Florida Gators receiver Riley Cooper laments touchdowns that got away

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Riley Cooper knows exactly what everybody's thinking. And he couldn't agree with you more.

Cooper, the senior receiver from Clearwater, put the Gators ahead 7-0 2:56 into the game when he turned a short pass from Tim Tebow into a 68-yard touchdown.

But it was the two near-misses in the end zone — both of which were just past his fingertips — that Cooper knows many Gator fans will ask: Should he have caught those?

Cooper said yes.

"There were a couple of plays where I needed to come down with it and didn't, but we'll get it corrected in practice," Cooper said. "They were close, but any good receiver has got to come down with them. And that's how I look at myself: as a good receiver."

In Cooper's defense, he finished as the game's leading receiver with 112 yards on three receptions. He leads the Gators with six touchdown catches, and the 68-yarder tied a career long.

LIVING A DREAM: When freshman OL Xavier Nixon first arrived at Florida in July, he was intent on getting playing time this season. But then he realized things were much tougher than he had imagined. So he wasn't sure his dream would be realized.

Saturday, Nixon became the first freshman since Reggie Green in 1992 to start at left tackle.

"It was one of the best experiences of my life," Nixon said. "I've never felt anything like it. It just felt great.

Nixon found out Sunday night he had earned a starting role for Saturday's game.

"He's going to be a great player," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "He's earned that right (to start)."

GARCIA's GAME: Former Jefferson High standout Stephen Garcia made some big plays for the Gamecocks, including a spectacular run on fourth and 3.

Garcia was 17-of-32 for 186 yards and now has 2,607 yards, fourth most in a season in school history. Garcia met briefly with Meyer after the game, and the Gators coach offered some encouraging words.

"He said that compared to last year, I'm a lot better this year," Garcia said. "He said I'm throwing the football very well. He's very impressed and wished me and the team the best for the rest of the year and our careers."

Meyer said he considers Garcia's father a friend and has a great deal of respect for him and his family.

MOODY, SANDERS INJURED: Florida RB Emmanuel Moody scored his first touchdown of the season on a 17-yard run early in the second quarter. But by game's end, Moody was in a boot and on crutches. Meyer said he has a sprained right ankle, but he's unsure of the severity.

Also, DT Terron Sanders was hit in the back on a play and taken out in the second half. Neither his injury nor his status was clear after the game.

TEBOW'S RECORD: With a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter, Tebow matched Kevin Faulk's SEC record of 53 touchdowns. It was Tebow's team-leading 10th rushing score of the season.

"That's exciting especially because of all the people that have played in the SEC," Tebow said. "That really means a lot."