Trickery, defense help Gators upset Tigers

No. 22 Florida 27, No. 5 LSU 19

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lucas Krull grew up idolizing Tim Tebow, a left-handed quarterback big enough to play tight end.

So imagine how wide-eyed Krull was when Tebow spoke in the locker room before Florida’s game against LSU. Krull was even more star-struck when Tebow congratulated him afterward.

A former Arkansas pitcher and now a seldom-used tight end, the 6-foot-6 Krull lofted a perfect pass to Feleipe Franks on a trick play that set up No. 22 Florida’s winning touchdown in a 27-19 victory against fifth-ranked LSU on Saturday.

“I was like, ‘Hey, can we get a picture?’” Krull said. “He was like, ‘Yeah, of course. Great throw. Great team win.’ So that was awesome to be able to talk to him.”

The Gators (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) scored all their points after the end of the first quarter, when Tebow became the sixth player inducted into the school’s ring of honor.

“I didn’t want him to let him down that way,” said Florida coach Dan Mullen, who was Tebow’s offensive coordinator for two national championships. “I know it’s a night he’ll never forget and the whole family will never forget. I know winning that game was kind of like a little cherry on top to make sure it was all smiles.”

With Tebow watching much of the game from the sideline, Florida looked a little like a championship contender.

Lamical Perine grinded out tough yards and scored twice, Florida’s defense was as good as it’s been all season and the difference was another perfect trick play called by Mullen.

A week after beating Mississippi State with a double pass, Franks handed off to Krull and slipped around the right side mostly unnoticed. Krull pulled up and lofted a 15-yarder back to Franks that set up Perine’s second touchdown.