How quickly we forget

Saying that our news media sometimes has a short memory is not too bold a statement. I interviewed Frank Deford for an article in my college newspaper some time ago, and of all the things he said, one in particular stuck with me. To paraphrase, "Something that happened 10 years ago is always better than something that happened 50 years ago." I think that sums it up nicely.

But even I was shocked when I began seeing headlines like this one pop up:

"No. 4 Florida winning in new ways"

Apparently, people are concerned about Florida's offense, which is presently ranked just 86th in the country and is admittedly a shadow of what it was last season. But is winning with defense and special teams, as the 3-0 Gators have done so far, really all that new? Isn't that how Florida won a national title in 2006 just two years ago?!?!?

Let's examine. Though the 2006 Gators were 19th nationally in total offense, they broke 30 points just three times in the regular season -- all against non-conference, non-BCS competition. Their two most memorable scoring outbursts came in the final two games -- 38 against Arkansas in the SEC Championship and 41 against Ohio State in the title game.

Throughout the regular season, the Gators thrived on defense (6th nationally in total defense) and special teams. Looking at some of their tougher SEC games, the pattern becomes evident:

Sept. 30 -- Ahead just 14-13 in the fourth quarter at home against Alabama, the Gators use two interceptions and a fumble recovery to seal a closer-than-it-looked 28-13 win.

Oct. 7 -- Everyone remembers the Tebow jump pass, but the Gators were actually outgained this day by LSU, 318-288 in total offense. With the score tied at seven in the second quarter, the Gators caught a break wehn JaMarcus Russell fumbled on the Florida one-yard line. The next seven Tiger posessions ended thusly: Interception, halftime, blocked punt, missed field goal, made field goal after a drive stalled inside the 30, interception, interception.

Nov. 11 -- Despite piling up 401 yards of total offense, the Gators had scored just 17 points. Worse yet, South Carolina had shredded the Florida defense for 410 yards and 16 points and was set up to attempt the game-winning 48-yard field goal. But defensive end Jarvis Moss got his meaty paw on Ryan Succop's attempt, preserving the Gator victory and a berth in the SEC championship. It was Moss' second blocked kick -- and the Gators' third -- in that game alone.

There are other examples -- holding Tennessee to minus-11 yards rushing and winning the turnover battle, calling a clutch fake punt call on fourth-and-ten from their own 15 against Arkansas. The offense with its two-quarterback rotation, wide receiver rushes and zany trick plays got the attention, but the offense didn't carry the Gators in 2006.

This year's defense isn't as good as the 2006 team, which featured NFL prospects galore. But the Gators so far are winning in familiar, and most certainly not "new," ways.