Florida Defense Picks Up Slack as Gators Cruise Past LSU, 34-8

Florida recovered two fumbles and blocked a punt to set up three first-half touchdowns Saturday night in the No. 10 Gators’ 34-8 Southeastern Conference victory over Louisiana State.

Florida is 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the SEC, but the Gators are ineligible to win the conference title and play in a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.

“This was a win that our defense set up,” said Florida Coach Steve Spurrier, whose team will meet No. 6 Tennessee and No. 5 Auburn in two of its next three games.

LSU (3-2, 1-2) amassed 325 yards total offense against the nation’s third-ranked defense but hurt itself with two fumbles inside its 20 and an interception that stopped a scoring threat at Florida’s three.

Florida quarterback Shane Matthews completed 12 of 22 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Ernie Mills had touchdown receptions of 13 and seven yards.

Errict Rhett led the Gators in rushing with 105 yards in 15 carries. Dexter McNabb scored on a five-yard run and Willie McClendon added another touchdown on a 10-yard run.