The Florida Gators are fighting a case of the flu as they get ready for Saturday’s game against Missouri (noon, ESPN2).
No. 8 Florida will go without reserve defensive tackle Leon Orr, who was so sick earlier in the week that he needed hospitalization. Safety Matt Elam, from Dwyer High School, missed Wednesday’s practice, but still is expected to play. Coach Will Muschamp said there were roughly four other players who missed time this week.
“There’s been a bit of a bug going around,” he said. “We’ve been hit pretty good this week.
“If they’ve got any sort of symptoms that could be contagious, we get them away from the football team immediately. It’ll get through your locker room quick.”
The Gators also might miss left tackle Xavier Nixon and defensive end Lerentee McCray. Neither of those players has the flu, but both suffered injuries against Georgia. McCray hurt his ankle and Nixon injured his knee when teammate Jonotthan Harrison shoved a Bulldogs player into him.
Muschamp was hopeful McCray and Nixon would play, but categorized them as questionable.
Riggs might red-shirt: Cornerback Cody Riggs still is slowed by a foot injury and Florida is looking at the possibility of red-shirting him. Muschamp spoke with Riggs and his family and said UF probably will apply for a medical red-shirt.
Pease in demand: Florida's offense has improved significantly under new coordinator Brent Pease, which "certainly" makes him a candidate for possible head coach openings this year.
“Should be,” Muschamp said. “He’s a really good football coach and I endorse him 100 percent.”
Absurd hypothetical: Earlier this week, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said he thought No. 1 Alabama might be able to beat some NFL teams. Muschamp, who was an assistant with the Miami Dolphins in 2005, quickly dismissed that thought.
“I would have a hard time seeing that,” he said. “That maturity of those guys, there are full-grown men playing in that league. It’s a grown man’s league.”
What about the Jacksonville Jaguars, arguably the worst team in the NFL?
“The Jaguars are going to be fine,” Muschamp said.
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