Gators secondary a concern going into national title game

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coach Urban Meyer's biggest concern heading into Monday night's BCS National Championship Game is whether Florida's secondary will hold up against Ohio State.

Sure, All-American safety Reggie Nelson is a difference maker, and cornerback Ryan Smith leads the Southeastern Conference and is tied for third in the nation with eight interceptions.

But Nelson is dealing with the death of his mother, fellow safety Tony Joiner is recovering from a high ankle sprain and Smith and Reggie Lewis are trying to bounce back from subpar games against Florida State and Arkansas.

"Can we hang in against the pass? That's where we have been exposed a little bit," Meyer said.

Florida hasn't allowed 300 yards passing all season, but the defense gave up more than 225 yards through the air five times, including close games against Tennessee, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

The secondary also gave up long scoring passes against the Seminoles and the Razorbacks.

Are the Gators worried about Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and talented receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez?

"It's not a concern of mine at all," Ryan Smith said. "We've done a good job all season. We've made plays all season."

Lewis was even more adamant that Florida will be fine.

"People think we're a team that Ohio State is going to blow out," Lewis said. "That's not going to happen. We're a talented team, just like Ohio State. We can match up with them day in and day out on the field. Coach Meyer always says don't pay attention to how the nation thinks. It's about the team. Our team believes we can beat anybody on any given day."

Maybe so, but the secondary has given Meyer cause for concern.

Nelson has six interceptions, countless big hits and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award. But his mother died Dec. 21 following a three-year battle with cancer.

Nelson hasn't been the same since. He barely spoke the week after his mother's death and has been slow to get back to normal.