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After multiple attempts to fit John Brantley (square peg) into Tim Tebow's shoes (round hole), Florida unleashed freshmanTrey Burton (6-2 220) on the Kentucky Wildcats. Burton switched numbers from 13 (Cam Newton's # at Florida) to 8 (in an attempt to channel his inner Rex Grossman) during the week and did his best Super Tebow impression accounting for six TDs (5 running, 1 receiving).
The win put the Gators at 4-0 (2-0 SEC). It was also a milestone for head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer notched his 100th career victory. Meyer was one of the fastest coaches in 1-A (FBS) to accomplish this feat. Ironically, Meyer enters the Outback Bowl against Penn State with only 103 victories.
John Brantley was effective throwing for 248 yards on 24-35 passing and 1 TD, but Burton stole the show with his 6 TD performance playing three different positions.
Florida's defense held Kentucky to just 99 yards on the ground. The Gators did give up some big plays in the passing game, due to a combination of Kentucky's need to catch up and throw the ball and Florida's lack of pass rush.
Quotes From The Game
``I feel very blessed.'' Thinking about some of these coaches who I've known for a long time don't get to coach players like I get to coach and don't get to coach at places like I get to coach, so I'm very humbled and appreciative and I told our players that.''
- Florida Coach Head Coach Urban Meyer
``He's the best football player to ever play college football,'' said Burton, who also scored on an 11-yard reception. ``It's an honor to be in the same sentence as him.''
- Florida Quarterback/Running Back/Wide Receiver Trey Burton discussing what it means to be in the same sentence as Tim Tebow
It's hard to gauge Burton's success. Is he a clear option as an H-back/tight end? Or is he going to take playing time from Brantley, who was 24/35 for 248 yards, with a touchdown and an interception? Burton also took touches when Jeff Demps left the game with a sprained foot and Mike Gillislee was kept in the bullpen far too long for my tastes. Burton's 40 yards rushing, 37 yards receiving and 42 yards passing gives UF an everything back they have lacked. Demps is fast, but broke down tonight after 57 yards on eight carries. Emmanuel Moody had 10 carries for 46 yards, but he doesn't have a spark like Demps or Burton has. Gillislee is a bruising back, but not a pass catcher. Burton as a tight end or H-back is a wrinkle that cannot be contained.
- SBNation Florida Blog Alligator Army