Newton Citizen

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - There's a rumor going around that Florida defenders had to do 188 push-ups a day during offseason conditioning workouts, one for every yard Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno gained against the Gators last season.

'No comment,' linebacker Brandon Spikes said when asked about the routine.

If it's true, imagine the punishment Florida's offensive line suffered after allowing Tim Tebow to get sacked six times in the 42-30 loss.

Although the game will be remembered for the Bulldogs' brash end-zone celebration, the outcome was more directly related to how the longtime Southeastern Conference rivals handled each other's star. It could be key again Saturday in Jacksonville, when the No. 8 Bulldogs and No. 5 Gators meet in another high-stakes showdown.

Trying to protect a bruised, non-throwing shoulder, Tebow was sacked a career-high six times, never got the offense going and finished with 221 yards of total offense. It was one of the worst games of his career.

'I think we rattled Tim Tebow and the offense,' Georgia defensive lineman Geno Atkins said. 'We wanted to pressure him. No one really works that well under pressure, not even the greatest quarterbacks. You put a little pressure on them, they're bound to flinch.

'He was a little shaken up by that. He was almost untouchable last year, but we were able to get back there.'

Tebow injured his right shoulder the previous week at Kentucky and received a painkilling shot before facing the Bulldogs. As a result, he was hesitant to run, often staying in the pocket too long and struggling to find open receivers.

He looked nothing like the guy who ran roughshod over opponents most of the year.

'He's not limited now,' coach Urban Meyer said. 'He's got that Tebow look. I love that Tebow look.'

Tebow had a much different look after that game. He fought back tears trying to explain the loss, knowing the Gators were essentially done in the SEC East race. Making matters worse, it happened in his hometown and in front of hundreds of friends and family members.

Tebow vowed to be better this season, and although he hasn't put up the gaudy numbers he had en route to becoming the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, he still leads the conference in pass efficiency and ranks second in total offense.

He has completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,415 yards, with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has 82 carries for 227 yards and five scores.