McElwain, Gators prepare for homecoming

The Gator football team is coming off of a dominant victory over the Georgia Bulldogs as they head into their Homecoming weekend. Next up for the Gators is Vanderbilt (3-5) who are coming a 34-0 loss to the University of Houston. The game is a true homecoming for the Gators as they return to play in Ben Hill Griffin  for the first time since October 3rd.

Coach Jim McElwain wants his team to be on top of their game as they have a chance to clinch the SEC East with this victory

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The last time these two teams met in a homecoming match up was in 2013, when the Commodores defeated the Gators 34-17. McElwain knows that he has players on the roster from that 2013 loss.

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The Gators will be facing a relatively staunch Vandy defense that’s only allowing 18 points a game, but the Gators are no slouches themselves averaging an NCAA 7th best 15.5 points against.

Vanderbilt heads into the game with an injured quarterback as Kyle Shurmur suffered an undisclosed injury in the teams game against Houston. This isn’t the first time the Gators have had to deal with not knowing what signal caller they’ll be facing as Coach Mac recalls the situation last week with Georgia.

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Speaking of injuries, the Gators have a few on the offensive line with David Sharpe (foot) and Martez Ivey (knee) expected to miss Saturday’s game. Linebacker Jeremi Powell (foot) is expected to return but is listed as questionable for now.

If you are coming to the homecoming festivities and the game, Coach Mac has a request.

Coming to #VANDYvsUF? @CoachMcElwain has a challenge for you. https://t.co/o832zQJp8c

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 4, 2015

Kickoff for the game is set for 12 p.m. You can find coverage of the game on ESPN Gainesville starting at 9 a.m.