Tim Tebow: Florida has to 'believe that they're good' to upset Texas in Week 6

Tim Tebow knows what it takes to win in The Swamp. The former Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner joined SportsCenter ahead of Saturday’s matchup between the Gators and Texas, where he laid out what needs to change for Billy Napier’s team to pull off the upset.

Florida is entering the showdown at 1-3 and in desperate need of momentum. The defense has quietly been a strength, but Tebow believes it’s the offense — and the team’s belief in itself — that will determine whether the Gators can hang with the Longhorns.

“I’m first going to be watching the belief and the confidence of this Florida team,” Tebow said. “They have to actually believe what we say before we run onto the field — that only Gators get out alive. And these fans have to also believe that. They’ve got to buy into it.

“Yes, it’s been a disappointing start, 1-3, but this team has to believe that they’re good. And when you look at the defense, they’re 22nd in total defense, they’re 24th in scoring defense — the defense is playing really well.”

Still, the Gators’ offense has lagged behind. Tebow wants to see more big plays to get both the team and the crowd going throughout the game in Week 6.

“But what has to change for this offense is explosive plays. They’re one of the worst in the country in explosive plays,” he continued. “To get this fan base, to get Gator Nation involved in this game early, you’ve got to be aggressive. You’ve got to find a way to get to your playmakers, because there are a lot of studs out there that they have to get the ball to and start making plays.”

Finally, Tebow put out a call to action. He’s asking for the fans to do their part and make life difficult for Arch Manning and the entire Texas team when they head to Gainesville, and help lead Florida to a huge win.

“I can’t do anything in this game, but this fan base? They can do something. They can make this stadium intimidating again,” Tebow said. “Guess what? DJ [Lagway] can do something — a very talented young quarterback that has to be able to regain his confidence and play to the same level that he played as a freshman.

“They can do something about it. So if they show up with that confidence and that belief, I think it’ll be contagious to everybody else.”

If the Gators can channel that aforementioned energy and belief, Tebow believes The Swamp could once again represent one of the toughest environments in college football. He knows a thing or two about it, and perhaps Texas will learn on Saturday.