It’s not the most flattering nickname, “Fat Dog,” but Noah Brindise learned to live with it. Now, Florida fans will learn to love it.
Much of the talk in Gainesville this week has been of where Saturday’s 24-10 win at Auburn _ specifically, the Brindise-led 97-yard drive to take the lead for good _ will fit among the great moments in UF football history. Brindise isn’t particularly concerned. And why should he be? He has a story to tell for a lifetime.
“It’s going to be a great memory,” Brindise said. “I didn’t light the world on fire, but I got the win.”
Edge might have lost it
Dwight Edge made the first start of his college career last week. Coach Steve Spurrier, who in the three days since the win found plenty of problems with his offense, was asked how Edge performed in his starting debut.
“He blocked like a redshirt freshman who weighs 245,” Spurrier said. “He tried hard, though. He tried as hard as he could. He didn’t do too poorly, but he’s light in there.”
Statistical watch
Florida’s defense soared in the Southeastern Conference and NCAA rankings after holding an Auburn offense that was averaging 418.17 yards to just 159, buoyed by a minus-29 figure under the Tigers’ rushing-yards column.
The Gators lead the nation in rush defense, allowing only 41.43 per game _ and just 1.49 per carry.
UF is second, and 11th nationally, in defense (278.57), behind Vanderbilt (263.71). The Gators also top the league in sacks (5.14 per game) and third-down conversion defense (29 percent).
