Florida likes to call itself “DBU,” and the numbers certainly back up that claim this season.
The Gators rank second nationally in passing defense, giving up just 134.3 yards per game. Quarterbacks have completed just 39 percent of their throws and posted a collective 82.9 passer rating against Florida, which are both tops in the country.
The team’s official Twitter account posted a video Wednesday highlighting defensive backs Jalen Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Marcus Maye. Florida’s defensive back trio has combined for eight interceptions and nine pass breakups this season.
Despite the gaudy numbers, none of them were named semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back. The Gators contacted the organization in charge of the award and discovered a player can be named a finalist without being a semifinalist.
Florida on Saturday faces Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen, who has the second-best passer rating in the SEC (149.6).
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
