SEC receiving king back for more
Earl Bennett would like to reveal a secret. He grew up a Florida Gator fan.
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"I grew up a Florida Gator fan. I loved watching the University of Florida play," Bennett, Vanderbilt's junior wide receiver said. "My mom was an Auburn fan, my dad an Alabama fan. I liked Florida because of their great tradition. It was a great program. That's why I grew up a Florida Gator fan."
Bennett, a preseason All-American who recently became the SEC's all-time receptions leader, has spent his first two Commodore seasons as a Gator killer. In two career games against the Gators, he has 19 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
Bennett, from Birmingham, Ala., says he harbors no ill will toward Florida for not recruiting him.
"That's recruiting. I don't really think it matters," Bennett said. "They made the best decision and I had to go somewhere. I came to Vanderbilt and it's been great."
Bennett became the SEC's all-time receptions leader last week when he passed former Kentucky wide out Craig Yeast with his 209th career catch in the Commodores' 24-13 win over Miami (Ohio).
"That felt good, but I was more excited with the win we had," Bennett said. "It gave us our fifth win. Whenever we can get a win it's great for the university. But it was great day for me."
Bennett looks to have another great day today when he faces Florida's pass defense, which ranks 11th in the SEC. If history holds true, Bennett will put up big numbers.
As a freshman, Bennett had six catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns in Florida's 49-42 overtime win against Vanderbilt in The Swamp. The Commodores cut Florida's lead to 35-34 with 0:54 left when Jay Cutler hit Bennett on a six-yard touchdown. But Bennett was flagged for excessive celebration when he briefly used his index fingers and thumbs to simulate a shooting motion.
"They thought I was trying to do the shooter or whatever," Bennett said.
Vandy coach Bobby Johnson said afterward he was going to attempt a potential game-winning two-point conversion. Instead, he kicked a long extra point to tie the game, and lost in overtime.
Last year, Bennett dominated Florida when he caught 13 passes for 157 yards in the Gators' 25-19 win in Nashville. Bennett said he's looking forward to facing what has been an ineffective Florida defense Saturday.
"They've got great players, but it's their first year playing," Bennett said. "I feel like they've been doing a pretty good job for the most part. We have a lot of experience at the receiver position and at quarterback so hopefully we can throw it on them."
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