It has been quite an up-and-down season for Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis.
The sophomore won the job from Jonathan Phillips entering the Tennessee game and proceeded to make his first six field goals.
Since then, he has made only 12 of 18 attempts, although that includes a 51-yarder and a 27-yard game winner against Arkansas as well as a 56-yarder against Georgia.
The Lou Groza Award semifinalist had his worst game of the season Saturday against South Carolina, making only one of his four attempts, although two of his misses were from beyond 50 yards.
Coach Urban Meyer said Monday he would continue to have confidence in Sturgis’ length, although he would continue to monitor the kicking game on a week-to-week basis, with the redshirt senior Phillips still a possible option.
Meyer said Sturgis watched video of his misses Sunday and would continue to this week.
“Every kick’s looking different,” Meyer said. “I’m going to let Jon have some opportunities.
“Caleb’s better than that. He’s pressing right now. We’ve just gotta get him through it.”
Phillips missed a 42-yarder against Alabama in last year’s Southeastern Conference Championship game. It was his only attempt in 2008 of longer than 40 yards. This year, Sturgis has kicked six.
“It’s all follow-through. It’s not leg strength. It’s not focus,” Meyer said. “He’s pressing right now. I equate it to a golfer — when that guy takes a swing and pops his head up to see where the ball goes — (Sturgis) is doing that right now. He’s jumping up rather than following through.”
NO CRITICISM HERE: Meyer is a longtime friend of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and was asked Monday about Belichick’s much-criticized decision to go for it on fourth down late in a 35-34 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Leading by six, the Patriots faced fourth and 2 at their own 28-yard line with 2:08 remaining in the game.
“First of all, I fell asleep at halftime,” Meyer said. “Second of all, there’s no one more qualified in this world to make that decision than Bill Belichick.
“I’m a big Belichick fan. He made a call to go win the game, and he’s done that many times in his career. ... He’d do it again, probably next week, if he had to.”
INJURY UPDATE: Running back Emmanuel Moody (ankle sprain) was in a boot after Saturday’s game and is doubtful for the Florida International game. Defensive tackle Terron Sanders (rib) is expected to recover soon, although Meyer did not know his status for this week’s game.
GATORS GET RECOGNIZED: Junior cornerback Joe Haden was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after leading his team with 11 tackles in Florida’s 24-14 win over South Carolina. Haden also had two forced fumbles, a sack and a pass breakup.
Junior Aaron Hernandez was named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, on Monday.
Hernandez ranks first among SEC tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. The three finalists will be named Monday.
