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Gators’ defense re-establishes itself in win over Vanderbilt

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Once again, defense.

The Florida Gators’ defensive unit, a week after giving up too many big plays and too many points against Tennessee, was outstanding in a 13-6 victory over Vanderbilt Saturday. The Gators held Vandy to only two field goals, and snuffed their final threat away with an interception by Nick Washington after Jarrad Davis tipped the pass.

The Gators didn’t show much offense, however, as coach Jim McElwain kept his game plan conservative with backup Austin Appleby playing. The Gators had only 144 yards passing and just 92 yards rushing. Jordan Scarlett scored the game’s only touchdown on a four-yard run.

Florida has now won 25 of the last 26 meetings between the schools. A year ago, the Gators won by only 9-7.

“I don’t think we played physical up front on either side of the ball,” McElwain said. “I think they out-physicaled us in all phases.”

The Gators are home against LSU at noon next Saturday.

Gary Shelton is one of the most recognized and honored sportswriters in the history of the state. He has won the APSE's national columnist of the year twice and finished in the top 10 eight times. He was named the Florida Sportswriter of the Year six times. Gary joined SaintPetersBlog in the spring, helping to bring a sports presence to the website. Over his time in sports writing, Gary has covered 29 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, Final Fours, Masters, Wimbledons and college national championships. He was there when the Bucs won a Super Bowl, when the Lightning won a Stanley Cup and when the Rays went to a World Series. He has seen Florida, FSU and Miami all win national championships, and he covered Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden and Don Shula along the way. He and his wife Janet have four children: Eric, Kevin, K.C. and Tori. To contact, visit [email protected]

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