say Gillislee’s Florida teammates. The senior running back deserves to be on the list of Heisman Trophy candidates after what he did against one of the nation’s top defenses Saturday afternoon at Florida Field.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida is back in the top five.
The Gators' victory over then-No. 4 LSU on Saturday afternoon, coupled with losses by No. 3 Florida State and No. 5 Georgia, has vaulted Florida to No. 4 in the latest Associated Press Top 25, released this morning. The Gators are behind No. 1 Alabama, No. 2. Oregon and No. 3 South Carolina, which plays at LSU next weekend and travels to Gainesville on Oct. 20.
Florida hasn't been ranked in the top five of the AP poll since the end of the 2009 season, when the Gators beat Cincinnati 51-24 in the Sugar Bowl in Tim Tebow's final game. The Gators finished No. 3 behind national champion Alabama and Texas.
Florida (5-0, 4-0 SEC) plays at Vanderbilt (2-3, 1-2) on Saturday.
The Gators' victory over then-No. 4 LSU on Saturday afternoon, coupled with losses by No. 3 Florida State and No. 5 Georgia, has vaulted Florida to No. 4 in the latest Associated Press Top 25, released this morning. The Gators are behind No. 1 Alabama, No. 2. Oregon and No. 3 South Carolina, which plays at LSU next weekend and travels to Gainesville on Oct. 20.
Florida hasn't been ranked in the top five of the AP poll since the end of the 2009 season, when the Gators beat Cincinnati 51-24 in the Sugar Bowl in Tim Tebow's final game. The Gators finished No. 3 behind national champion Alabama and Texas.
Florida (5-0, 4-0 SEC) plays at Vanderbilt (2-3, 1-2) on Saturday.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida beat LSU the way the Tigers regularly beat their opponents: using a great defense and a physical running game. Mike Gillislee ran for 146 yards and two second-half touchdowns to give the Gators a 14-6 victory at Florida Field on Saturday afternoon.
Here are the good and the bad from the Gators’ first victory over the Tigers since 2009.
THREE UP
Here are the good and the bad from the Gators’ first victory over the Tigers since 2009.
THREE UP
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Florida's bright future, with nod to past
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
12:10
AM ET
By
Ivan Maisel | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- West Virginia and Baylor score 19 touchdowns in one 60-minute game and the nation goes weak at the knees. Arizona and Stanford get to overtime Saturday after combining for 13 touchdowns.
It's exciting. It's breathtaking. And it ain't happening anywhere near the Southeastern Conference.
The Big 12 and the Pac-12 may be playing the football of the future. The SEC remains warm and snuggy in the past. No. 10 Florida's 14-6 defeat of No. 4 LSU, the Tigers' first regular-season loss in two years, was so old-school that I think Keith Jackson did the play-by-play.
"That was typical 1980 SEC right there today," Gators head coach Will Muschamp said after the game.
For Ivan Maisel's full column, click here.
It's exciting. It's breathtaking. And it ain't happening anywhere near the Southeastern Conference.
The Big 12 and the Pac-12 may be playing the football of the future. The SEC remains warm and snuggy in the past. No. 10 Florida's 14-6 defeat of No. 4 LSU, the Tigers' first regular-season loss in two years, was so old-school that I think Keith Jackson did the play-by-play.
"That was typical 1980 SEC right there today," Gators head coach Will Muschamp said after the game.
For Ivan Maisel's full column, click here.
Florida 'D' makes powerful statement
October, 6, 2012
10/06/12
10:26
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 41-11 beatdown LSU gave Florida last season took quite the emotional toll on the Gators -- especially the defense.
The Gators were gutted by LSU’s ground attack, giving up 238 rushing yards. They looked overmatched, overwhelmed and listless in Baton Rouge, La.
Angry probably isn’t the best word to describe how Florida’s defense felt, but depressed and humiliated are good starts.
That debilitating pain was something this team didn’t want to go through again. It wanted that pain to be transferred over to LSU when the Tigers ventured into the Swamp on Saturday. The Gators wanted LSU to feel what they felt last year … and then some.
“We wanted to come in this game and win, but more, we wanted to come and hurt them,” defensive lineman Dominique Easley said after No. 10 Florida’s 14-6 victory over fourth-ranked LSU. “We wanted them to feel the pain that we felt last year. We had hurt in our heart and we wanted them to feel the pain that we had.”
And for the better part of 60 minutes, Florida’s defense pounded LSU, allowing just two field goals, 200 yards and 42 rushing yards. LSU averaged just 1.7 yards per carry and mustered just 12 rushing yards in the second half. The best part of LSU’s offense was terminated from the start, and it was all downhill from there.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.