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Most people’s money was on the Gators, but coach McElwain and his team fell short to the Arkansas Razorbacks 31-10 Saturday. It marked the first time the Razorbacks defeated the Gators since they joined the Southeastern Conference. They apparently used their bye week very effectively.
Injury Troubles
In addition to the disappointment in the game’s outcome, Coach McElwain also has a hoard of injuries to deal with. First and foremost QB Luke Del Rio is expected to be out for a while with a shoulder injury. Coach Mac suspects it happened at the start of the second quarter. In hindsight, McElwain said he would’ve swapped him out at the half had he known the severity of it. Del Rio supposedly couldn’t even lift his duffel bag in the locker room afterwards.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone’s season is over as he went into surgery for a broken arm on Monday. Cam Dillard and Jarrad Davis are out for the next game, as well as Mark Herndon with a hamstring injury. Decisions will be made about Chris Thompson and Tyrie Cleveland following Wednesday’s practice. Cece Jefferson will be a game-time decision.
Looking Ahead
That being said, it’s time for Florida to lick its wounds and prepare for their final game of the 2016 season in the Swamp. Coach Mac said that team morale was surprisingly high at Sunday’s team dinner and the boys are ready to prepare for the Gamecocks on Saturday. The follow-up question to that is who will be taking Del Rio’s place?
According to Mac, Austin Appleby will take first snap at today’s practice while Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask will get their chance as the week goes on. It appears to be an open competition as of now. Christian Garcia or Daniel McMillian will step in for the injured Alex Anzalone. Coach Mac says that the silver lining to injuries is the opportunities they provide for other players.
Another factor that contributes to the importance of the game against USC is that it marks Will Muschamp’s return to the Swamp after being fired as Florida head coach in 2014. After a one season stint as Auburn’s defensive coordinator, he became the 34th head coach of the Gamecocks. Coach Mac repeatedly complimented Muschamp as an excellent coach and how important he is to his former Gator players and vice versa. Mac also said the Gamecocks do a great job of not turning the ball over on offense while creating turnovers on defense.
So the Gators are going into Saturday’s game with a whirlwind roster and something to prove to their former coach, on Senior Day no less. Likewise, it’s also another opportunity for Florida to take a stab at SEC East competition.
