BETTER TURNOVER PRODUCTION

GAINESVILLE -- If Florida keeps up the pace from its blowout win against Georgia, Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham might be a big reason why.

The Gators' touted defensive ends combined for just three sacks during the first five games, but they have tallied four each in the past three contests.

Getting pressure from those two has forced opposing quarterbacks into tough situations and allowed the defensive backs to focus more on coverage rather than having to blitz, and it has resulted in the team getting seven of its 14 interceptions during the past two weeks.

Forcing turnovers was the starting point for Florida's gaudy point totals in 2008, and if Dunlap and Cunningham keep playing at a high level, it should have a big impact on the rest of the defense.

``That helps us out tremendously,'' cornerback Joe Haden said. ``As a matter of fact, sometimes it's not even about the coverage. Say we have OK coverage but the pass is a little off because of the pass rush -- that makes playing corner a whole lot easier.''

-- MIKE McCALL

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