Of all the numbers No. 3 Florida has rolled up while winning its past six games, there are two that stand out: 101-0.
The Gators have outscored opponents 101-0 in the first quarter the last six games, fast starts that have led to seemingly easy victories in the Southeastern Conference.
"I think that's one of the most impressive stats I've seen,"
Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday, a day after his team scored 21 points in a span of eight plays during the first quarter against then-No. 24 South Carolina and cruised to a 56-6 victory.
Meyer said he has learned a lot about the importance of momentum in college football since coming to Florida four years ago, especially when coaching a young team, and figures it can account for at least 14 points a game.
It's led to six blowouts for the Gators, who became the first SEC team to win six consecutive conference games by at least 28 points each.
Florida jumped all over South Carolina in the latest one and handed Steve Spurrier the worst loss in his coaching and playing career, college or pro.
The Gators (9-1, 7-1) capitalized on three consecutive turnovers by turning them into touchdowns.
Brandon Spikes got things started when he intercepted a pass from Chris Smelley and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown. Two plays later, Ahmad Black picked off another pass from Smelley. Florida's Percy Harvin darted up the middle for 26 yards on the next snap to make it 14-0.
The Gamecocks tried a little trickery on the ensuing kickoff, but Dion LeCorn's lateral across the field sailed over Chris Hail's outstretched arms. Florida's James Smith scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the goal line.
Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow took over from there, scoring his 11th rushing touchdown of the season and putting the Gators up 21-0.
"We've started off every game real well,"
cornerback Joe Haden said. "We come out with so much energy and juice, so much passion to play, that it seems to overwhelm the other teams."
