A very strange week in Gainesville began with a scout team play.

The running back playing Travis Stephens took a handoff, went off-tackle, and exploded through a gap and down the field. Defensive coordinator Jon Hoke gave a stunned look and then launched into a tirade at anyone who would listen.

Apparently no one heard. The freak play proved an omen.

The real Travis Stephens shredded the once-vaunted Gator defense for 226 yards -- many on off-tackle runs -- to lift the Vols to their first win in the Swamp since 1971. Only Herschel Walker ran for more here in one game when he piled up 238 in 1980.

"It looked like Colorado running through Nebraska," said Florida coach Steve Spurrier. "I don't know what happened."

Gator safety Marquand Manuel had an idea. "They controlled the gap and we missed tackles," Manuel said. "I missed him flat out."

He wasn't alone, especially in the second half. Stephens rushed for twice as many yards in the second half as in the first. All total, he had runs of 49, 35, 34 and 68 yards. In short, a Florida defense that came into the evening allowing just 85.9 rushing yards a game could only swipe at the senior.

"If he's not the best back in America," said Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer. "I'd like to see him."

The night could not have been sweeter for the Clarksville native, who had to wait in line behind Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry before finally getting his shot this season. Stephens came into the year with only four starts. "I wanted a year for myself," Stephens said tonight in a whisper of satisfaction. Now he's done what no SEC back has done since 1992: lead his team to victory in Gainesville.

"From the beginning of the season, we knew what he could do," said Vol QB Casey Clausen.

Meanwhile, the Gators walked out of a moonlit Swamp with no national title shot, no SEC repeat, and no answers. "I never expected this," said LB Andra Davis with a shrug. "I don't know how he did it."

Strange days indeed.