Gators Heading to Atlanta With Good, Bad News

The Gator football team might need to play its best game of the season in order to become SEC Champions over the Alabama Crimson Tide, and even that might not be enough as they play the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta on Saturday. The Gators have only scored three offensive touchdowns in the past four games and is in second to last place nationally in red zone offensive efficiency. Not to mention, this team has been bit by the injury bug.

Florida could be facing the number one team in the country with seven of their defensive starters out. Florida coach Jim McElwain confirmed defensive lineman Jordan Sherit will not see the field on Saturday, as well Alex Anzalone, Marcus Maye, Nick Washington, Luke Del Rio and Mark Herndon.  Linebacker Daniel McMillian (shoulder) is doubtful, as are defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr, safety Duke Dawson and tight end C’yontai Lewis.  Offensive lineman Fred Johnson was in a scooter accident and his status for Saturday is uncertain as well.

However, the injury report today was not all bad news. McElwain had some promising things to say about linebacker Jarrad Davis, who took some reps in practice today and could possibly play on Saturday, however the amount of time is unknown.  Offensive tackle Martez Ivey could possibly be back as well.  Listen here to Coach McElwain’s full injury report. 

Good news for the #Gators, Jarrad Davis and Martez Ivey took some reps at practice today and McElwain did not rule them out on Saturday

— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) November 30, 2016

The Gators went through a normal week of practice preparing for Alabama, however all practices were closed. Coach McElwain confirmed the only thing on his mind this week is playing the Crimson Tide, not the coaching rumors swirling around the country. He confirmed Oregon has not contacted him about a head coaching gig and that he is very happy at the University of Florida, and he does not plan on leaving any time soon. One thing McElwain does know is that his guys are as ready as they will be to take on the defending college football champions. He says he is confident that his players will give it everything they have and says practices have been good this week.