GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – When Steve Spurrier spoke to No. 18 Florida earlier in the week, he talked about how one player can affect the entire team.
The message stuck with Jalen Tabor, who wanted to be – and was – that guy Saturday.
Tabor and Quincy Wilson returned interceptions for touchdowns, helping No. 18 Florida beat Missouri 40-14 and move into first place in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division.
The cornerback tandem provided nearly as many highlights as either offense and seemingly saved the Gators (5-1, 3-1) from a fourth homecoming loss in the last seven years.
“Anytime you get a defensive score or a non-offensive score, it’s a momentum shift for the whole team,” Tabor said. “I felt like I did that for my team today.”