KNOXVILLE — The most critical part of Saturday’s game plan, Florida coach Urban Meyer said, was loading the box to stop the run and control the line of scrimmage.

That’s right: Florida was going to rely on the much-maligned defense.

“We put it on the defense and the special teams to win this ballgame,” Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said following the 30-6 win, “and that’s what we did.”

It was the fewest points allowed by the Gators in an SEC game since 2004 against Kentucky. The Gators’ defense, so poor a year ago, held Tennessee to 96 rushing yards and forced three turnovers.

Janoris Jenkins drilled the Volunteers’ Montario Hardesty right after he reeled in a pass from Jonathan Crompton to force a fumble in the first quarter, and he also picked off a pass. The Gators lost another interception because of a penalty.

Arian Foster, whom Meyer called “one of the best backs in college football,” gained 37 yards on 14 carries.

“We wanted them to be one-dimensional,” Meyer said. “We loaded the box. It was about great defense. Our defense really controlled the line of scrimmage.”

Thanks to the defense and Brandon James’ punt return for a touchdown, Meyer elected to play a conservative game on offense. Tim Tebow threw the ball just 15 times, and no Florida receiver had more than two catches.

“Now,” Tebow said, “it’s OK to punt. They’re playing great. It helps you out so much. You can really count on them.”

Despite facing man coverage against a secondary that struggled mightily last year, UT quarterback Jonathan Crompton was unable to beat Florida deep. His longest completion went for 22 yards, and he averaged only 9 yards per completion.

But that, according to Meyer, is a tribute to the improved secondary. Last year, Meyer said, players such as Major Wright looked at the coaches like, “Why am I out here?”

Wright and Joe Haden, both sophomores who played a lot last year, each finished with eight tackles Saturday.

“I think we made a statement that the tradition of Florida’s defense is back,” Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes said.

Said James, who also plays defensive back: “Our defense played wonderfully. I feel like we look night and day from last year. Our defensive line is playing better than ever. We don’t want the offense to always get all the glory.”

On this day, it did not.

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