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Grossman's season Heisman-like so far

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 30, 2001

GAINESVILLE -- When the thought enters his mind, quarterback Rex Grossman tells himself not to think about it.

It's too early in the season, it's a team game and it's not a healthy way to think, Grossman reminds himself.

But after a 22-of-31 performance for 393 yards and five touchdowns against the best passing defense in the country, Grossman might be the subject of some Heisman hype.

"I can handle it," he said.

"But I'm not going to think about it or get excited or anything. It's just not something healthy to think about. It's not a part of the game and it's not going to help you next week. Of course, I think about it."

Saturday, Grossman became the first Florida quarterback to pass for more than 300 yards in four consecutive games.

And that Florida history includes 1966 Heisman winner Steve Spurrier and 1996 winner Danny Wuerffel.

"I'm surprised it hasn't happened actually," said Grossman, who was pulled late in the third quarter. "We have great receivers and a real good team. I think if I didn't play well, we wouldn't get 300 yards, but it's not just me."

In his Heisman season, Wuerffel threw for 925 yards and 10 touchdowns during his first four games. Through four games this season, Grossman has thrown for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns. The five touchdown passes Saturday tied a career high. In addition, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound quarterback scored on a sneak. Entering Saturday's game, Grossman led the nation in passing yards and was ranked seventh in passing efficiency. But until Mississippi State, he had not faced a top defense.

"They came in as the No. 1 pass defense," offensive lineman Mike Pearson said. "And he just ripped them apart."

After Florida's 47-35 loss in Starkville, Miss., last season, the Bulldogs defense was less than impressed with the freshman.

"He's young, he's dumb and he hasn't played in the (Southeastern Conference)," cornerback Fred Smoot said after MSU's win. "Tonight, he saw a real defense."

The statement came after one of Grossman's best games, going 13-of-16 for 231 yards and two touchdowns.

"I don't think I was young and dumb last year," he said.

"I don't know if Fred Smoot was watching the game tonight."

Grossman also said he cannot take all the credit for the offense's performance.

But his teammates are ready to give it to him -- along with the Heisman.

"If they don't put him in the Heisman watch, I don't know what they are thinking about," receiver Jabar Gaffney said. "He looks like a Heisman-type player to me."

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