Florida QB John Brantley gutted out near-heroic fourth quarter with bruised ribs and a sprained thumb on his throwing hand.
Brantley suffered both injuries in the loss to No. 1 Alabama a week ago and was very limited in practice the week leading up to the Gators’ 33-29 loss to LSU. Florida coach Urban Meyer said Brantley was unable to throw during at least one practice.
During the game, ESPN’s Joe Schad reported Brantley had cracked ribs and a broken bone in his throwing hand. A Florida football spokesperson said the report was wrong and Brantley reiterated that in his post-game press conference.
Asked if he had cracked or broken ribs, Brantley said, “No, they’re just banged up.”
Asked if his thumb was broken, Brantley said, “It’s just sprained, just minor thing.”
“There was never no doubt that I wasn’t going to play,” he said. “I knew since Monday or Sunday I was. They’re just a little banged up. Nothing too serious. Nothing you can’t play through.”
He fought through the pain to lead Florida on an 80-yard drive to take a 27-26 lead with 3:21 left, then hit Frankie Hammond for the two-point conversion.
Brantley finished 16 of 24 for 154 yards and an interception.
