Gators get shot at Vols

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Urban Meyer spends countless hours coming up with ways to keep his team motivated.

His job will be a bit easier this week thanks to Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin.

Kiffin’s false recruiting allegations and his pledge to sing “Rocky Top” all night long after beating Florida have given the top-ranked Gators (2-0) a little extra juice heading into today’s Southeastern Conference opener against the Volunteers (1-1).

The defending national champions gladly took Kiffin’s comments and threw them atop the bulletin board.

“That’s something you don’t forget,” guard James Wilson said.

Tim Tebow probably will play a starring role.

Tebow has been at the center of Florida’s past three wins against Tennessee. As a freshman in 2006, Meyer called on his backup quarterback to carry the ball on a fourth-and-1 play in the fourth quarter. Tebow picked up the first down and then headed back to the bench. The Gators scored the winning touchdown two plays later.

Tebow was at his best two years ago in Gainesville. He threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 61 yards and two scores.

The Volunteers did a much better job containing Tebow last year in Knoxville. Playing with an injured right shoulder, Tebow threw for 96 yards and two TDs, and ran for 26 yards. Florida finished with 243 yards, the program’s fewest since 2005.

Can Tennessee do it again? The Gators lead the nation in total offense, averaging 643.5 yards a game, and top the country with 118 points.