The intrigue has built throughout the week. Tebow returned to practice Tuesday. He shared first-team snaps all week with John Brantley, who may have to make his first college start in what is arguably the most challenging game on the Gators’ schedule.
Two teams ranked this high haven’t met in Tiger Stadium since 1959, when No. 1 LSU hosted No. 3 Mississippi. Florida (4-0, 2-0), the leader in the SEC East, and LSU (5-0, 3-0), one of three undefeated teams in the West, will remain contenders to win their respective divisions regardless of tonight’s outcome.
“I think this is a preview of what you might see in the SEC [championship] game,’’ LSU running back Charles Scott said.
Meyer assured that Brantley will be ready if he gets the call.
“I have a lot of confidence in him, and it’s not false confidence,’’ Meyer said. “It’s confidence from what you see him do in practice . . . Johnny’s not going to go in there by himself. He’s got 10 other guys on offense.’’
LSU has won 32 straight Saturday night games at home, a streak that includes a 2007 triumph over Florida.
“We definitely want Tebow to play,’’ LSU tight end Richard Dickson said. “He’s a great player. He does great things for the sport. He’s an unbelievable competitor. It wouldn’t be Florida without him.’’
